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Novel Catalog
Chapter 35
Loraine’s first instinct was to refuse the invitation, but then she realized it would be impolite. Attending the party could give her a chance to bond with her colleagues, so she reluctantly agreed.
After the office hours ended, the entire department made their way to Fwell Bar.
Under the glow of neon lights, the dance floor was packed with people moving wildly to the beat of the music. The air was thick with the smells of alcohol and cigarettes, creating a charged, almost seductive atmosphere.
Loraine didn’t join in. She sat off to the side, out of the spotlight, feeling increasingly bored.
It was during this moment that Barry appeared with two glasses of wine and took a seat next to her.
“Loraine, I heard that Vickie was tough on you during the interview, but Mr. Benton stepped in to help. Did you know him before that?” Barry asked, his tone casual but probing.
“No, not at all,” Loraine replied quickly, hiding any trace of familiarity with Cayson. “But I’m thankful he hired me. It’s a great opportunity to work at Universe Group.”
She didn’t want to reveal her true connection to Cayson, so she carefully downplayed their prior interaction.
Barry’s eyes gleamed with something darker as he took a sip of his drink.
He felt a sense of relief when he realized that Loraine’s only link to Cayson had been the interview day. The rumors about her relationship with Cayson had caused her ex-husband to sever all ties with her, leaving her vulnerable and alone.
A sly grin spread across Barry’s face as his mind began to formulate a plan. In his eyes, Loraine was the perfect target—someone who would be easy to manipulate.
With a predatory gleam in his eye, he smiled again, offering her the glass of wine he had prepared.
“Here you go, beautiful. Let’s have a drink together,” he said smoothly, leaning in as though to kiss her.
Loraine recoiled instinctively, her face flushing with discomfort.
“I’m sorry, Mr. Gray, but I can’t drink,” she replied, her voice firm but polite.
Barry’s expression shifted, though he maintained his false smile. “Don’t turn down my hospitality. I threw this party for you.”
He leaned closer, his breath tinged with the scent of alcohol. “Come on, just drink it. If you cooperate, I’ll make sure to protect you at the company. You’ll get a place on all the top projects. I promise.”
A chill ran down Loraine’s spine as she noticed the hunger in his eyes, the way his gaze seemed to linger on her. Goosebumps prickled her skin, and she instinctively pulled back further.
She felt like prey, and for the first time in a long while, she wished she could escape the situation entirely.
