Just as Paverick was lost in thought, he heard the doorbell ring.
"Who could this be at this time?" he muttered, directing a cold gaze toward the door.
He opened it to find Brag standing there, his expression dark and foreboding. Paverick instantly knew Brag wasn't here without a purpose.
"How may i help you?" Paverick asked, his gaze meeting Brag's, deliberately using the word "i."
Brag scoffed, his facade thin enough for Paverick to see the hurt beneath. "This has nothing to do with you. Now move aside," Brag commanded with authority.
"Too bad she's not here," Paverick responded coldly, suppressing the rising urge to punch Brag. His temper simmered beneath the surface.
"Run along, Mr. Brag!" Paverick added, starting to close the door. But before he could, Brag grabbed his wrist, heightening the tension between them.
"I'm sure you're aware of the Craneson situation, right? I'd suggest focusing on that instead of chasing after a woman who won't benefit you," Brag whispered sinisterly into Paverick's ear.
Unbeknownst to Brag, Paverick's hatred for men like him ran deep. In a swift motion, he grabbed Brag by the shirt, pulling him close.
"Trash like you makes me sick," Paverick spat, his glare cold and filled with contempt. He fought to control himself, knowing that if a fight broke out, Bae might walk out and see them.
The two men glared at each other menacingly, the air thick with hostility. Brag gave a warning in a sinister tone. "Let go, before your next concern is who will find your body."
"And I suggest you disappear," Paverick hissed, shoving Brag back like he was trash, before slamming the door shut.
" count himself lucky she is at home," Paverick thought darkly, his hand resting on the pocket knife at his waist.
Making his way to Bae's room, Paverick was already aware of Brag's true persona—thanks to everything Bae had told him. As he entered, he saw Bae standing in front of her mirror, adjusting her glasses.
"Mind telling me what's going on between you two?" Paverick asked coldly, his tone sharp. "I'm sure we both know Brag's visits are never normal."
Bae, already irritated by his proximity, could feel his breath on her neck, which only fueled her discomfort.
"I'm guessing your encounter with Brag has you acting up again, huh?" she thought coldly, glancing at him over her shoulder.
"Could you at least back up? And let's not pretend this is anything new," Bae replied icily, her irritation clear. She hated when Paverick got too close, making her feel uneasy.
To bae It wasn't the first time he acted this way, either. It puzzled her, especially considering Paverick had always insisted he wasn't in love with her, yet his behavior seemed to say otherwise.
"Go on, I'm waiting," Paverick's tone turned cold, his gaze sharpening.
Bae sighed softly. She hated seeing this side of Paverick; it reminded her of an annoying big brother as he claim he isn't interested in her.
She began explaining, recounting how Brag had spotted her just as she entered the cab heading back.
A sly smirk played on Paverick's face as he listened to her explanation. "I'm not sure what he's planning, but I need you to keep a close eye on him for any stunts," he said, placing a hand on her cheek.
Bae smacked his hand away, glaring at him. "I think it's time for you to head out now. Besides, you have a dinner date with your future wife."
"Really?" Paverick smiled, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "I know I'm handsome, but tell me, do you think Penny fall for me?" His grin widened.
"Don't worry, she's into pretty faces, so she'll fall for a narcissist like you," Bae retorted coldly, turning to grab her skincare bag.
"I certainly look forward to that," Paverick said, still watching her with his playful demeanor.
"I'll be going to the Frankford estate tomorrow night while you're on your date. It seems like the perfect opportunity to be alone with my dear mother and monitor her," Bae said.
"Leave the rest to me!" Paverick smirked, already forming a plan to delay Penny.
"But what will be my reward?" Paverick whispered, aware of Bae's reaction, smiling in anticipation.
As Bae moved to push his face away, he caught her wrist with perfect timing. "Let me know when you want me to release her," he said, placing her hand on his cheek.
Bae sighed at Paverick's behavior, growing accustomed to the sharp contrast between the cold exterior he showed to the world and the passive-aggressive antics.
"I wasn't able to meet him today," Bae thought, feeling frustrated that she hadn't crossed paths with Brag, while Paverick's gaze lingered on her.
"But I'm certain he won't miss the chance to see me tomorrow night."