Possessed No More: The True Star Returns to Claim Her Throne-Chapter 71: He Grew Possessive

Cole Sinclair’s eyes darkened. He walked over, took her hand, and blocked the other guys’ gazes from landing on her. Whether confident, flamboyant, or alluring, every side of her was just too tempting. He didn’t want anyone else to see. ’Just a moment ago, in the next room, I even had the dark thought of locking this woman away, hidden from all eyes.’

’But that’s wrong. How could I have a thought like that?’

"So, you had a good time?"

Riley Perry tickled his palm and winked, looking both playful and alluring. "It was alright. Mr. Sinclair, I had amazing luck today and won a ton of money. I’ll treat you to a late-night supper!"

Cole Sinclair felt a tickle in his palm and instinctively tightened his grip on her mischievous little hand. "Alright."

’Actually, she was his favorite meal.’

Ethan Page teased, "What, you’re only treating Colt?"

’No wonder she turned down my endorsement deal. No wonder she didn’t bat an eye at gifting Colt a watch worth two or three million. If I had skills like Riley Perry’s, why would I even be running a company? I’d have quit and started living the easy life ages ago.’

Before Riley Perry could speak, Cole Sinclair shot back, "You enjoy playing the third wheel that much?"

Ethan Page was speechless.

Morgan Fisher and Julian Fuller watched from the sidelines, laughing. He’d brought it on himself.

Melanie Chenning nearly lost her composure. Though she was cursing Riley Perry endlessly in her head, she forced a pleasant smile. Her gaze darted back and forth between Riley and Cole Sinclair. "I heard Colt has a girlfriend, though I’ve never had the pleasure of meeting her. It couldn’t possibly be the woman next to you, could it?"

Cole Sinclair looked up at Melanie Chenning. "Who told you that?" 𝐟𝕣𝕖𝐞𝐰𝕖𝚋𝐧𝗼𝚟𝐞𝕝.𝗰𝐨𝐦

’These guys knew because I kept posting pictures of her gifts on my feed.’

’But Melanie? My feed is only visible to the three friends I’ve approved. So where did she get her information?’

Melanie Chenning was prepared for this question and wasn’t fazed. "The rumor is all over our circle. I just heard it from others. Supposedly, someone went to the Sinclair Group to discuss a project with you and saw that you’d been sent nine hundred and ninety-nine roses. People were incredibly envious. It sounds like your girlfriend must come from a prominent family, right, Colt?"

Cole Sinclair had an excellent memory, especially for the gifts Riley Perry had given him; he remembered each one perfectly. ’The time I received the nine hundred and ninety-nine roses was, in fact, when I was meeting with the president of Aether Group.’

’But the Chenning family’s business isn’t in the electronics industry, and Melanie just started at her company. How would she be in contact with the president of Aether Group?’

’There’s only one explanation. She went out of her way to dig up information.’

’And she wouldn’t be digging into my affairs for no reason...’

At this thought, Cole Sinclair’s gaze turned icy. "Don’t spread nonsense," he snapped, his voice devoid of warmth.

’So Colt is denying his relationship with this woman!’ Melanie Chenning breathed a sigh of relief at this conclusion. ’As long as she isn’t his girlfriend, everything is fine. It’s normal for men to play around a little. They settle down once they’re married. I’m not the type to fuss over such things; I won’t hold the past against him.’

Her gaze toward Riley Perry was now tinged with smug amusement, but her words were directed at Cole Sinclair. "And here I thought you really had a girlfriend! Turns out I was mistaken. Don’t worry, I won’t say a word to anyone. I’ll keep it from Mrs. Wyatt, too."

’That’s right, I definitely won’t say anything. Riley Perry is just some minor celebrity. Even mentioning her to Mrs. Wyatt would be giving her more credit than she deserves.’

’A minor celebrity dreaming of marrying into a wealthy family is just wishful thinking. Colt and I are a true match in status. We grew up together, so our bond is special. Even if Colt doesn’t love me, he doesn’t love anyone else either. For a marriage alliance, I am the best choice.’

Cole Sinclair shot Melanie Chenning a look but said nothing more to her. He still remembered Riley Perry questioning him last time, just because he’d given Melanie a ride.

’This woman of mine is fierce; she doesn’t want any other woman getting close to me. So, I need to keep my distance from Melanie Chenning.’

He looked at Riley Perry. "Want to play more? If you do, we can stay."

Julian Fuller thought, ’Colt, please no! Your brother’s life is a life, too!’

Thankfully, Riley Perry was more dependable than his friend. "Let’s just call it a day. I was only playing casually, but after losing a few hands in a row, someone started looking down on me, so I rashly challenged them to a bet."

"I didn’t realize you all knew each other. Should I... give the money back?" ’As if! I won this with my own skill, why on earth would I give it back?’

Clement Lee’s cheeks burned. ’If I took this money back, could I ever show my face in Dragonspire again? On second thought, this minor actress, Riley Perry, isn’t so bad. Is Melanie’s intense hostility toward her really just because she’s Eldest Master Sinclair’s mistress?’

"No need. A bet’s a bet, and I can afford the loss. Mr. Fuller, President Sinclair, President Page, Mr. Fisher, we have to get going. We’ll leave you to your chat."

Clement Lee quickly led his group away. After losing the money, he had no desire to stick around and embarrass himself further.

Besides, he couldn’t stand the way Melanie had been staring at Cole with that infatuated look on her face ever since he arrived.

Julian Fuller ordered his secretary, "Thorne, quickly, help Miss Perry cash in her chips. Riley, my friend, let’s go, let’s go. I just got a few cases of fine wine a few days ago. I hear red wine is great for a woman’s complexion. I’ll have a couple of cases sent over for you. When you run out, just tell me, and I’ll send more."

He looked so eager, as if he wished he could send Riley Perry on her way that very instant.

Riley thought, ’I really wasn’t planning on playing anymore. Now I’m leaving with freebies.’

Cole Sinclair gave her a look that said, ’If you don’t accept, he’ll be the one getting worried.’

"Let’s go get your wine."

Julian Fuller was speechless. ’I’m done with this guy! That’s my wine he’s giving away so freely.’

"Miss Chenning, would you care to join us downstairs for a wine tasting?"

The question was polite, but laced with distance. If the invitation had been genuine, he wouldn’t have phrased it that way.

Melanie Chenning was an expert at reading a room. To avoid wearing out her welcome, she politely declined. "No, thank you. I came with friends, so I won’t crash your party. Let’s get together some other time."

After she left, Ethan Page remarked dryly, "That girl’s talent is wasted in an office. She should be in the entertainment industry, just like Riley Perry."

The smile vanished from Julian Fuller’s face. "This is the first time Colt has ever brought a guest to my club, and her friend just happens to pick a fight with Riley? With such high stakes, too? I’m guessing tonight’s whole affair was her setup."

"Everyone in our circle knows the second Lee son has been trying to secure a marriage alliance with the Chenning Family."

He took out his phone and made a call. By the time they returned to Room 808, two video clips had been sent to his phone.

After watching the videos, Julian Fuller let out a dry, angry laugh. However, he had the good sense not to bring the matter up again. Instead, he sent someone to fetch the wine. "Colt, I’ll have them put it straight in your car. Just remember, the wine’s not for you. Don’t go hogging it."

Cole Sinclair shot him an annoyed glare. "As if."

Ethan Page deliberately sidled up to Riley’s other side. "Come on, tell me the truth. Have you been practicing your card skills, or are you just naturally that lucky?"