Called Off the Wedding, Left Him Bankrupt novel Chapter 5

"No."

A single slap couldn't possibly ease her anger.

Benedict gently lifted the hand she'd struck him with, bringing it to his lips for a soft kiss. "Did it hurt when you hit me? I'll get you some ice when we're home, and I'll give you a reasonable explanation. Don't waste your anger on people who don't matter."

Cynthia lowered her eyes, a shadow of sorrow flickering beneath her lashes.

So this was the nature of men, she thought. Unless they were caught in the act, they'd never admit they were wrong.

"People who don't matter?" Her voice was icy.

"You mean Miss Channing?"

Cynthia tilted her head, glancing over at Giselle.

The audacious glint that Giselle had when she'd first walked into the shop was gone. What remained was a pale, frozen figure—a mannequin drained of life.

"Yes." Benedict's reply was firm and immediate, leaving no room for doubt.

Giselle's face blanched even further.

Without another word, Cynthia strode toward her own car outside the bridal boutique.

Benedict caught her hand, pulling her firmly to his side. "Take my car. I'll drive you home."

She tried to pull free, but his grip was unyielding. Unable to shake him off, she was forced to walk beside him toward his car.

Outside the bridal shop, people bustled past, but Benedict didn't chase after her. He set his jaw, opened his own car door—and as he was about to get in, he saw Giselle step out of the shop, her face ghostly white.

He hesitated a moment, then lifted a hand in her direction. "Get in."

—

Meanwhile, Cynthia stared miserably at the crumpled rear bumper of the luxury sedan in front of her, its license plate a string of eights.

She'd been distracted for just a moment, and ended up rear-ending the car. It was her fault—she'd have to pay for her own carelessness.

She got out and hurried over to apologize to the other driver. "I'm so sorry, I—"

The driver gave her a brief glance, said nothing, and respectfully opened the rear door of the car.