Chapter 1436

The atmosphere seemed to tense as everyone turned to stare at Scott in fearful anticipation, but the moment he spoke, the tension was broken, and everyone sighed surreptitiously in relief, Naomi included. She deliberately avoided Scott's gaze all this while, but the moment Ian addressed her directly, she could not stop herself from sneaking Scott a look. After recovering from her initial surprise at meeting his gaze, she soon recognized an expression of longing in his handsome features—he wanted to sit next to her. How could she possibly allow that to happen? His presence here today was already attracting enough attention as it was, so how could she allow him to be near her, knowing the amount of gossip it would stir up? Amelia agreed as well, which was why she squeezed Naomi's hand in hopes of conveying the same message. Therefore, without a single doubt, Naomi met Scott's gaze head-on and conveyed to him firmly—no. He was to listen to her—and subsequently Ian's—plan. As deter