Ch. Called Off the Wedding 5 Called Off the Wedding 5

Chapter 5 

A single slop couldn’t possibly ease her anger! 

Benedict gently lifted the hand she’d struck him with, bringing it to his lips for a soft kiss. “Did it hurt when you hit me? I’ll get you some ice when we’re home, and I’ll give you a reasonable explanation. Don’t waste your anger on people who don’t matter.” 

Cynthia lowered her eyes, a shadow of sorrow flickering beneath her lashes 

So this was the nature of men, she thought. Unless they were caught in the act, they’d never admit they were wrong. 

“People who don’t matter?” Her voice was icy 

“You mean Miss Channing?” 

Cynthia tilted her head, glancing over at Giselle. 

The audacious glint that Giselle had when she’d first walked into the shop was gone. What remained was a pale, frozen figure–a mannequin drained of life 3 

“Yes.” Benedict’s reply was firm and immediate, leaving no room for doubt 

Giselle’s face blanched even further. 

Without another word, Cynthia strode toward her own car outside the bridal boutique. 

Benedict caught her hand, pulling her firmly to his side. “Take my car. I’ll drive you home.” 

She tried to pull free, but his grip was unyielding. Unable to shake him off, she was forced to walk beside him toward his car 

He opened the passenger door for her. On the seat, a pink–and–white hair clip lay quietly against the dark upholstery, Benedict picked it up and set it aside with calm composure, as if nothing were amiss.) 

Cynthia let out a cold laugh. “Shouldn’t you check a little more thoroughly? Make sure there aren’t any other intimate little surprises? I’d hate to accidentally stumble on someone’s underwear and end up with a stye.” 

For 

a moment, Benedict’s mask of composure slipped like a cat whose tail had just been stepped on 

“Cynthia, must you always think the worst of me?” His tone was taut.? 

“I love you,” he said, “but I won’t indulge you. This is the first time something like this has happened, and I hope it’s the last VistaSphere Group is at a critical turning point. It’s impossible for me to have zero female colleagues or business partners. Today, you embarrassed Giselle, and I let it slide because she’s just a junior staff member. But if you act this way toward someone with real influence–a major -partner–how is VistaSphere Group supposed to keep moving forward?? 

Cynthia met his gaze, her clear, beautiful eyes suddenly glacial & 

Only now did she realize just how adept Benedict was at emotional manipulation.& 

She didn’t argue, didn’t get in his car. She simply turned, got in her own vehicle, and drove away. 

Outside the bridal shop, people bustled past, but Benedict didn’t chase after her. He set his jaw, opened his own car door and as he was about to get in, he saw Giselle step out of the shop, her face ghostly white. 

He hesitated a moment, then lifted a hand in her direction. “Get in 

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5 2 6 8 5 3 8 2 736 € 

Meanwhile, Cynthia stared miserably at the crumpled rear bumper of the luxury sedan in front of her, its license plate a string of eights. 

She’d been distracted for just a moment, and ended up rear–ending the car. It was her fault–she’d have to pay for her own carelessness. 

She got out and hurried over to apologize to the other driver. “I’m so sorry–1=‘| 

The driver gave her a brief glance, said nothing, and respectfully opened the rear door of the car.ll