Called Off the Wedding, Left Him Bankrupt novel Chapter 291

She worked at Holloway Enterprises, and today she’d come here with him again—wasn’t it obvious she was with him?

Dominic’s dark, deep eyes narrowed as he watched her, half-gritting her teeth at him, half putting on a coy little act. The corners of his mouth twitched in an indulgent smile, and he played along.

“All right.”

With his response, Cynthia’s smile blossomed. She grabbed Dominic’s hand and led him over to the card table.

Viola bit down so hard on her jaw she thought her teeth might crack.

Cynthia waved for The Raynes’ housekeeper to bring over a simple stool, no backrest, and promptly offered Dominic the only chair with a back, so he’d be more comfortable—and, conveniently, able to coach her from behind.

Miranda watched as Dominic sat directly behind Cynthia. His long legs straddled either side of her stool, making it look, from the side, as if Cynthia was practically sitting in his lap.

Miranda’s gaze darkened, a flicker of displeasure in her eyes. But with Dominic there, she kept her comments to herself.

The game began.

“No one’s brought that much cash tonight, so let’s just use chips and settle up with a transfer when we’re done,” Susan said, pulling out a box of chips to count and distribute.

“How high are we playing?” Miranda asked lightly, taking a stack of chips.

“Since Miss Tremaine is a beginner, let’s keep things small. Minimum bet’s fifty, then we double it each round—winner takes all.” Susan arched a brow, catching Miranda’s intent, but said nothing.

Jocelyn frowned, muttering under her breath, “Isn’t that a bit steep?”

Miranda smiled, voice smooth as silk. “You call that steep? Worst case, I lose a designer handbag to you. Isn’t that right, Miss Tremaine?”

Cynthia smiled serenely, unfazed. “I really don’t know much about this. Whatever everyone wants is fine by me.”

After Cynthia took another winning hand, leaving Miranda with nothing, Miranda slammed her cards down and her eyes darkened further.

Noticing her own slip in composure, she quickly recovered, counted out her chips, and forced a laugh. “I wonder what Nathan and his brother are up to, leaving Dominic and Garry stranded here with us. Must be boring for them.”

Susan said nothing. Sitting across from Cynthia and Dominic, she could clearly see the look in Dominic’s eyes.

He was absolutely in his element, thoroughly enjoying coaching Cynthia through the game.

Whenever Cynthia asked him what to play, he’d lean in close, his gaze so sweetly attentive it was almost cloying.

Bored? Hardly. If anything, he was having the time of his life.

Susan found herself thinking she hadn’t played such an interesting game in ages. Who could have imagined she’d ever get a glimpse into Dominic’s real feelings?