Through the dim streetlights, Steve Burton clearly saw the server who came out with him standing not far away, taking pictures of him and Charlotte Madris with his cell phone.
He looked at Charlotte with a playful, affectionate expression, his eyebrows flickering slightly. Then, he reached out his hand, placing it on the back of the chair behind her, giving the illusion that he had her in his embrace.
His tone was languid, and he sounded almost carefree: "No, I'm just complimenting you."
A delicate smile blossomed on Charlotte's face like a flower.
-
As Ruby Gregory chatted with Madeleine, she felt an odd change in the atmosphere surrounding her. Well-dressed women she knew and didn't know appeared before her and Madeleine from time to time, either alone or in groups. Their gaze always seemed to flit over to her, and the groups would exchange knowing glances and smiles, before huddling together in a secretive manner after passing her.
