Chapter 106
"I'm not much of a whiz, your business in London is..." Teresa was cut off as a glass of red wine was suddenly splashed across her face. Startled, she turned sharply to look.
Surprised wasn't just Teresa; Hayden and Diana, sitting across from her, were also shocked, their heads turning.
"Teresa, all of my interviews and pieces have been pulled from major online media and magazines; your move, I presume!"
It was Dakota.
Never had Teresa imagined that a simple meal with friends at her own club would invite a wine-splashing scene, something she’d only ever seen on TV or in movies.
At that moment, Teresa's face was splashed with half a glass of red wine, dribbling down her cheeks and hair, staining her pearl-white sweater crimson as the liquid seeped beneath her collar. But remarkably, she bore an unflustered grace.
Of course, a flicker of surprise crossed her expression before she turned to see that it was Dakota, but her composure returned instantly.
Now, Teresa was almost certain that the provocative, anonymous call from the night before had been Dakota's doing.
Without missing a beat, Teresa's lips curled into a smile, her tone nonchalant, almost void of emotion, "Did Gabriel send you to pick a fight?"
"Teresa, splash her back!" Hayden lounged on the couch, legs gracefully crossed, sinking into the cushions. Her feline eyes were slits as she half-heartedly glared at Dakota and said, backing Teresa up, "Go on, do it."
Teresa chuckled, "Let it go. It's like being stung by a bee; you don't try to sting back."
Dakota glared at Teresa, seething with anger and disdain, oblivious to Hayden's presence. From her dramatic entrance to the confrontation, she had failed to notice Hayden Bush seated opposite Teresa. Blinded by rage, she did not incline to exchange even a glance with Hayden.
"What did you say?" Dakota hissed, hand raised to strike Teresa.
Seemingly ready, Teresa caught Dakota's hand in midair and, without missing a beat, snatched up the partially filled glass of orange juice that Croissant had taken a few sips from and splattered it directly in Dakota's face.
"Ptsh!" A soft sound echoed as the entire glass of orange juice decorated Dakota's face, with plump droplets clinging embarrassingly to her skin.
"Teresa, you..." Dakota's fury peaked as she attempted another attack, but Hayden was quick to rise from her seat. She caught Dakota's wrist mid-swing, "Dakota, right?"
Squinting at Dakota with palpable disdain and condescension, Hayden flicked her hand away and then, patronizingly patted the side of her cheek, now speckled with bits of orange, “This isn't the place to throw a tantrum, nor is she the person to challenge. You do realize this is Bennett’s property, right? Teresa is the apple of the Bennett family’s eye. Do you really think your family can even compare to the Bennetts now?"
"You...are" Dakota was initially taken aback by the confrontation, but after snapping back to reality, her eyes widened with recognition, “Hayden Bush?"
"That's right, it's me," Hayden said, her voice dripping with mocking warmth. She wiped her hand with a napkin, the same hand that had touched Dakota's cheek, and then contemptuously tossed the soiled napkin in Dakota's direction, her expression a mix of revulsion and warning, “And Teresa isn't just Miss Bennett; she's my dearest friend. Lay a finger on her again, and you'll make an enemy out of me."
Teresa had already shrugged off Dakota's grasp and was now watching the bright and brave Hayden, barely suppressing a chuckle.
Diana watched the drama unfold and almost wanted to give a standing ovation.
Hayden was truly formidable and righteous!
"Hmph..." Dakota was not one to be easily frightened; she had been surrounded by love and adoration all her life. Even though she knew the Clintons couldn't compare to the prestige of the Bush, she forced a derisive sneer, “Hayden, I've always held you and the Bush family in high regard. However, I'm astonished by your poor judgment, to think that you’d consider someone like Teresa as a friend."
"Dakota, if you're looking for trouble, I'm more than ready to oblige," Teresa retorted with a casual, unfazed smile.
"Teresa!" All of a sudden, Dakota’s gaze turned venomous as she glared at her, “Don't get smug. Just wait and see how long you can keep Gabriel by your side."
Knowing she was currently no match for Teresa, Dakota spat out this last piece of venom and, wisely, after shooting another vicious glare Teresa's way, she turned on her heel and stormed off. Her friends, witnessing the scene from a short distance, quickly followed her lead and left.
