Chapter 37

The crowd stilled, all eyes turning to the speaker.

Jeremy stood there. Though not under the spotlight, his presence commanded attention.

His posture was effortless, yet imposing-hands in his pockets, his tailored suit emphasizing every inch of his sharp, statuesque frame. There was a quiet authority about him that made the room hold its breath.

Kayla turned slowly, her eyes locking with his.

She hadn't expected him to speak up for her.

Liam caught the exchange and stiffened, annoyance flaring in his chest.

He was just about to push through the crowd to reach Kayla when Tricia clutched his arm. "Don't go.Don't drag yourself into this."

Liam hesitated, jaw clenched, but stayed where he was.

Dewitt stood behind Jeremy, chuckling. "That's right. Jeremy and I have been sitting by the sofa all evening.Not once did we see Kayla take your earrings. Perhaps you've misunderstood her."

The accusing woman's face paled. These weren't men one could casually provoke-they heId weight in Trark that few could riv/al.

"If Mr. Campbell and Mr. Newton say so, then I must have been mistaken. I sincerely apologize."

With Jeremy speaking up, no one dared argue.

Kayla met Jeremy's gaze and offered a faint, grateful smile. Jeremy didn't respond. He gave her only a brief look before turning and walking away, his expression unreadable.

Later,Archie came over to reassure her, urging her not to take the incident to heart.

The gala wrapped up quickly after the incident. Respect for Jeremy's word smothered any lingering gossip. When Kayla stepped out of the hotel, her phone rang. It was Liam."l′mn outside," he said flatly.

She walked to the curb and saw his car idling nearby.

Liam was in the driver's seat, cigarette in hand. Tricia was in the front passenger seat, casually scrolling through her phone.

Tricia rolled down her window, her smile sly and saccharine. "Kayla, do hurry. Liam's been so patiently waiting for you."

Kayla's eyes narrowed with disdain. She looked past her to Liam."Since you're already playing chauffeur for Tricia,Iassume you two have a cozy evening planned. I won't interrupt. Say what you need to say, then let's be done with this."

Liam crushed his cigarette and shot Tricia a glare."Out."

Tricia's smile slipped, but she obeyed, slipping into the back seat without a word.

Liam looked at Kayla again. "Now will you get in? Or would you rather argue in front of the entire hotel?"

People nearby were already watching. Kayla, face cold and unreadable, climbed in.

The moment her door shut, Liam slammed the gas pedal. The car jerked forward, and Kayla nearly hit her head on the dashboard.

They tore through the city streets at a reckless pace. Kayla clenched her fists, swallowing against the nausea rising in her throat.

Finally,Liam pulled over on a quiet, deserted road. The car idled in the silence-tense, stifling.He turned to her, fury crackling in his voice. "I had no idea you were was so tight with Jeremy and Archie. When did that happen?"

It wasn't a question; it was an accusation.

Liam had been simmering with rage all night, and now it spilled over.

Kayla met his glare coolly. "I'm still a Graham, aren't I? Your uncle spoke up to protect the family name. Don't be so childish."

Liam let out a bitter laugh. "You're so charming, you can make even Mr. Campbell play your white knight.Why stop there? Why not sweet-talk Jeremy and Archie into helping me too?"

Before he could say more, Kayla's hand struck his face.

The slap cracked through the car like a whip, sharp and final.