Chapter 74 Let's Just Watch the Show
Tristan's face was just inches away from that dude's, way too close for comfort.
It was a straight-up challenge. Everyone knew these two hated each other's guts, and the crowd went dead silent, eyes glued to the scene.
Not too far off, Michael saw what was going down and started to get up, but Bella grabbed his arm. "Tristan ain't gonna get pushed around. If anyone's in for it, it's Katniss. Let's just watch the show."
From the moment Jasper showed up, his eyes were locked on Katniss. She was definitely in for some drama.
Bella didn't think Tristan would stick his neck out for Katniss in front of all these people, especially not against Jasper.
So yeah, Katniss was pretty much screwed.
Thinking their view wasn't good enough, Bella dragged Michael to a higher spot where they could see everything going down in the middle of the crowd.
Tristan's face stayed cool, his eyes narrowing a bit as he looked at Jasper. "Oh, it's Mr. Bell."
He clearly didn't give a damn about Jasper.
But Katniss was sweating it because most folks here knew she and Tristan were just pretending to be a couple.
No one dared to call them out on it, except for Jasper, who didn't give a crap.
Even though they seemed tight with the Brooks couple, the Brooks family was all about keeping promises and hated lies.
If their fake relationship got exposed, their trust with the Brooks would go up in flames.
"Katniss, long time no see," Jasper said, turning slightly and giving her a little bow.
The threat in his eyes was clear as day, and he raised an eyebrow at her.
Tristan shifted a bit, stepping between Katniss and Jasper, blocking that creepy stare.
Jasper stood tall, spreading his hands like he was all innocent, glancing at the crowd. "Isn't Katniss just an assistant? She's not even his wife. Why is he all bent out of shape about me saying hi?"
Katniss looked at Tristan's broad back, biting her lip, her hand gripping the side of her dress.
A commotion broke out nearby, pulling her attention. The crowd parted, and there was Brady, towering over everyone.
His blue tailcoat had gold trim, and he wore gold-rimmed glasses. The eyes behind them were full of curiosity.
He walked over slowly, a far cry from the friendly chat they had last night. "What do you mean by that? Aren't they a couple?"
"Of course not," Jasper said like it was no big deal, "Katniss is just Tristan's special assistant, nothing more."
After saying his piece, Jasper took a couple of steps back, making room for Brady.
Brady's face was dark with anger as he grilled Tristan, "Tristan, is what he said true? You and Katniss aren't a couple?"
Katniss stepped out from behind Tristan, standing right next to him. Just as she was about to speak, Tristan's arm snaked around her waist, pulling her close. She looked up, and their lips met in a quick kiss.
Her lemony scent mixed with his wine aroma.
Her fingers clutched the corner of his shirt without thinking.
Tristan let her go, gently wiping her shiny lips with his thumb.
He gave a slight smile and looked at Brady, asking, "Need more proof?"
Brady's face relaxed a bit. He shot a glance at Jasper, saying, "I guess it was just a misunderstanding."
Tristan just raised an eyebrow, staying silent.
Jasper opened his mouth to speak but froze under Tristan's icy stare. A chill ran down his spine, and he couldn't get a word out.
This was Pearlhaven, after all. If they were in Velvet City, everyone would know about Tristan and Bella's drama.
And here, who would dare cross Tristan?
Jasper had no choice but to back down, forcing a laugh at Brady. "Don't mind me. I'm not familiar with Mr. Forbes. It was a misunderstanding."
"Alright, let's move on. I'll have someone bring out the special wine we brewed the year I and Lucy got married," Brady said, giving Jasper a pointed look.
He patted Tristan on the shoulder, exchanged a knowing glance, and walked away.
Outside the crowd, Lucy hurried over, hearing the commotion. "What happened?"
Brady said softly, "Nothing much. Someone said Tristan and Katniss aren't a couple."
"You believe that?" Lucy shot back without hesitation. "Katniss is pregnant. How could they not be a couple?"
Brady took a deep breath, put his arm around Lucy's shoulder, and headed toward the wine cellar.
As they passed Bella and Michael, Lucy gave Bella a polite nod.
Bella stood frozen.
After the Brooks couple left, she spun around, gripping Michael's arm tightly. "Michael, did I hear that right? Katniss is pregnant?"
Michael's face was dark, struggling to keep his cool. He grabbed Bella's hand and said, "It might not be true. Let me check it out first."
