Shaking the clinging Iris off after getting the answer he needed, Christian made his way out into the garden.
There, he found an unexpected pairing, Anastasia and Olivia.
One sat calmly, sipping what looked like tea. The other stood nearby, tense.
The moment he appeared, both noticed him. Anastasia didn't react, continuing to sip her tea as if he didn't exist. Olivia, on the other hand, moved instantly.
She walked straight toward him, her expression brightening just enough to betray relief, like someone spotting a lifeline.
She clearly intended to just stand beside him. But, Christian didn't allow that. The moment she got close, his arm wrapped around her waist, pulling her in.
"Tell me…" he murmured near her ear, his voice not lowered in the slightest, making sure the other listener heard every word. "Is she bullying you?"
"What are you talking about? Of course—" Olivia's protest died instantly when she felt his hand boldly grope her ass.
