CHAPTER 196 PEST 2

He perceived her as manipulative? She had no interest in altering his perception. Mary’s fingers clenched reflexively, and she resolutely turned her face away, refusing to utter a word. Derik advanced, cupping her chin and compelling her to meet his gaze. “Mary, I’m offering you a chance to clarify matters. Who escorted you home? Were you indeed dating two men at the same time?” He must have been losing his mind. Despite the time that had elapsed, he couldn’t shake his feelings for her. Even when faced with Millie’s flirtations, he remained disinterested. Thus, he was willing to offer Mary another chance. Perhaps there was a misunderstanding. The man could have simply been a friend. As long as she was open to providing an explanation, he would believe her. Staring into his inflamed eyes, Mary felt a compelling urge to divulge the truth. However, the recollection of him being intimate with Yana clouded her thoughts with melancholy. She shrugged off his hold, avoiding his gaze. “