If it weren't for the fact that someone had decided to pit her against Rose over the same dress, things might not have escalated to this point.
Mason arched an eyebrow and scratched his temple, with a sheepish expression on his face. "Hey, I was just doing a favor for someone."
Who would've thought that a dress-clash could cause such a drama? Indeed, that woman was just as the rumors had said—a real she-devil.
A simple garment had sparked this whole "bloodbath," probably all part of her wicked plan.
He shivered involuntarily. Terrifying, utterly terrifying.
Rose noticed Mason's words, as well as his subsequent expressions and subtle actions. She raised an eyebrow, a hint of confusion flashing in her eyes.d2
Doing a favor for someone?
When she first realized her dress clashed with Mona's, she thought it had been Mona's doing—like she was flaunting her victory.
She'd even worried that someone would make a joke out of the baby bump she was sporting. After all, a dress-clash was one thing, but with her protruding belly, it could become a laughingstock.
But now, it seemed the tables had turned in her favor. Who could be behind this?
Catching Rose's gaze, Mason lifted his head and offered her a small smile and a nod. She nodded back, smiling.
The hand wrapped around her waist tightened. Snapping back to reality, she noticed Morrison glaring at her with a furrowed brow. "What's up?"
Morrison pursed his lips. "Stay away from him, he's a creep."
Rose was speechless for a moment before retorting, "Have you seen the state your Mona's in? And you're worried about others?"
"What are you talking about, when is she mine? Watch your mouth."
Rose chuckled, shrugged off his grip, and ran her fingers through her hair.
"It's not now, but it was before."
With that, she glanced up at him with a raised eyebrow and casually wished him a "Happy Birthday" before turning and walking toward the exit of the banquet hall, leaving an agitated Mona behind.
"Where are you going?" Morrison hurried after her.
Rose didn't respond.
"Rose! You haven't had your cake yet."
"I'm skipping it. Sweets are just too cloying for my taste right now. Why are you following me? There's a whole crowd waiting to eat your birthday cake."
"The cake is right there, and whoever wants a piece can help themselves—I'm not stopping them."
Rose halted, scanning the surroundings before shifting her gaze to Morrison. "Are you sure you want to leave all your guests hanging like this?"
Morrison paused, turned, and shouted to Riley: "Order two more cakes, make sure everyone gets their fill, and thank them for coming."
The crowd was too stunned to react. This Mr. Witt of R City was hardly the type to make such announcements. Even Riley was taken aback for a few seconds before blurting out, somewhat bewildered, "Mr. Witt, are we really sending those tampons to Mr. Mason as well?"
Morrison glanced at Mason, snorted, and said, "Of course. Although he's a bit of a pervert, I'm still very grateful to him for helping Mrs. Witt out of trouble back then. A mere truckload is not enough to express my gratitude. If Mr. Mason ever runs out, let feel free to ask for more in the future."
Mason's lips twitched at the childish remark—it seemed the man would never let things go.
Rose, somewhat helpless, smoothed her forehead and without a word, continued her stride out of the hall.
Morrison quickly followed. "Rose! Isn't this a bit much? It's my birthday, and you're leaving early?"
Without breaking her stride, Rose turned to him. "This isn't the first time I've been acting like this."
Caught off guard, Morrison stumbled over his words. "I also don't really like that sickly sweet cake. I hate it, actually."
"Well, that's a shame because the vegan cream cake I ordered should be arriving at our place about now."
Morrison paused mid-stride, watching Rose's retreating figure. Grinding his teeth, he caught up to her in a few long steps and suddenly scooped her up from behind. "Ah…" Rose let out a startled cry, instinctively wrapping her arms around Morrison's neck.
As the world steadied, she saw Morrison's face close up, and in frustration, she smacked his shoulder. "You scared me to death! What are you doing?!"
Morrison took large steps forward, holding her in his arms.. "We're going home to eat cake."
"But you said you don't like cake?"
He grunted. "Not only am I going to eat cake, but I'm planning on devouring you with it."
Rose's cheeks flushed a sudden shade of crimson.
Molly shook her head with a mix of exasperation and affection. Megan covered her eyes. "Well, that cheeky boy. No shame whatsoever!"
Rose had countless memories of clashing with Morrison, but none were like this—so shamelessly rogue. And she found herself at a loss on how to handle this version of him.
"I never thought you'd be such a... a brat."
"Hmph! Thanks for the compliment. I'll be sure to continue, to embody the perfect brat."
"Please, have some dignity."
"Never."
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