Chapter 12: A Sultry Beauty

Words : 1983 Updated : Sep 25th, 2025

"Well, well, the prim-and-proper Doyle heiress. See an old friend and can't even say hello?" That sultry voice floated over, and Bella Doyle's face fell, all traces of her earlier happiness vanishing instantly. Her eyes practically shot sparks as she spun to face the newcomer. "Rosalyn Everett! Do you have to show up everywhere?" Fabian Farrell turned at the sound, his eyes lighting up. The woman before him could rival Bella in looks and figure, but her vibe was totally different. Bella was the classic well-bred lady-polished and poised. Rosalyn, on the other hand, was pure seduction: every tilt of her head and every move she made was magnetic. She wore a crisp white, low-cut blouse and a pale blue denim miniskirt. Lace-up stilettos showed off endless legs and a knockout silhouette. That foxy face with that killer body-devastating. With everyone staring, Rosalyn sauntered over to their table and slid into the seat next to Fabian. She propped her chin on one hand, leaned in, and looked him over with lazy amusement. Bella jumped to her feet, fury simmering, grabbed Fabian's arm, and tried to leave. Rosalyn caught Fabian's sleeve and, smiling at Bella, called out, "Hey, what's the rush?" "What, you think I'm going to eat this pretty boy alive?" "Rosalyn Everett, don't push it," Bella gritted out, jaw clenched. Rosalyn was the daughter of another powerful family in Haltoria. Though both were heiresses, she and Bella never got along. They'd gone to the same university, moved in the same circles. But Bella had always had a deep-rooted aversion to men. Until Fabian, she'd never once gone out alone with a guy. Rosalyn was the total opposite. In their four years of college, she'd burned through boyfriends faster than you could count. With a gentle tug, Rosalyn drew even closer. Her perfume hit Fabian full-on. She gently turned his face toward her, eyes sparkling, and teased, "Hey, cutie-do you think I'm pretty?" Fabian didn't pull away. He grinned. "Very." Bella's eyes were practically shooting sparks. She stomped her foot and gave Fabian a glare, her chest tightening. Rosalyn basked in the reaction, giving Bella a once-over. "Didn't think your boy toy would be this cute-and this blunt." Then she turned back to Fabian, closing the gap between them. "How about I be your girlfriend?" She was tall enough that even beside nearly six-foot Fabian, she didn't seem small. He could feel her bangs brushing his cheek. Fabian leaned in too, smiling. "Really?" Bella watched him, her heart sinking. Of course. Not a reliable man among them. Fabian caught the look in her eyes, and for some reason, his mood lifted. Jealousy meant he had a shot. He looked at Rosalyn and said, "Too bad. I don't want to be your boyfriend." Bella snapped back to life. Her eyes lit up and a smile tugged at her lips. Rosalyn had loved stealing things from her since they were kids. As long as Bella was upset, Rosalyn was happy. She hadn't expected Rosalyn to target Fabian today. Thank goodness Fabian hadn't let her down. Bella beamed at him, then shot Rosalyn a triumphant glance. Rosalyn's smile faltered for a moment, but she quickly recovered and asked, still smiling, "Why?" She knew men-knew exactly what they liked. No man had ever slipped through her fingers. Fabian looked at her and, feigning seriousness, said, "I've already got more than enough eye candy-no room for another." "Besides, sweetheart, your usual tricks don't work on me. I'm not like the other guys." "So be careful-don't end up falling for me." He let his gaze travel leisurely up and down her, amusement playing at his lips. Then he and Bella left the restaurant. Fabian's medical skill was sharp enough to read someone's condition without even checking their pulse. From the moment Rosalyn walked in, he could tell she was still a virgin. For all her boyfriends, she'd never crossed that line-mostly thanks to her family's clout. But Fabian was who he was. If he wanted something, no one could stop him. Rosalyn was clearly playing with fire. He found her interesting, but he was in no rush. Time was on his side. Rosalyn watched them walk away, irritation flaring. She stomped her foot, then turned and left. Inside the Maserati, Bella kept pouting, clearly sulking. Fabian didn't ask. He knew she wouldn't keep it in for long. Sure enough, before they'd even left the mall, Bella blurted, "Is that woman pretty?" Fabian paused, then answered honestly, "Yeah. She is." Bella floored it, and the car shot forward. Fabian clutched the door. Just as he was about to retch, Bella hit the brakes. The Maserati had already blasted out of the city, destination unknown. She turned to him, all seriousness. "Then which of us is prettier?" He smiled, taking in her face, flushed with temper. "Tough call. One's the classic, well-bred type; the other's more of a vamp-" "I'm asking who's prettier!" Bella cut in, impatient. Fabian laughed. "You are. Next to you, no one stands a chance." Satisfied, Bella smiled. "Now that's more like it." Fabian could only shake his head. Women love asking that question. "Remember this, Fabian," Bella said, suddenly serious. "She's no good. Don't fall for her." "What's wrong with her?" he asked. "She's had more boyfriends than I can count," Bella said, turning in her seat. "So be careful. She's just curious and wants to toy with you. Don't actually fall into her trap." "Relax," Fabian said with a faint smile. "She may have had plenty of boyfriends, but she's still a girl. Untouched." Bella stared at him, shocked. "No way!" Then, as it clicked, she grabbed his shirt and declared, "I don't care. Just don't get too close to her!" Fabian's grin turned wicked. "If I don't get close to her, should I get closer to you?" He hadn't expected that he, a poor nobody, would become such a hot commodity after coming to the city. Bella's cheeks flushed pink. In a small voice, she said, "If you behave, it's not out of the question." Fabian blinked, then a sly smile tugged at his lips. Pretending not to have heard, he teased, "What did you say?" Bella, flustered by his look, blushed scarlet, gave him a playful swat, then sat up straight, ready to start the car and drive away.

Chapter 12: A Sultry Beauty

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