Chapter 77
There were all kinds of questions like “Who is she? Why is Mr. Beaumont calling her mentor? Is she the heiress of some powerful family? Does anyone know her What’s her relationship with Mr. Beaumont? What kind of mentor? Is it some sort of pet name between lovers or something?”
The guests started discussing in hushed tones, most speculating about Paisley’s identity and her connection to Nathaniel. Of course, not everyone was confused. Those who had been at the stables earlier, Nathaniel and Dominick’s old schoolmates, already had some idea.
But even they couldn’t hide their surprise. Sure, they knew Pasley was a world champion in equestrian sports, and they knew Nathaniel wanted to become her student. Still, seeing it play out like this caught them off guard.
One of them thought. So Nathaniel really is serious about becoming her student. It’s not just talk. But…over horse riding? Isn’t this a bit much?
Nathaniel ignored the stares and whispers from the crowd, striding over to Paisley without a care. “Why are you only getting here now, Ms. Sutton! And why are you standing here all alone! Why didn’t you come find me?”
She felt a wave of awkwardness wash over her. With so many people around and the fact that she was Nathaniel’s guest, she figured she had to give
le guy at least a little face.
Leaning in slightly. Paisley lowered her voice and warned him. “Let me say this one more time. I am not your mentor. I don’t have the time to teach you horseback riding. You’d better find someone else.”
She paused, glanced up to meet his gaze, and continued firmly. “And another thing–don’t call me ‘mentor in public anymore. It’s embarrassing.” Nathaniel, standing a towering six–foot–three, loomed over Paisley by more than a full head. As she leaned forward and tilted her head up, her gaze landed on his sharp jawline and the curve of his smiling lips.
“Come on. Ms. Sutton, don’t be so cold–hearted, he said with a playful tone. Tm serious about making you my mentor. If this didn’t feel sincere enough. I’ll find another way to host you next time.”
For such a big guy, it was surp
it was surprising how effortlessly Nathaniel could pull off acting playful, almost coy like it was second nature,
Seeing the increasingly curious and amused looks from those nearby. Paisley felt a headache coming on.
“I said no more calling me your mor, and I won’t be accepting your next invitation either,” she said flatly. Inwardly, she groaned, ‘Good grief, I thought this would just be a straightforward business event. Turns out it’s just one big headache.
Meanwhile, in the distance, Dominick stood with a glass of wine in hand, his fingers tightening until his knuckles turned faintly white. His expression was unreadable, but Marissa caught every subtle reaction. She hadn’t missed the flash of amazement and infatuation in his eyes the moment he saw Paisley.
Sutton. He’s ignoring
Marissa chuckled softly and casually remarked to Alexis, who was standing beside her, “Looks like Nathaniel’s really into Ms. S all of us just to talk to her.
Assuming Marissa was still bitter about the horseback riding incident, Alexis eagerly played along. “Exactly. Here we all are, and yet we don’t seem to matter as much as a horse–riding champion in Nathaniel’s eyes”
Looking at Paisley, who was dressed in a unique yet understated gown, Alexis felt a twinge of irritation.
Alexis had spent a fortune on her gown for the evening, aiming to outshine everyone. It was bad enough that she couldn’t overshadow Marissa— after all, Marissa was Dominick’s date, and Alexis had to tread carefully.
Yet Paisley, dressed in what looked like an unimpressive, random gown from who–knows–where, easily stole the spotlight and captured everyone’s
attention
Frustrated, Alexis couldn’t help but say something harsh, “Honestly, she’s just some horse rider. Every single one of us here is more accomplished and better connected than she’ll ever be. One word from any of us, and she’d be done in Harrowfell”
Chapter 781