"Check what?" Bella's voice was sharp as a knife. "Even Lucy knows, so it must be true! You need to figure out how to get rid of that kid! I can't let her have Tristan's baby. I can barely stand her being around him, and that's my limit!"
She was on the edge of losing it, her shrill voice drawing stares from all around.
Michael dragged her to a corner, only letting go when they were out of sight. She was already pacing, shaking her head like crazy.
He rummaged through Bella's bag, pulled out a white pill bottle, shook out two pills, and shoved them into her mouth, washing them down with her drink.
The liquid dribbled down Bella's lips, soaking her dress. In the struggle, her hair got all messed up, making her look a wreck.
After swallowing the pills, Bella slumped against the wall. "I can't let Katniss have Tristan's baby. I won't let her!"
Michael set the drink cup on the steps, and when he turned back, Bella's body went limp, collapsing into his arms.
He scooped her up and carried her away.
Behind them, Jasper stood there, stunned for a moment, then burst out laughing. "This show just keeps getting better and better."
The ball kicked off, and Katniss was still wrapped in Tristan's jacket, his warm hand on her waist.
As they danced, her long hair made a beautiful arc in the air, but she seemed a bit out of it.
She scanned the room but didn't see Bella or Michael.
'Maybe they couldn't handle seeing Tristan kiss me and bailed,' Katniss thought.
"What are you thinking about?" Tristan's annoyed voice came from above.
She looked up, smiled a bit, and shook her head. "Nothing, just thinking it was a close call. If the Brooks knew the truth about us, they'd be really disappointed."
She really liked the Brooks couple, especially Lucy, who was pure and kind.
Katniss thought: It wasn't really deception, since she and Tristan were technically married. She had just fooled everyone, including Tristan.
"In business, emotions are the biggest no-no. You partner with the most valuable ally. Feelings are a waste," Tristan said.
From a businessman's perspective, Tristan believed all partnerships should maximize benefits.
Katniss went quiet. 'So I'm just Tristan's most valuable partner, and having feelings is against the rules.'
She chuckled lightly, her hand on Tristan's shoulder loosening a bit, falling to his chest.
The ball wrapped up quickly, and the servants started bringing out plates of food. Everyone found a spot to sit and dig in.
Katniss picked the most secluded corner, her eyes following Tristan as he moved around the long table with a tray. His plate was loaded with desserts.
All of them were her favorites.
This visit to Rose Manor gave her the biggest illusion that Tristan actually loved her.
A love beyond what she had imagined before, not just in bed, but truly shown in the little things.
Her eyes softened, gradually filling with extreme tenderness.
He came back, placed the pastries in front of her, and sat down across from her. "Eat up. The event wraps around three. Brady's got us set up for horseback riding. You'll need the energy."
"Okay," Katniss replied, taking small bites of the dessert.
Tristan's gentle gaze fell on her. The jacket draped loosely over her shoulders, her long hair falling forward as she bent to eat, scattered across her chest.
Her delicate features exuded a gentle elegance, far from the stiffness and aloofness of her in professional attire.
It made him want to protect her.
His phone suddenly buzzed. He took it out and glanced at it; it was a message from Michael: [I'm taking Bella away first. She's not in a good state. Don't forget our agreement.]
His eyes darkened a bit, then he casually put the phone back in his pocket.
"When we get back tomorrow afternoon, immediately look into that my wife's info. I want all her details by the morning after," Tristan said.
He seemed a bit impatient.
Katniss paused her eating, took a deep breath, and softly asked, "Do you have no memory of her at all?"
"No." Tristan frowned slightly. He really couldn't remember the woman's face.
He didn't even remember her name.
"Are you interested in thinking about or guessing how she's doing now?" Katniss smiled faintly.
Tristan frowned; her smile reflecting in his eyes, particularly glaring. "What are you trying to say?" Tristan asked.
Katniss shook her head. "Just a simple guess."
An endless silence spread. Tristan's eyes narrowed slightly. "She should be doing well, otherwise she wouldn't play the good girl."
He doubted anyone could possess the same self-awareness and adherence to promises as Katniss.
They had agreed that their relationship was limited to the bed, and it really stayed that way.
'If that woman isn't doing well or still needs a lot of money, she would definitely come looking for it,' Tristan thought.
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