Nancy playfully tossed her hair. She then wrapped her arm around Stephen’s, clearly staking her claim. “You must be Ms. Yates. Nice to meet you I’m Nancy Lloyd, Steve’s girlfriend.”

Steve.

Girlfriend.

Tessa’s gaze dropped to Nancy’s hand resting on Stephen’s arm. A sharp, painful twist ran through her chest.

Stephen stood motionless, his eyes flicking briefly to Nancy’s hand. His throat tightened, the urge to explain building inside him, but the words stayed stuck.

Naomi had seen enough. She marched forward and tore Nancy’s hand off Stephen’s arm. “Take your hands off him!

“If you want to flaunt your relationship, do it somewhere else! This isn’t the place for your public display of affection!” Her face flushed with fury, her eyes burning with rage. “What’s the matter? Mr. Jacobson, can’t you afford to book a hotel room?”

Her words were like a knife, cutting deep.

Quentin was taken aback and quickly stepped in, attempting to diffuse the escalating tension.

He pulled Naomi back, urging, “Alright, alright, calm down. We’re all friends here. Let’s not make a scene.”

Naomi struggled against him, pushing him away. “Let go! Don’t stop me!”

However, he held firm, his gaze pleading with her to calm down.

Unfazed, Nancy flashed a graceful smile. In a soft, coaxing voice, she turned to Stephen. “Steve, it looks like your friends aren’t too happy with us. Why don’t we get a room and have some time to ourselves?”

Nancy, ever the actress, spoke with perfect poise. Every movement was intentional, embodying the sweet, innocent persona with an undercurrent of calculated charm.

Tessa’s heart clenched at those words. Her doe-like eyes filled with unshed tears, her nose tingling with the weight of emotion. She struggled to keep her composure, determined not to cry in front of Stephen and Nancy.

With a quiver in her voice, she forced herself to meet Stephen’s gaze. “Stephen, you have your reasons, don’t you? Just tell me. I’ll understand. Please, don’t do this… It’s really hurting me. Can we talk about this?”

Her eyes shimmered with tears, and her voice faltered as she spoke, a choked sob escaping. “Didn’t you promise that as long as I didn’t ask for a breakup, you’d never leave me?”

Stephen’s gaze was as cold and unfeeling as an abyss, his lips curling into a bitter, mocking smile. “Ms. Yates, we’re adults here. Do you really still believe in such naive promises?”

The color drained from Tessa’s face.

Her eyes burned with pain, and her lips parted as if she wanted to say something, but the words caught in her throat.

Stephen’s heart tightened at the sight of her agony, and he couldn’t bring himself to look at her. Turning away, his voice was as cold as ice. “Ms. Yates, I’ve already made myself clear Please, stop this pointless drama. Let’s all maintain some dignity.”

She sagged like a deflated balloon, her shoulders heavy with defeat.

Her body wavered, barely able to stay upright. She took a few steps to the side, making way for the door.

Seeing her distress, Sienna rushed

over,

Pulling her into a protenet

embrace. “It’s okay, Tessa.

still

have us. Everything will be alright….”

II

“Stephen, you’re going too far!” Naomi cried out, rushing toward him. She was ready to lash out, but Quentin grabbed her, holding her back.

“Naomi, don’t do something you’ll regret!” he pleaded.

As Sienna comforted Tessa, she cast a discreet glance at Henry, who silently

moved toward Stephen, whispering something in his ear.

Moments later, Stephen and Nancy were on their way out.

“I’m absolutely furious! How dare they?” Naomi fumed, her voice shaking with anger.

Quentin tried to hold her back, clearly overwhelmed by the situation.

Without warning, she spun around and shot him a fiery glare.

His heart sank, sensing the storm was about to hit.

Sure enough, Naomi lashed out, throwing a punch in his direction. “You can leave too!”

“Naomi, it’s not my fault!” Quentin exclaimed, feeling more misunderstood than ever.

Naomi’s anger flared even more. “If you hadn’t brought Stephen here none of this would’ve happened! I came to comfort Tessa, but before I could even do that, she ended up hurt again! Just leave! Get out!”

With that, she forcefully shoved him toward the door.

Sienna turned to Henry. “You and Quentin should go. I’ll stay with Naomi and Tessa. We women can take care of this.”

Henry didn’t argue, simply nodding in agreement. He pulled Quentin along, ushering him out of the room.