Lost Me Gained Regret

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Christine was sharp as a tack, immediately catching on to Dailey's game.

This guy, all high and mighty on the surface, was actually testing her.

If she asked Merritt to leave, it would play right into his hands.

Clearing the field, letting Merritt go - it was all just a sideways confirmation that she hadn't truly moved on from him.

In her heart, he still held a place more significant than any new flame.

Christine's smile was tinged with irony. "I refuse, Mr. Clarkson. If you don't let go of me right now, I'll have my little brother call Jane."

"Imagine, a young man calling Jane at this hour. What do you think, Gregory would do?"

Silence fell.

Who knew Gregory's temperament better than Dailey?

And Christine was indeed someone who would follow through with such a threat.

Finally, his grip on her loosened and she swiftly moved away from him, arm in arm with Merritt.

Even the autumn chill that necessitated a trench coat over her slip dress couldn't hide her allure. The glimpse of her elegantly slender legs as they moved was a sight to behold.

As they approached the exit, Merritt couldn't resist throwing a taunting smile back at Dailey.

Dailey, however, felt it beneath him to spar with such a young lad.

Aside from his youth, Merritt had no other advantages.

After their first encounter, Dailey had someone dig into Merritt's background.

A broken family, a sick grandmother relying on him, a life buoyed by scholarships and offers of financial "sponsorship."

Entering the entertainment world was just a quick way to earn money for Merritt.

To Dailey, he was hardly worth noticing.

Christine was probably just using the situation to play games.

"Big sis, he's been following you. I'm worried. Let me walk you upstairs," Merritt offered.

Christine was well aware of Dailey's presence. She wasn't scared, just didn't want to deal with him in the middle of the night.

Even if Merritt didn't escort her, Dailey couldn't enter her home.

Yet, she didn't refuse Merritt's offer to accompany her.

Dailey followed at a leisurely pace, watching as Christine and Merritt reached the automatic doors. Merritt didn't stop.

Dailey hastened his steps, pulling Christine aside.

Merritt grabbed Christine's other hand, neither side willing to back down.

The air was thick with unspoken tension.

The night watchman, initially

intending to inform Christine about a man in a fancy car looking for her, ended up watching the drama unfold, munching on sunflower seeds.

Another suitor, it seemed.

Quite the lively night.

Beauty, it appeared, came with its own set of troubles.

"Let go."

Dailey's skill forced Merritt to release his grip.

Merritt's voice was filled with pitiful tone, "I'm sorry, Chris. I'm not strong enough. He's about to break my wrist. I can't help you. I'm useless."

Dailey's expression darkened.

Christine, attempting to pull away, found Dasley unyielding. In a burst of frustration, she bit down on his

wrist, drawing blood, yet het

go.

BUMS

let

Her temper flared. "Dailey, if you're sick, go see a doctor. Don't take it out on me!"

Dailey pulled her aside. "Did Clarence tell you this kid's no good? That playing around is one thing, but bringing him home is another?"

"Do you understand what could happen if you bring a man home? He might look weak, but against a man's strength, you're still at a disadvantage." "And then what?"

Christine cut him off with a cold voice, "I'm an adult, Mr. Clarkson. Do you think I don't know what happens when you bring someone home?" "Are you so out of touch that you see me as some naïve girl, fresh to the world and clueless?"