Maxine froze. She wasn’t sure how to react.
Pandora chuckled. “What a coincidence. Maxine, shall we go take a look?”
The smile on Maxine’s face vanished, replaced by a cold, unreadable expression.
89%
+38)
Urban finally spoke, his tone low. “Enough, Pandora. Don’t stir things up. You know they’re getting divorced–it’s been all over the news.”
Pandora blinked like she was surprised. “Really? I had no idea. I thought you brought her here today to show off your top- notch legal support. I didn’t realize there was more to it.”
Urban’s expression darkened, his disgust barely concealed.
Maxine caught the look, and she was certain Pandora did too.
“It’s true. Sebastian and I are separating. So running into each other wouldn’t be ideal.” Maxine glanced at her watch, her smile polite but distant. “It’s getting late. I should be going.”
With that, Maxine turned and walked off without waiting for a response from either of them.
Pandora watched Maxine leave, her smile cool, her tone unreadable. “Oh dear, Urban. I’m so sorry. Did I upset your date? You won’t hold it against me, will you?”
Urban shot her a look, sneering. “Pandora, don’t you feel gross even saying that?”
With no outsiders around, their mutual resentment showed more clearly, though they kept their voices down to avoid attracting attention.
“Oh, Urban, I didn’t want things to turn out this way,” Pandora said with a faint smile. “I came here to relax, to enjoy the party. But then you brought Maxine. What did you expect me to do—just let you walk all over me, huh?”
Her lips curled as she stepped closer. “Tell me, how many people here know how strained things are between us? How many are just waiting to see one of us screw up?”
She leaned in slightly. “Whether they’re watching me or you, it won’t look good if Dad hears about it. But honestly, better you than me. I’d rather you take the fall.”
With that, Pandora turned to leave, giving Urban a light pat on the shoulder. “Have fun with your beautiful lawyer. I’ll see you in court.”
Urban gritted his teeth. After standing there a moment, face grim, he turned and left.
Meanwhile, Maxine had just stepped outside and was about to call Cleo for a ride when she heard a car pull up behind her.
Urban’s Bentley stopped in front of her. The window rolled down. “I’ll drive you back,” he said coolly.
Maxine didn’t move. “My friend’s coming to pick me up. You don’t need to bother.”
“It’s at least a two–hour drive from downtown,” Urban said, looking at her with that same frosty expression. “You planning to stand out here in the cold the whole time, huh?”
Maxine stayed calm. “There are guest rooms and lounges. I’ll be fine.”
Already on edge from his argument with Pandora, Urban felt his irritation flare again. He stared at her and asked, “Are you
mad?”
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Chapter 78
Maxine met his gaze, voice steady. “Why would I be?”
Urban paused. Then he said, “Because I didn’t stand up for you.”
Maxine gave a soft laugh. “Why would you? Mr. Soto, you’re my employer. It’s normal for people like me to be used in situations like this. If I’m not bothered by it, why should you be? And as for the ride, it’s late. It wouldn’t be appropriate.”
