Chapter 45

Matthew halfheartedly followed Arabella as she continued to flaunt him in a way that made him feel more like one of the furry, neatly-groomed pets in the hands of their proud owner than a male companion. As a result, they raised more than a few eyebrows along the way. Much to his dismay, every other minute Arabella greeted somebody and stopped for a brief exchange, and he had to endure the awkward moment of introduction time and again. It had been a long time since the last time he suffered such hostility, now he felt like he couldn't bear it for another minute. The experience brought on a new realization that all this time, the club had been his little empire, the only place he and his skills were

held in high regard. The only place where he truly belonged.

Unaware of his irritation, Arabella moved to her next target.

"Lady Highwood. How delightful to see you." She waved at a handsome mature lady who'd just appeared in the opposite direction. The woman's eyes widened at the sight of