The Framed Heiress Strikes Back

Chapter 23 He Knew

Chapter 23 He Knew

A faint, mischievous smile flickered across Jude's face, dangerously alluring. "Sure," he said.

His secretary and the manager standing nearby exchanged battled glances.

Ihatkindofmovewasthat?

Neitherofthemcouldfigureitout.

And that thing Ms. Summer just said-wasn't that basically hitting on Mr. Jude? Thanasusually his line. Sonoushe'dippedthescriptandinvitedhimtodinner?

Andthecraziestpart-he lookslikehe'sactuallyintoit

The secretary gave Davina a sidelong glance. Isn't Mr. Jude supposed to hate forward women?

Truthfully, Davina hadn't planned it. It was just a spur-of-the-moment joke, something to tease him with.

She hadn't expected Jude to play along so effortlessly.

But now that the words were out, she couldn't exactly take them back.

"I'm in the mood for fondue, Davina said, raising an eyebrow.

Jude's lips curled slightly. "Sounds good."

Thirty minutes later.

Davina sat across from him, watching the steam rise from the pot of bubbling fondue. Then she glanced up at Jude.

It should've felt awkward-completely out of place. And yet... it didn't.

He'd taken off his jacket, dressed down in just a black button-up shirt.

He always dressed a little unconventionally.

The top button was always left undone, and he never wore a suit the way you're supposed to.

Everything about him radiated that polished, old-money charm. But his achons carried a kind of dangerous edge that didn't quite belong in that world. Still, somehow, he hid it well.

Or rather-he tried to. But no matter how careful he was, that wild streak leaked out from under the surface.

Davina had heard about him, of course. Jude had a fearsome reputation in elite circles, but he rarely made a public

appearance.

Everyone knew him for his ruthlessness-even when he was a kid, he was notorious for heating up anyone who crossed him and sending them straight to the hospital.

As he grew older, he only got worse. When he was in a good mood, he was fine. But when he wasn't-no one dared to test

him

Everyone in the upper crust was afraid of him.

Behind his back, people called him the tyrant of the Wilsons-and not always in a flattering tone.

Even the

Even the powerful Barlows didn't dare provoke him.

But Davina had noticed something others didn't: Jude wasn't as reckless as he seemed. He walked the edge-but never lost control.

Chapter 23 He Knew

Everything he did, even the chaos, was calculated,

Tve always been curious about something Jude said suddenly, not touching his food. His eyes were fixed on Davina as she dipped a bite into the cheese. Hut of course, you don't have to answer if you don't want to.

Davina took a bite, chewed, and swallowed. "Then I won't

Jude raised an eyebrow, I changed my mind

She kept eatingnoveldrama

"Too bad. No take-hacks,"

He froze for a second-his face tensed, then, unexpectedly, he let out a low laugh.

Leaning on one hand, he rested his chin against his palm and simply watched her ear, as if that was far more entertaining than any answer she could've given. Alight. I won't ask then," he said softly, with a warmth that felt oddly indulgent. first place.

As if watching her enjoy her fondue was more satisfying than whatever he'd meant to ask in the first

Suddenly, he said, "You're the true heiress of Summer Group"

Davina paused, looked up at him briefly, then went back to eating like it didn't matter.

"Aunt Sacha likes you. She never married and never had kids. She's always believed in staying single. So you don't need to worry. If she's claimed you as her daughter, then you're the rightful heiress of the Barlows,"

His words sounded casual, but the meaning ran deeper. He was telling Davina- here, in the Barlows, she didn't have to prove

herself.

Sacha had chosen her out of genuine affection.

No marriage. No other heirs. No one had the right to question Davina's place.

"As for your family, their influence in the circle isn't as impressive as it seems. Compared to the Barlows? They're not even

cluse

There was something pointed in the way he said it.

And Davina realized-Jude already knew about her connection to the Summers.