Chapter 39
Serena turned to leave, but Shawn followed closely behind. Serena, you’re damaged goods now. After all those years with Justin, you walked away with nothing. Come with me, and I’ll pay you 30 thousand dollars a month.”
“Get lost!” Serena snapped.
“50 thousand, then? Or do you think you’re worth a hundred?” His smirk widened as he leaned closer, his voice dripping with mockery. “Fine, a hundred it is. But I’ll expect something a little… spicier. Think you can handle that?”
A sharp slap echoed through the room as Serena’s hand connected with his face. “I’m warning you–stay away from me! There are cameras here, and if you don’t leave now, I’ll report you for harassment!”
Shawn’s expression darkened, a sinister glint in his eyes. “Reisty, aren’t you? You think I’m scared of that?”
He grabbed her wrist, his grip tightening menacingly. Before he could make another move, a commanding voice cut through the tension. “What do you think you’re doing?”
Lauren appeared, dressed in a sleek black gown. She held the hem of her gown as she hurried over.
Behind her was Monique, looking equally alarmed. “Mr. Jenkins, I suggest you let go. Ms. Judd is Mr. Quade’s guest, and he personally instructed her to be treated with the utmost respect.”
At the mention of Wilson, Shawn’s expression flickered. After a tense pause, he released Serena’s wrist. His grin turned mocking as he stepped back. “Well, well, look at you, From Justin’s woman to Wilson’s guest. You’ve quite the résumé, don’t you?”
Serena’s expression remained cold. “Rest assured, it will never include you.”
“Don’t be so sure,” he murmured darkly, his tone low and threatening. “You’d better hope your luck doesn’t run out, Serena. Or I’ll be there to seize the opportunity.”
With that, he gave her a twisted smile and strode away.
As soon as he was gone, Lauren frowned and asked, “Rina, what did that creep say to you? You look pale.”
“Nothing. Just some empty threats because he didn’t get his way,” Serena replied.
“Seriously? Typical sore loser,” Lauren muttered, turning to Monique. “Who the hell was that guy anyway?”
“He is Shawn Jenkins, and he’s not someone you want to cross. But don’t worry. As long as Mr. Quade is involved, no one in Nocturna will dare lay a finger on Ms. Judd.”
“That’s true,” Lauren remembered how Shawn had immediately backed off at the mention of Wilson’s name. She
immediately relaxed. She leaned closer to Serena and said, “Looks like you have one more reason to go for Wilson.
||
“Don’t start,” Serena said, rubbing her wrist. “Are you done picking out your dress yet?”
“This one will do.” Lauren twirled, showing off the black gown she had chosen.
“It looks great.” Serena nodded.
Despite her carefree demeanor, Lauren was undeniably stunning. Her figure could turn heads, and her black dress, with its daring neckline, perfectly highlighted her curves. Serena couldn’t help but think that she might have had a nosebleed if she were a man.
Lauren decided on just that one dress. Monique personally packed it and escorted them to the door.
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Chapter 39
Serena was surprised. “Just one dress?”
Given Lauren’s “never–miss–a–freebie” attitude, she had expected her to walk out with at least ten dresses. Lauren grinned, looping her arm through Serena’s. “These dresses are crazy expensive. If I took more, you’d owe Wilson a mountain of favors. One’s enough. But if you end up with Wilson, I’ll clean out the entire store!”
“Dream on,” Serena said dryly.
They got into Lauren’s Mini Cooper, ready to leave, when a tall figure appeared at the store entrance. Shawn walked over and tossed a bag through the car window.
Serena opened it, her expression darkening when she saw what was inside. It was the scandalous dress he had picked earlier.
“You bastard!” Lauren grabbed the bag and threw it back out. Sticking her hand out the window, she flipped him off.
Shawn didn’t react. His predatory smile remained as he watched their car, his gaze sharp and unrelenting. He even blew a mocking kiss. “See you around, Ms. Judd.”
The Mini Cooper sped off.
Unbeknownst to them, a sleek Maybach was parked nearby. Inside, Justin sat in the backseat, watching the entire scene. His lips pressed into a thin line, his expression cold and unreadable.
