?Chapter 1004:


    Sure enough, Hailey’s smile widened when she noticed Sadie’s pause. “Is there a problem, Ms. Hudson?” she asked, her tone mocking. “Do you think you’re too good to ept a simple gesture? Or is there perhaps something else holding you back from taking a small sip?”


    The air between them grew thick with tension.


    Just then, a yful voice interrupted them. “Well, well, if it isn’t Ms. Hudson and Ms. Burgess. What are the chances of me running into you here?”


    ine sauntered up to them, sporting his signature roguish smile. He had noticed the strained atmosphere between the women from across the room.


    He swept his gaze over the table until it settled on the iced coffee in front of Sadie. It only took ine a couple of seconds to piece things together.


    Without a word, he picked up the ss from the table and downed its contents in one go. He even let out a satisfied little burp when he was done.


    Hailey’s expression froze, her upper lip twitching slightly. Her carefully orchestrated n to humiliate Sadie had just been thwarted by this infuriating rascal, who seemed incapable of minding his own business. ine was utterly insufferable!


    ine himself was unfazed as he looked back and forth between Sadie and Hailey, scratching his nose. “What? Was that drink spoken for?”


    Sadie couldn’t hold back a quietugh. A soft smile was still tugging at her lips as she raised her eyes to Hailey.


    “I think I’ve been more than courteous, wouldn’t you agree, Ms. Burgess?”


    Beneath the table, Hailey’s hands had balled into fists. This wretched woman!


    Still, she swallowed her ire and forced a tight smile. “You really are lucky, Ms. Hudson. No matter where you go, there’s always a knight in shining armor willing to jump in and save your day.”


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    Then, she changed the subject, her tone now heavy with meaning as she continued, “Speaking of which, I’ve heard quite a few stories floating around. Tell me, how does it feel to have your reputation constantly hanging by a thread?”


    “Me, when will you and Mr. Higgins tie the knot? Be sure to let us know, okay? Patrick and I would love to attend your wedding and celebrate your special day with you.”


    It was ine’s face that dimmed at her words. He had spent enough time socializing to recognize a sugar-coated jab when he heard one. Hailey’s remark was dripping with venom, and he wasn’t about to let it slide. He cut in before Sadie could reply.


    “That reminds me, I’ve heard a few things as well. Something about Ms. Burgess and Mr. Noel living separately these days?”


    ine cocked his head to the side as if rifling through his memory, then suddenly put a hand to his mouth, and his expression morphed from curious to rmed.


    “Surely not… Is a divorce looming on the horizon? I suppose being the perfect couple in front of the cameras doesn’t necessarily trante to real life, huh?”


    “Hey!” Hailey’s cheeks flushed with indignation.


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