Kian got pissed the moment he heard Tamsin’s name again. “Man, this chick is so clingy!”
“If she’s around, then Julian’s gotta be here too, Cecília said.
“Ugh, what a couple of jerks!” Kian sneered. “Is she trying to mess with you again?”
Cecilia just pressed her lips together and stayed quiet.
Noticing her mood, Kian grinned and dragged her over to the karaoke machine. ‘Come on, let’s celebrate today. Forget about them and let’s sing!”
Cecilia smiled, not worried about Tamsin. But she really didn’t want to see Julian now because of the awkward run–in with him last night.
“Don’t worry, if they show up, I’ll give you a heads–up, Alaric said, leaning against the soundproof wall.
“No wonder you’re Mr. Percy, you’ve got eyes everywhere,” Cecilia teased, raising an eyebrow.
For some reason, Alaric’s words always made her feel better.
She added three songs to the queue after Kian’s picks: “Someone Like You,” “Saccharin,” and “Hold On To Me.”
Kian peeked over and saw her choices. “You guys always pick the tough ones, huh?”
‘Not really, Cecilia smiled. “Your song’s up next.”
Kian shrugged, grabbed the mic, and started singing, swaying to the beat. His voice hit all the highs and lows, filling the room with energy.
When he finished, Cecilia and Alaric clapped enthusiastically. “Awesome!”
Kian scratched his nose and winked at them. He looked at Alaric. “Hey, Singing Sensation, why haven’t you picked a song yet?”
Cecilia’s eyes widened at the nickname. “Mr. Percy, are you really that good?”
‘Don’t listen to him,‘ Alaric said casually, sipping his whiskey. ‘I’m just here to watch you guys.”
Kian clicked his tongue in mock disapproval.
The next song started, and Kian turned to Cecilia. “Know this one? Wanna duet?”
“Sure, Cecilia smiled.
She stood up and moved next to Kian, the neon lights casting a colorful glow on her cheeks.
Alaric, lounging on the sofa, sipped his drink and watched her.
There was something magical about Cecilia when she sang. Her voice was clear and bright, flowing like a gentle stream, soft yet powerful, drawing everyone in.
Kian and Cecilia nailed the last line of the song together, and as the music faded, a lingering vibe hung in the air.
“That was awesome!” Kian said, raising his glass and clinking it lightly with Cecilia’s soda.
Cecilia took a sip, her eyes drifting over the rim of her glass to find Alaric. He was already watching her, his deep, mesmerizing eyes fixed on her with an intensity that sent a flutter through her chest. She quickly looked away, feeling her ears grow warm.
Alaric noticed and smiled warmly.
His voice was low and magnetic. “Seeing you guys having so much fun, I think I’ll join in for a song.”
Meanwhile, over in the hotel’s VIP room, Tamsin tugged on Julian’s hand and whispered in his ear, “Mr. Russell, I just saw Cecilia at the Karaoke Bar across the street.”
Julian frowned, his face darkening. The mention of the Karaoke Bar brought back memories of Tamsin’s birthday last time.
What was Cecilia doing in a place like that?
Already in a foul mood, this news made it worse.
It looked like she went in with those two guys from the auction last time, all buddy–buddy.” Tamsin added weakly.
V2
Copter 28 You Don’t Want to Be the Homewrecker Any More? 1
You mean Alais?” Julian’s expression turned even darker.
This Cecilia, completely ignoring his warnings.
Did she really think Julian was just a ghost of a husband?
Tarsin nodded.
I got it, Julian said, trying to stay composed. Suddenly, he stood up and announced calmly, “Everyone, I need to take care of something. Please excuse me.”
It’s okay, Mr. Russell, your presence is an honor for us!” Everyone stood up and toasted Julian.
Julian downed his drink in one go and walked out with an imposing air.
The people in the VIP room watched him leave. They had all seen Julian and Tamsin’s cozy behavior earlier and mistakenly thought Julian left early because of Tamsin.
Someone couldn’t help but say, “Mrs. Russell is so beautiful, how did Mr. Russell get involved with this student?”
“Maybe he got tired of drinking fine wine every day and wanted some water for a change.”
“A man who achieved so much at such a young age, how could he not have women around him?”
“True.‘
They were curious for a bit but soon forgot about it and continued drinking happily.
Julian left the hotel with a cold face and headed straight to the Karaoke Bar across the street.
The receptionist was intimidated by his icy demeanor and asked nervously, ‘Sir, how can I help you?”
“Give me the registration information of your customers tonight,” he demanded coldly and forcefully.
The young waiter looked troubled. “Sir, our customer information is confidential.”
