Chapter 6

Bellamy wasn't in the mood to beat around the bush with her, so she cut right to the chase. "I know Miss Grant is a strong candidate for the Branwell family's daughter-in-law, and you obviously have a thing for Fraser. And yeah-I'm his woman. Not his official girlfriend though. Just... something like a fling or hookup. So if you're looking to win him over, don't waste your time treating me like some rival to take down. The quickest way is to go straight to him." She finished in one breath, casually flicked her fingers in the direction of the main hall with a confident air. Right then, the balcony door slid open again. Fraser nodded politely but distantly at Lydia. Then he draped his blazer over Bellamy's shoulders, tucking it around her as he gently scolded her, "Didn't I tell you to wait for me in the room upstairs? What are you doing out here in the cold? You trying to get sick?" Bellamy stuck her tongue out and pointed toward Lydia behind him, clearly trying to shift the blame. "Pretty sure I'm not the only one who's asking for trouble. Your college junior's out here too!" Fraser shot her a helpless look, pulled her into his arms, and turned to Lydia, who was still wearing her ever-graceful smile. "I had someone arrange a car for you outside. It's ready to take you home." Lydia's lips had gone pale in the night breeze, but her smile stayed sweet, eyes carrying a soft glint. "Alright, thank you, Fraser. Oh, and since it's been a while and the vibe tonight isn't great for catching up, why don't we pick another time to meet and really talk?" No sooner had she said that than Bellamy rubbed her arms dramatically, giving a theatrical shiver. "What's wrong? Cold?" Fraser's expression changed slightly as he pulled her tighter into his arms, completely ignoring everything Lydia had just proposed. Bellamy, still chuckling as she patted her chest, said, "I'm fine! Just got a little nauseated hearing all those ‘Fraser this' and ‘Fraser that' from Miss Grant. It was so sugary I almost passed out." Lydia's smile faltered instantly; no amount of poise could save her expression now. Fraser, though, gave the faintest grin like he was amused, trying hard not to laugh. He knew Bellamy was up to her usual mischief again... and once again, he had to play clean-up crew. Being the well-mannered gentleman was second nature to him. He turned to Lydia looking a bit apologetic. "Miss Grant, sorry about that. Bellamy's a bit childish sometimes, doesn't really mean any harm. Plus, she had a couple extra drinks tonight-probably a little tipsy. Don't take what she says too seriously." Lydia lowered her eyes, sneering inwardly. If he'd seen how Bellamy coolly outbid everyone at the western city project just last week, he wouldn't be calling her childish. If he'd watched her drink a table full of sweaty businessmen under the table the week before that, he wouldn't be buying that ‘a few drinks' nonsense. Do you even realize how ruthless that woman really is, Fraser? Suddenly, Lydia looked up and flashed a warm smile. "It's fine, Fraser. I know a little about Bellamy's past... It's normal for her to act like a kid sometimes. I understand, and I won't take it personally." The moment those seemingly innocent words slipped out, Bellamy's head snapped up. Her bright almond eyes sharpened instantly, like she was just about to unleash hell. Seeing that, Lydia instinctively took a small step back, looking flustered and putting on a pitiful expression. She quivered slightly and said in a soft voice, "Bellamy, why are you staring at me like that? It's kind of scary. Did I say something wrong? If I did, I'm really sorry... Please don't be mad." She looked innocent on the outside, but inside, she was grinning with satisfaction.