<b>Chapter </b><b>39 </b>


    Veronica’s expression remained calm, but a mocking glint shed in her eyes. What a loving scene


    indeed.


    So, the restaurant’s mention of the “gentleman” and “his girlfriend” referred to these two. That wasn’t surprising at all.


    Veronica’s calm gaze shifted to Archie, who was jumping around with the most enthusiasm beside the couple.


    On the way over, photos of Jocelyn being secretly photographed entering the hospital had already hit the headlines and stirred up quite a buzz.


    During their rtionship, Jocelyn’s rising star status had brought considerable exposure to Lane Corporation. Yet here Archie was, the boyfriend in question, still having the leisure to celebrate another woman’s birthday.


    Birds of a feather truly flocked together.


    Beside her, Courtney, who had initiallye with the energy of watching a trainwreck, was now clearly


    pissed. If she remembered correctly, Heath and Veronica weren’t even divorced yet.


    Yet, he was already unting his rtionship so openly.


    The air around both women dropped several degrees.


    Ronan sensed the shift and silently cursed, knowing things were about to get ugly.


    Inside the private room, Archie noticed the two women standing at the door, their expressions dark. He


    let out a soft snort through his nose, entirely unsurprised. As expected, if he didn’t make a move, these


    two clueless women wouldn’t easilye crawling to apologize.


    With that, he started wondering how to make them beg for mercyter. Of course, he’d first give that little sportswear contract to Eleanor’s people right in front of them.


    Archie walked toward the door with his hands in his pockets, grinning provocatively. “What’s this? Are you


    two here to join Eleanor’s birthday party? Unfortunately, there aren’t any extra seats. Please leave.<b>” </b>


    The private room wasn’trge, so Archie’s words were loud enough for everyone present to hear the


    at </b>the door.


    When Heath saw Veronica appear outside, he noticed the bandage around her <b>eye </b>had been removed<b>, </b>


    leaving behind <b>a </b>crescent–shaped red mark the size of a fingernail. It made those already beautiful eyes


    <b>even </b>more alluring.


    Eleanor noticed the <b>man’s </b>distraction and dug her nails <b>into </b>her palms. <b>Then</b><b>, </b>she approached with a smile. “Oh, it’s <b>Veronica </b>and Courtney! Sorry<b>, </b>I forgot to send you invitations<b>. </b>Come in and <b>sit </b>down.”


    She spoke as if she were the hostess. Heath said nothing, but by not objecting, he gave silent consent,


    Archie was displeased, his gaze lingering on Courtney for a moment. “El, why let them crash your birthday party? Aren’t you worried they’ll ruin it and bring bad luck?”


    Courtney was the most ungrateful among all his ex–girlfriends. He’d only been apanying Eleanor, yet


    she’d thrown such a tantrum and broken up with him.


    She had a big attitude for someone who should’ve been grateful to even be near him. He never tolerated


    women who didn’t know their ce, and he certainly never made them anything more than temporary


    flings.


    Courtneyughed. “Oh? I was wondering who it was! Isn’t this Eleanor’s faithfulpdog, Archie the Mutt?”


    Veronica chuckled and added, “It’s odd, isn’t it? Everyone’s focused on the birthday couple, and here this


    gentleman is–jumping up and down like he’s the star. Be careful, or you might sprain something.”


    Theirbined attack immediately sent Archie into a rage. “What a pair of sharp–tongued witches!


    Seems like losing that contract tonight didn’t teach you any lessons!”


    Veronica blinked innocently. “Wow, that’s quite the confession. All I did was give you a polite nudge when you blocked my path, and suddenly, we’re out 30 million dors?”


    Courtney smirked. “Must’ve kicked his leg so hard he can’t walk straight. Poor guy decided to get revenge.


    #1


    Archie snapped, screaming at Ronan, “Security! Where the hell are the restaurant’s security? Are you


    blind? Get these two bitches out of here!”


    Amid the chaos, Heath’s voice turned cold. “Archie, what contract?”


    At those words, Archie immediately fell silent as a mouse. After a long pause, he stammered evasively, “N -Nothing. It’s just some normal businesspetition. It just happened that theirpany was the


    Heath’s voice dipped lower. “What?”


    There was a warning in that tone.


    Heath knew Archie only stuttered when he was lying.