Called Off the Wedding, Left Him Bankrupt novel Chapter 299

Cynthia’s eyes widened with sudden realization. She glanced up at the man sitting next to Juliet—a man whose sly, fox-like grin made her unconsciously draw a deeper breath.

No wonder Julius looked so familiar.

He was, after all, a constant fixture in the entertainment headlines. One day it was rumors with a pop singer; the next, paparazzi photos of him and some actress sneaking into a hotel. His reputation as a playboy was legendary.

The Raynes introducing Juliet to someone like Julius was like throwing her sister straight into the lion’s den.

Cynthia’s brows knit together in worry. Her fingers tightened around Dominic’s arm, knuckles paling from the pressure.

She knew her sister was smart—brilliant, even—but no one could get close to a man like Julius and come away unscathed.

Anxiety gnawed at her.

Dominic glanced down, watching the fierce glare she directed at Julius across the room. His voice was low, almost amused.

“Thinking about sinking your teeth into him?”

Cynthia nodded, not even bothering to deny it.

Julius was obviously taken with her sister; his smile was so wide it looked ready to split his face in two.

Dominic let out a quiet chuckle. “With your skills right now, you’d be lucky to get close. You’d be swatted down before you took a step.”

“You want to be a threat? You have to be strong. Compared to your sister, you’ve still got a lot of work to do.”

He pulled out a chair and sat, gently prying her hand from his sleeve and tugging her down beside him.

Cynthia’s gaze stayed glued to Juliet. Her sister looked calm, the barest hint of a smile playing at her lips as she chatted with Julius, every inch the woman in control. Still, Cynthia couldn’t help but worry.

“He’s a notorious playboy, has no real interest in the family business. The Channings would love to see him marry a capable woman. And among all the younger generation, who could possibly outshine Juliet?”

“Honestly, I feel sorry for Juliet. She’s held the Tremaines together for so many years. No matter who she marries, Tremaine Holdings is probably destined to be swallowed up. I doubt anything will come of this.”

“So what, is she supposed to stay single forever?”

That last comment drew a round of quiet laughter.

Cynthia’s grip on her water glass tightened until her fingers turned white. She weighed the consequences of tossing her drink at these self-satisfied socialites—how much trouble would she make for her sister if she gave in to the urge?

Juliet had worked so hard to pull Tremaine Holdings back from the brink. Cynthia couldn’t risk making things worse for her now, no matter how much she wanted to silence those women.

Dominic was right: with her current abilities, she’d barely get a word in before those society ladies tore her to shreds.