Chapter 242

"That woman was too clingy."

"I had to tell her you were my girlfriend to escape."

"I didn't want to get eaten alive."

"But to repay you for saving me, I'll accompany you all day today."

"Whatever you want to do, I'm all yours."

Vivian Bennett was speechless at Zachary Hudson's audacity.

He used her as a shield?

Was he serious?

But since she had run into this troublemaker, she knew she couldn't shake him off easily.

Vivian kept a straight face and walked straight inside.

She hoped Zachary would get bored and leave on his own.

She chose a quiet booth and sat down.

Zachary slid into the seat beside her.

He glanced around at the blue decor and couldn't help but remark.

"I never knew this city had a place like this."

"It's quite unique."

"I thought you had been to every bar in town chasing women."

Vivian raised an eyebrow.

She poured two glasses from the bottle the waiter brought.

She pushed one toward him and downed hers in one go.

She poured another glass and emptied it again.

Her best friend Sophia Miller had brought her to this bar.

It was quiet despite the city bustle outside, with stylish decor.

She came here for drinks whenever she felt down.

Today was one of those days.

She was almost certain her cousin's husband, Jason Harper, was cheating.

And the other woman wasn't ordinary. She seemed wealthy.

She had probed her cousin Grace Harper before.

Grace knew about her husband's affair but chose to turn a blind eye to save the marriage.

But now?

Knowing the other woman was powerful, how long could the marriage last?

Even if Grace could endure it, Jason might not want her anymore.

Vivian couldn't bear to imagine her cousin being abandoned.

Feeling heavy-hearted, she drank several more glasses.

Zachary watched quietly as she drank.

When she reached for her third glass, his slender fingers stopped her.

"Stop drinking."

"Why can't I drink?"

Vivian pushed his hand away and downed another glass.

She slammed the empty glass on the table.

"Just because I'm honest and play by the rules, I deserve to be betrayed by men like you?"

"Deserve to be sold out?"

"Now I don't even have the right to drink?"

"Not even the right to vent?"

She felt wronged for her cousin and for herself.

Her cousin was stuck in an unhappy marriage with a cheater.

And her?

After that night in the limousine with a stranger, she was left with psychological scars.

She couldn't accept any man now.

She couldn't have a normal relationship.

Nightmares haunted her every night.

She picked up another glass.

Zachary didn't stop her.

He just sat quietly across from her, watching with his captivating eyes.

She drank it all again.

Her cheeks felt hot, and her throat burned, making her cough.

"With how you're drinking, did Liam Sullivan dump you?"

Zachary studied her thoughtfully.

Vivian instinctively denied it.

"Who said I was dumped?"

"We're perfectly fine!"

"We even slept together last night..."

The alcohol loosened her tongue, and she spoke without filter.