Called Off the Wedding, Left Him Bankrupt novel Chapter 119

When Cynthia tried to read something in the depths of his dark eyes, he simply closed them, shutting her out.

She sighed and looked away, a bit disappointed.

A moment later, the man in the seat beside her murmured softly, his voice low and rich.

"Cyndi... the check, please."

The way he said her name—deep, velvet-smooth, laced with a hundred unspoken emotions—made her heart stumble in her chest.

God, she thought, a little tipsy, but a man's voice should not sound this good.

"Of course," she replied quickly, pressing the call button for the waiter.

The server arrived promptly with the card machine.

Cynthia reached for her phone, ready to pay. It was only dinner, after all—she could afford it. Besides, Dominic had helped her so much recently; treating him was the least she could do.

Just as she held her phone out for the waiter to scan, a warm, slender hand settled over her screen.

She looked up, puzzled. "Is something wrong?"

Dominic's eyes were unreadable. "The Tremaines are practically bankrupt. Maybe you should save your money."

His words hit her like a punch to the gut, sharp and direct.

She'd thought nothing of this fancy dinner and the bottle of good wine—it was expensive, sure, but not outrageous. Now, hearing him say that, she suddenly felt a pang of regret; her wallet winced at the idea of paying.

Embarrassed, she pulled her phone back and made a small gesture. "Well... be my guest."

Dominic chuckled at her awkward attempt at graciousness, pulled out his own phone, and placed it gently in her palm. "Go ahead."

She stared at the extra phone in her hand, bewildered. With the server waiting patiently, she had no choice but to unlock it. The screen asked for a code.

"What's the password?" she asked quietly.

Assistant Shaw escorted them inside but had to remain behind in Cloudcrest City for last-minute business. He handed over Dominic's briefcase before leaving.

Cynthia noticed Dominic massaging his temples, brow furrowed, clearly not feeling well.

Without a word, she took the briefcase from Shaw and carried it herself.

Dominic glanced down at her, his expression unreadable.

"Don't worry, Mr. Holloway," Cynthia said with a half-smile, "I won't peek at your files or leak any top-secret business plans."

Dominic replied dryly, "You wouldn't dare."

She grinned. "Maybe if you loaned me some courage, I'd give it a shot."

For a second, she thought she saw the darkness in his eyes ease, just a little.

Once they boarded, Cynthia found her seat in the business class cabin. Only then did she realize she'd accidentally chosen a side-by-side pair when she booked her ticket.