Chapter 156

Right now, Jessica Lane clearly wasn't in a good place, and Alice had no intention of leaving her alone. Deciding she should give Edward a heads-up before returning to keep Jessica company, Alice turned—just in time to meet Edward's gaze. Her lips curled up in a quick smile, and she gave him a subtle chin lift. Edward responded with a faint nod, his eyes flicking briefly toward Jessica behind Alice. That short exchange was all it took—Alice instantly got the message. She waved him off casually before heading back to the bar. Meanwhile, in the booth, the sharp tension around Edward completely eased. Holding his beer bottle, he gave it a light swirl, obviously in great spirits. "What’s with you lovebirds, exchanging secret signals now?" Charles Bennett’s voice suddenly rang out beside him, thick with booze and sarcasm. Edward’s smile faded a little as he casually nudged Charles away. "What, curious? Or just jealous?" "Hah! Like hell I’d ever envy guys like you who get all tangled up with