chapter1139

Lydia squinted, then let out a soft laugh. Maisie and Marilyn stood nearby, both looking absolutely stunning. She hadn't expected Marilyn to be part of this group too.

"Carter! Rosie's heels clicked loudly as she hurried over, eyes locked on Carter and Lydia. "Carter, why are you here with her?"

Rosie had tried to get Carter to meet up tonight, but he told her he already had plans. She'd pushed for details and finally found out where he'd be, but never imagined he'd be seeing Lydia.

Lydia was impossible to avoid. No matter where she went, Lydia always seemed to show up. And now, the guy Rosie had been chasing for what felt like forever a guy who was harder to catch than anyone was sitting here, laughing and having dinner with Lydia.

Carter noticed Rosie's stormy expression. His brow creased just a little, and

annoyance flickered in his eyes, but he stood up politely. "Miss Gibson, what brings you here?"

Rosie swept up to his side and made sure to block his view of Lydia, putting on a sweet, pouty act. Carter, I'm just here for a girls' night with my friends. I can't believe we ran into you." She shot Lydia a cold, dismissive look. "Oh, it's you, Lydia. Carter, when did you start hanging out with her?"

Carter wasn't expecting Rosie to be so rude. His voice turned chilly. "Miss Gibson, Lydia is here because I invited her. Please show some respect."

Honestly, Carter and Rosie barely knew each other. They'd met once at a medical dinner. After that, Rosie messaged him about some medical question, and he'd helped her out a few times. Ever since, she'd been calling him like they were close, and he found it exhausting.

ie'

To Rosie, Carter was completely out of reach. He wasn't just the Defense Minister's son; he was also the favorite student of the director of the National Biological Research Institute. No matter how youdooked at it, he outshined Alfie from the Goss family in every way Rosie couldn't stand Alfie but politically, her uncle was never on the same side as the Shaw family, so getting anywhere near Carter was almost impossible. Still, if she couldn't have him, at least no other girl could either. That thought had always made her feel a little better.

But now, the one girl she couldn't stand was sitting with the guy she wanted most. It was enough to drive her crazy.

"Carter, do you even know who she is? She's already engaged. Why are you spending time with her? She's just messing with you."

Carter stared at Rosie like he couldn't believe what he was hearing. His voice was icy. "Miss Gibson, please watch what you say. Lydia and I were discussing work. Don't go making wild accusations."

Rosie's face went pale, then flushed. She'd seen everything with her own eyes, so why was Carter denying it? Maisie quickly stepped in, trying to smooth things over Rosie, maybe we got the wrong idea. Carter knows what he's doing."

5

Marilyn was just as surprised. Was Lydia really out with Carter? The son of the Defense Minister? The star student of Director Boris? How did Lydia pull this off? It didn't seem fair.

But Rosie was too wrapped up in

jealousy to listen to anyone. She

glared at Lydia, her eyes full of spite. "Don't get too comfortable, Lydia Carter's going to see you for who you really are. You'll get what's coming for you."

Lydia just shrugged, totally unbothered by Rosie's words. "Miss Gibson, you can't

force love. Isn't that exactly what you told Alfie?