Chapter 695

Maeve's brows knit together at Sergio's words. Bryce quickly stepped in front of her and replied calmly, "Mr. Brooks, it seems your taste has taken quite a nosedive since we last met." He glanced at Clara and lifted a sly smile. "I wonder what tricks Ms. Stewart used to mingle with the elite." Clara returned his smile sweetly. "Sergio and I are truly in love, and we're already engaged. "But, Mr. Grant, since you've been busy at the police station these past few days, you might've missed that Ms. Scott and Mr. Spencer are also engaged. "Still, it's hard not to raise eyebrows when a man and a woman are alone together at this hour, don't you think?" Bryce's distaste for a pretentious woman like Clara was palpable. Just then, Zayla noticed the tension and hurried over from the car. "Mr. Grant, I'm glad you're here. Mr. Spencer is waiting for both of you in the car. We should go." Clara's eyes glinted with mischief as she caught onto Zayla's attempt to diffuse the situation. "I didn't realize it was you, Zayla. Are you trying to defend Mr. Grant? "After all, Mr. Spencer is set to marry Ms. Scott. A man allowing his fiancée to go out alone late at night to meet another man? Surely you don't expect anyone to believe that?" "Ms. Ramoz, that's quite a leap," Zayla replied. "I have to agree with Clara. Since Zion is here, why not have him join us? It'll clear up any misunderstandings," Sergio chimed in. Maeve frowned at Sergio's blatant bias toward Clara. Zion hadn't come out with her. But if he didn't show up soon, what kind of rumors would the Brooks Group cook up about her and Bryce tomorrow? Bryce couldn't afford another scandal. Just then, a figure emerged from the shadows. When Clara recognized Zion approaching, her smile faltered. Zion… What was he doing here? "Why did you take so long to come out? Didn't you know I was waiting for you?" Zion stepped forward and wrapped his arm around Maeve's waist. Maeve was caught off guard. She hadn't expected him to follow her. Zion's gaze drifted to Sergio, who stood with Clara clinging to his arm like a lovesick puppy. He raised an eyebrow. "Mr. Brooks, has your darling already stolen your heart in just a few days?" "Mr. Spencer, you're no different," Sergio replied politely, though his tone was cold. He turned back to Clara with his eyes brimming with affection. "It's late. We should head back." "Okay," Clara agreed. She leaned into Sergio as they prepared to leave. But just then, Zion spoke up, "I couldn't help but notice that your woman was rather disrespectful to my fiancée just now, Mr. Brooks. I hope I didn't mishear that." His words stopped Clara and Sergio in their tracks. The tension in the air thickened as Zion tightened his grip on Maeve's waist. His tone was playful, yet it carried an icy edge. "I'm quite protective of what's mine. Anyone who dares to mess with my woman won't get away with it—no matter who they are." "Are you suggesting that Clara should apologize to Maeve, Mr. Spencer?" Sergio quickly defended Clara. The silence was heavy. Zion replied with chilling indifference, "Not just an apology—she should bow in apology." "Mr. Spencer, are you implying you don't respect me at all?" Sergio shot back. "So you do recognize your place, Mr. Brooks," Zion retorted coolly.