Chapter 371
Chapter 371
Not far away, some people were coming toward us. Clearly, they wanted to talk to Michael. Knowing how I hated socializing, Michael got to his feet and whispered in my ear, “Wait for me. I'll deal with them and get back soon.” He then strode away without waiting for a reply.
Gabriella gaped in disbelief as she stared at his departing figure. She tutted and commented in a teasing manner, “Anna, what did you do to Michael? I can't believe he's this affectionate. He used to be an aloof man!”
Knowing it was a joke, I grinned and said nothing else as quiet contentment spread through my entire being.
Michael would only direct his indifference to those who he despised. I was his wife, so he wouldn't give me the cold treatment.
Ronan remained expressionless after hearing Gabriella's words. He glanced at me but stayed silent. Exclusive © content by N(ô)ve/l/Drama.Org.
Right then, a young lady made her way to Ronan. She was dressed in a fashionable and expensive outfit. It was obvious she was a socialite born into a wealthy family.
“Mr. Moore,” she greeted Ronan shyly as her cheeks turned rosy.
Gabriella and I shared a knowing look.
I can't believe Ronan's charming enough to attract a young lady to strike up a conversation with him!
“Who are you?” Ronan asked with a frown.
“My name is Alexis Lobston. You probably don't know me before this. My family is involved in the real estate business,” Alexis explained.
As her smile was bashful, it was obvious that she had romantic feelings for Ronan.
“Hello,” Ronan responded with a grin.
Alexis hung her head low and mumbled shyly, “Can we be friends?”
I could tell Alexis had set her eyes on Ronan. My lips curled into a smirk as I thought, Wow, Ronan's charm has attracted a beautiful lady to flirt with him at this event.
“Of course, here is my name card.”
Realizing the young lady's intention, Ronan maintained his smile and fished out his name card before handing it to her.
Alexis accepted the card and almost jumped for joy. She wasn't expecting to get his contact that easily.
After glancing at the name card, she lifted her head and cast Ronan a hesitant look. Her cheeks were flushed in embarrassment.
Standing beside them, I couldn't help but look forward to what would happen next. Deep down, I wanted Ronan to get a girlfriend soon.
“Is there anything else you need?” Ronan gazed at the young lady and urged.
After a long pause, Alexis mustered her courage to ask, “I have a question for you. Do you have a girlfriend?”
Gabriella and I exchanged glances yet again. Finally, she's getting to the point.
“No,” Ronan responded in a calm manner.
He was still smiling, but it didn't reach his eyes. I could tell that was a perfunctory answer.
Alexis could hardly contain her happiness as she queried, “C-Can I treat you to a meal sometime?”
After confirming that Ronan didn't have a girlfriend, her gaze had lit up. She gazed at him and waited for his answer earnestly.
To her dismay, Ronan answered politely, “I'm sorry, but I am a little tied up now. We'll talk about that later.”
It was a clear rejection from him despite the smile playing on his lips.
Hearing that, I exhaled in exasperation. I was wrong to think that Ronan had met his future partner tonight. Why did he reject her? Alexis seems like a nice girl. Why didn't he try to get to know her?
The young lady was smart enough to understand the underlying meaning of Ronan's words. Her face stiffened in dismay before she slumped in disappointment.
“All right. I understand.”
She lowered her head in dejection. Ronan looked like a playboy who loved flirting with women, so she hadn't expected his rejection.
I let out a sigh, for it was game over for Alexis.
“Let's keep in touch,” Alexis said softly.
As Ronan didn't look like he wanted to continue the conversation, she trudged away sadly.
After she left, Gabriella ran over to him and flashed a cheeky smile. “Ronan, you have an admirer!”
She put one arm on his shoulder and glanced at Alexis' retreating figure.
“Scram, brat. You know nothing. I have plenty of admirers.” Ronan slapped her hand away mercilessly, and his voice was dripping with disdain.
“Tsk!”
Gabriella rolled her eyes at him before coming back to me.
“Anna, has Ronan changed? He used to be a womanizer. I can't believe he didn't flirt with her today! Before I left the country, he would never let any pretty woman leave!” she mocked.
Gabriella pretended to be surprised at her brother's change. I knew she had said those words on purpose, but that didn't stop me from giggling out loud.
It felt like Gabriella loved embarrassing her brother on purpose, for she had revealed all his weaknesses.
“Gabrielle, if you continue to talk nonsense, I swear I will pluck your head off and kick it like a ball!” Ronan gritted his teeth as a fresh swell of rage rose in him.
As his expression had darkened ominously, I knew he meant what he said.
“You wouldn't dare to do so!” Gabriella retorted.
She met his gaze smugly and even stuck her tongue out in a provoking manner. She wasn't at all bothered by his threat.
Breathless with anger, Ronan marched over to Gabriella to teach her a lesson.
Gabriella seemed bold, but she immediately hid behind me when Ronan came for her.
“Ronan, if you dare to lay a finger on me, I'll complain to Dad back at home. You'll get punished for sure!” she warned.
Her hands were clutching my shoulders tightly. She refused to give in despite being afraid of him. I could sense her figure trembling and was certain that she was frightened down to the soles of her shoes.
“Gabriella Moore, come out this instance! I shall teach you a lesson!” Ronan roared. He looked like he was about to explode with rage.
He paid no heed to her warning and reached out to grab Gabriella, but the latter was clinging onto my shoulders. As I was standing between them, Ronan couldn't touch her at all.