Chapter 6 Tianna Apologizes
All around, people regarded Hayden with palpable awe.
At that moment, Tianna finally grasped the magnitude of her blunder. With a pale face, she turned to Dominik with a pleading gaze.
“Dominik…” She wondered, ‘Why would a man like him, revered by everyone, show up here? And why is he defending that bitch?
Dominik didn’t spare her a glance. He hastily plucked the check from his collar, holding it reverently in both hands as he bowed, assuming the humblest of postures.
“Mr. Merritt, please take back the check. I offer my sincerest apologies. This entire mess is my niece’s fault, her recklessness, and my failure to discipline her. I’m truly sorry… Tianna, Apologize. Now.”
Tianna clutched her skirt, frozen in place. After a long, tense moment, she stammered toward Hayden, “I-I’m sorry…”
Hayden turned to meet her gaze. “And?”
Tianna froze for a beat, then realized he wanted her to apologize to Rosalie.
Though reluctant, she knew there was no escape.
Her face flushing, she mumbled to Rosalie, “Sorry, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have cursed or shoved you…”
Rosalie kept her eyes lowered, showing no reaction.
“Louder,” Hayden said calmly, his tone brooking no argument.
Tianna’s tears spilled over, but no one intervened.
The entire hall hung silent as if everyone awaited her apology.
“I’m sorry!” she shouted with all her might. Then she covered her face and fled, unable to bear it any longer.
Dominik glanced from Hayden to Rosalie, a strange sensation welling up inside him. “Mr. Merritt, about this check…”
Before he could say something to smooth things over, Kareem interjected, “Mr. Spencer, we didn’t know your family was hosting a banquet.
“Sorry for the disturbance. We’ll leave after completing the invitation delivery.”
Upon hearing they were leaving, Dominik cast all else aside and trailed after them, plastering on a smile.
“No, no, Mr. Elliott, it’s my honor to host you here. Please. It’s the Spencer family who should apologize for that spectacle… Why don’t you rest in the study? Have a drink, relax?”
Kareem didn’t decline, shooting a faint smile at his friend.
Dominik instructed Karen and Phoebe to attend to the guests, then cheerfully led Kareem up to the second floor.
He’d hoped to include Hayden, but Hayden didn’t spare him a glance, so he let it go.
The banquet resumed, but the atmosphere lightened considerably.
No one gossiped about Rosalie, and no one dared approach her. She seemed to be invisible to anyone.
Rosalie glanced toward the man who’d held the room’s attention… and found him already watching her.
By all rights, she ought to thank the one who’d helped her. After a moment’s hesitation, she walked toward Hayden.
Hayden lowered his gaze, watching Rosalie approach slowly until she stood before him.
With a height of 5 feet 7 inches, Rosalie only reached his shoulders, making her seem delicate in his shadow.
Her complexion was flawless, her eyes a bewitching charm, so stunning that she could leave any man utterly entranced. He thought to himself, ‘She’s still young. Needs two more years to mature before she’s ready to get married.’
Rosalie looked up, expression solemn. “Thank you for earlier.”
Hayden was silent, his eyes holding a deep undercurrent as he studied her. His voice rumbled low, charming, “Just a thank you?”
Rosalie blinked, confused as she thought, ‘Isn’t that enough?’
