The Framed Heiress Strikes Back

Chapter 22 Can I Buy You Dinner, Ms Summer?

Ryan said, "Stella, we'll talk later. I need to make a trip to the hospital"

snoveldrama

The crowd that had gathered to watch the drama began to scatter, some reluctantly, some in a hurry-but all with the same thought: don't get involved..

They all knew what could and couldn't be said. No one wanted to catch fire just by standing too close.

Jude lazily picked up his phone and dialed a number. He spoke casually, almost bored.

"Restore the livestream from Mythos's set just now. Every bit of it. And buy out two PR firms while you're at it. Ask for a premium price when Holt Group and the Summer Group reach out."

After hanging up. Jude finally turned to Davina.

"Aren't you mean?" she asked dryly.

He blinked, genuinely confused "Huh?"

She stared at him, deadpan. "Because you seem to be running low on... decency,"

Jude was speechless.

Davina had met plenty of jerks in her life. But this man? This was new territory.

For a second, she even wondered if something was off with him medically. Maybe she should jab a couple of needles in and

check.

To her surprise, Jude laughed.

His eyes lingered on her, glinting with a devilish grin. "You're not too bad yourself, Ms. Summer,"

Davina's eyes drifted over him, unapologetically.

She had to admit-up close, the man was ridiculously well put together.

Every detail of his face screamed sharp, masculine perfection..

Strong jawline, high cheekbones, eyes that held just the right amount of danger for a man.

And as someone with a deep understanding of anatomy, Davina had a special appreciation for beauty in form.

The proportions of his bone structure, the lean muscle definition... sheer aesthetic excellence.

Davina couldn't help but admire this man's body.

Jude, on the other hand, had definitely picked up on the way she was looking at him.

His gaze darkened slightly.

Italmoutfeltlike shewassatisfied with whatsheraw

That thought alone made his throat tighten involuntarily: his Adam's apple bobbled

as a strange flutter stirred deep within.

Just for a moment, something raw and unfamiliar surfaced.

"Thanks for stepping in earlier. Davina said coolly. "But next time, if anything

happens between me and the Summers, stay

out of it".

She wasn't under any illusion that Jude had jumped in to rescue her. Still, whether

by design or not, he had helped.

And she wasn't the type to ignore that.

101 PM

Chapter 22 Can I Buy You Dinner, Ms Summer?

s

Credit was credit

But she didn't like owing people favors.

Even less did she like anyone meddling in her business.

She had her own way of settling scores-and when she was ready to go off, she preferred to do it herself.

It was like when you were finally letting loose on someone who deserved it, right in the middle of a perfect tirade, and someone else barged in to fight your battle.

Even if they meant well, it was still annoying.

The original Davina had been timid and soft-spoken. When the Summers family ignored her, humiliated her, or hit her with cold, cruel words, she never fought back.

Ryan had treated her like a toy-on a leash-and she'd just let it happen.

But maybe some part of that Davina-the hurt, angry part-had stayed behind, buried deep in her bones.

And now that part was clawing its way out, showing no mercy for the Summers.

Jude didn't take offense at her words. In fact, there was a gleam in his eyes now- something curious, almost amused.

"Ms. Summer, I think you misunderstood. I never planned on helping you."

Davina didn't argue. She simply turned as if to leave.

"Then again..."Jude said suddenly, his voice easy but with intent. "Since we've bumped into each other twice now, would you let me buy you dinner?"

Davina's steps faltered. She turned to look at him.

His eyes were steady and piercing, reflecting her image back at her like mirrors. There was a quiet smile in them-one that felt like it could pull a person under if they weren't careful

He was beautiful, in the most dangerous way possible.

She chuckled, her tone light but playful. "Well, what do you know? We meet again."

Jude raised an eyebrow.

Davina tilted her head, a smile tugging at her lips. “Dinner, then?”