BLACKMAILED BY THE BILLIONAIRE

Chapter 23: I'll Drive Her Home

Chapter 23: I'll Drive Her Home.

Alex stepped in, offering a comforting embrace, "I'll drive her home." I appreciated his gesture, knowing full well that Lisa had plans with David. She had been looking forward to spending the night at his place, and I didn't want my departure to disrupt her evening. Alex's offer was a welcome solution.

Lisa hesitated, "I should be there for her, Alex. Thanks, though." I gave Lisa a reassuring smile, "Really, I'll be fine. Alex will drop me off. You should stay and enjoy your night with David. I'll probably just crash as soon as I hit the bed. Don't worry about me."

Lisa still looked uncertain, "Are you sure, Bella? I can ditch my plans. I want to make sure you're okay."

I insisted, "Honestly, Lisa, I'm okay. Go have a great night with David. We can catch up tomorrow, maybe grab lunch or dinner, okay?"

Finally, Lisa acquiesced, "Alright, but promise me you'll call if you need anything. Doesn't matter when, I'll be there. I love you, Bella."

"I love you too, Lisa. Now go on, don't make it a soap opera scene," I joked lightly. After bidding everyone farewell, Lisa and David exited the club, leaving me to navigate the rest of the night with a heavy heart but grateful for the support of friends.

Stuck with the boys, I avoided glancing in Harry's direction, my disdain for him palpable at that moment. As Alex and I made our way out, one of his bodyguards approached him urgently, explaining there was an emergency requiring his immediate attention—a dispute between two of his VIP clients over a complex business deal tinged with personal rivalries, apparently involving a woman both were vying for. Alex attempted to delegate the resolution to his assistant, but it was clear the situation demanded his personal touch.

Seeing his hesitation, torn between his responsibilities and ensuring my safe return home, I intervened. "Alex, you're clearly the only one who can defuse this situation. I can manage on my own, really. Go take care of your business," I urged him.

Alex protested, "After the way that asshole boss of yours ruined your night? No way I'm letting you head home alone."

But then, a disturbance broke out nearby—it was the feuding clients his assistant had mentioned, their argument escalating rapidly. Sean, stepping in, addressed Alex, "You need to handle this now, before it gets out of hand. I'll make sure Bella gets home safe."

With a reluctant glance at me and then at the unfolding chaos, Alex apologized for leaving and expressed his gratitude to Sean before hurrying off to manage the crisis.

As Sean's driver pulled up, he graciously opened the door for me, ushering me into a bubble of silence that stretched between us as the vehicle glided through the streets. My gaze was fixed on the city passing by, a blur of lights and shadows, while Sean seemed intent on providing some solace, though I was wary of pulling him into this mire of emotions.

Given his long-standing friendship with Harry, Sean might have insights into Harry that I couldn't access. It was evident that Sean was attempting to ease my discomfort, but I hesitated to take sides in the situation. Knowing how close Sean and Harry had been since childhood, Sean probably understood Harry better than anyone else.

"I'm sorry, Bella," Sean began, his voice filled with empathy. "I know he's a jerk, and he had no right to say those things about you. He just seems utterly confused when it comes to you. It's as if he becomes entangled in his own thoughts, leaving himself and everyone else bewildered. I can't even fathom how he comprehends that aspect of himself. You know, he often reminisces about your spirited debates when we hang out. I think seeing you with Alex tonight stirred something in him, something akin to envy."