My Stand-In Groom Is A Secret Tycoon (Audrey)

Alistair ignored Eliza's expression entirely, continuing to speak with a hint of affection, "Besides, Audrey has high standards. The people she chooses only get better, not worse. So, clearly, anyone she's cut from her life was probably... well..." Alistair left the sentence hanging, pausing just before saying "trash," but his expression made his disdain obvious.

Eliza felt a surge of frustration. Not only had this couple publicly flaunted their love, but they had also managed to insult her indirectly,

After all, Dominic, whom Audrey had let go, was now with her. 'Are they calling me trash too? Eliza thought bitterly.

Under the combined mockery from Audrey and Alistair, Eliza couldn't help but feel humiliated. "This isn't how it's supposed to be! I should be the one stepping all over Audrey, not the other way around, she fumed inwardly.

Seeing the resentment brewing in Eliza's eyes as she tried to stir up trouble, Audrey said coolly, "Instead of obsessing over others, maybe you should take care of your own life, Eliza. Wouldn't want to make a fool of yourself without even realizing it, right?" Audrey shot a pointed glance at the lunchbox in Eliza's hand.

Eliza raised the lunchbox with a smug grin, saying, "Audrey, what do you mean? Don't tell me you're jealous that Dominic's learning to cook just for

me."

Then Eliza continued, "What, is only he allowed to make food for you, and Dominic can't do the same for me?"

'So what if this guy is better looking than Dominic?' Eliza thought with pride. 'At least Dominic has money, and status, and is willing to change for

me.'noveldrama

Audrey merely shook her head and scoffed, saying, "That 'homemade' lunch you're boasting about is just a quick phone order, maybe thirty bucks at most. You still want to show it off in front of me?"

Since Eliza had shown up with that box, Audrey had recognized it as coming from Blossom Bites.

At first, Audrey hadn't planned to call her out on it, but Eliza had gone too far, trying to sow discord in her marriage. There was no point in holding back now.

Eliza's face fell, her brows furrowing in disbelief. And she asked, "Who are you trying to fool?"

"This box is way too fancy to be a takeout container. It must've been a gift from Dominic himself, Eliza thought, convincing herself that Audrey was lying out of jealousy.

Prepared for her reaction, Audrey peeled off a small bear sticker from the food box quickly. Beneath it, the Blossom Bites logo was clearly visible, leaving no room for doubt.

Instantly, Eliza's face turned an alarming shade, and Emily, who had been watching the scene, couldn't help but tease, "Wow, Ms. Harper, seems like your boyfriend doesn't care that much after all. He actually tricked you with a dressed-up takeout box." Emily emphasized her words with a tone full of amusement, clearly relishing the moment. She'd had enough of Eliza's arrogance.

'She stole Audrey's fiancé and still dares to flaunt it. Serves her right to get embarrassed like this!' Emily thought, satisfied. Eliza's whole body trembled with rage. She felt as if she'd been slapped in front of everyone, her cheeks burning with shame.

Yet, Eliza forced a weak smile and muttered, "Dominic's just been busy, that's all. He wouldn't lie to me."

Hearing that, the crowd shared amused glances, clearly skeptical.

Eliza's eyes grew teary as she shot Audrey a venomous look, then stormed off with the lunchbox in hand..

Feeling triumphant, Audrey felt a newfound lightness as she happily linked arms with Alistair. "Come on, let's take our food up to the cafeteria and eat together!"

As she leaned closer, Alistair caught a hint of her familiar orchid scent.

Then Alistair glanced down at her bright, joyful eyes and couldn't help smiling as he asked, "Are you this happy because I brought you lunch, or because you got to put that irritating woman in her place?" Audrey tilted her head and answered without hesitation, "Both."

"Well, in that case, do you think I deserve a little reward as the hero of the day?" Alistair's voice grew deeper as he looked at her, his eyes filled with a warmth that held countless unspoken emotions.

4:19 PM

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One look at him and Audrey felt her pulse quicken. Her breath caught as she murmured, "What kind of reward are you thinking?"

As they stepped into the elevator one after the other, the doors slid shut. Just as Audrey was about to pick up the conversation, she suddenly felt a strong hand settle around her waist.

That hand gripped Audrey gently yet firmly, holding her in place between the cold elevator wall and the warmth of his chest.

Before Audrey could react, his lips found hers in a sudden, gentle kiss, leaving her wide-eyed and breathless.