Page 56 of My Treasured Obsession

“I’m okay. She was pushy but harmless.” Cade yanked Ella into his embrace, murmuring with a hint of amusement, “Thank you for saving me, Ellie.”

The girls and I laughed.

Cade was a mob prince down to his core. He certainly didn’t need anyone to save him, but I reckon he enjoyed watching his girlfriend go all territorial over him.

After the laughter subsided, Hera’s regretful eyes crossed over to mine. I once told her that I found Morgan vindictive. It always made the team uncomfortable when Morgan would demean me with a verbal jab when I was talking during our meetings. Last month, Hera had to pull Morgan to the side and explain that her behaviour wasn’t okay or tolerated amongst the team. It subdued Morgan temporarily, but she still glared at me whenever we were in the same room.

I think Hera was beginning to realize the ridiculous extent of Morgan’s unprofessionalism and misplaced dislike for me. Especially because I’d never done anything to her.

I shrugged, voicelessly letting Hera know that I was fine.

“Cade,” Hera addressed him after clearing her throat. “My team is always respectful and courteous, and they’re well aware that their actions tonight are a direct reflection on the association. Everyone was supposed to be on their bestbehaviour for tonight’s mixer. I…I don’t know why Morgan acted that way with you.”

“You don’t have to apologize, Hera.” Cade shook his head. “It’s not a big deal. I’m okay. She probably just drank too much.”

“Probably,” Hera echoed as an afterthought.

A few hours ago, Hera gave the whole team explicit instructions not to drink to the point that we became drunk or tipsy. That wasn’t acceptable for a night like this, regardless of the venue and the nature of the event. Everyone who bought a ticket was given a free voucher for one drink—unless, of course, the attendees wanted to buy more drinks themselves.

But Morgan didn’t look drunk or tipsy to me.

Plus, she said Cade had been staring at her—a complete lie. His eyes had never once strayed from Ella, except when she left to go to the bathroom. Maybe Morgan’s dislike for me drove her to interrupt my conversation with a guy that she thought I was interested in—I obviously wasn’t into Cade—just so she could shit on my parade and attempt to prove that she was the better option.

It would be quite like her character.

Ready to move past this Morgan fiasco, I checked my phone again. The latest texts in my group chat with the girls had my shoulders sagging in disappointment.

Layla’s car just had a flat tire and we’re stuck in the middle of a busy road. —Anna

We called insurance, but we’re not sure if we’ll make it in time. —Anna

We’re so sorry, Gabby. —Anna

If we weren’t so far away, we’d walk to you—Anna

They sent me a selfie of them in the car with sad pouts, looking glamorous as ever.

I saw their location, confirming that they were nowhere near the bar. At least help was on the way. That filled me with relief.

I sent them my own selfie with a matching sad pout.

Please don’t worry about it and stay safeKeep me posted with updates! —Gabby

Also, WOW! You both look stunning—Gabby

Right back at you! You look hot as hell—Anna

Is Oscar there, btw? —Anna

Yes, he’s hiding in the corner of the bar, pretending to be incognito. I’m here with Ella, Darla, Dacia, and Hera. —Gabby

Okay, good. We’ll let you know about our new ETA as soon as possible. Please keep texting us throughout the night so we know you’re fine. Miss you! —Anna

PS: Tell the girls we say hi! —Anna

I will! Miss you both—Gabby

I placed my phone into my heart-shaped clutch and focused my attention back on my friends, trying to salvage the rest of my night. Although Morgan’s rude interruption and Layla and Anna’s flat tire put a damper on my mood.