Chapter 3 He's Just Not Into Me

The private room was dimly lit, giving off a warm and moody vibe. Shane's tall figure blocked most of the light behind him, helping Cheryl stay hidden in the shadows. It kept unwanted eyes off her.

She tilted her chin, trying to catch his attention and maybe start a conversation. But Shane's cool, detached demeanor made it clear that he wasn't interested. He didn't give her an inch.

Cheryl sighed quietly.

He really was a tough nut to crack.

The evening dragged on, and not once did she get a chance to talk to him. She lingered on the sidelines, feeling more and more invisible, while Shane mingled with others like it came easy to him.

Rodger had picked up on it too. His brows pulled together in a tight frown.

Wilbur leaned toward him with a teasing grin. "Looks like your little plan didn't work, huh?"

Rodger's expression didn't change. "I thought Cheryl would do better than this."

It looked like Cheryl wasn't Shane's type.

Later, as the party came to an end, Cheryl walked behind Rodger and stole a few glances at Shane. But not once did he look her way.

Wilbur, who was a little drunk by now, tried to throw an arm around Shane's shoulder. But halfway there, he chickened out and pulled back awkwardly. "Shane, come on, we go way back, don't we? We should catch up sometime! Oh, and about that Osetan project, I'll bring the proposal to Warren Group myself tomorrow."

That was what this whole party was really about.

Shane's reply was cool and effortless. "Don't bother making the trip. My assistant will collect it."

Wilbur lit up like he had just scored big. "No trouble at all!"

"It's no trouble for us either," Shane said, deadpan.

Cheryl overheard the whole thing. Watching Wilbur try so hard to please Shane, she couldn't help but think how desperate he looked.

Shane sending someone else meant Wilbur wasn't getting any special attention. It was just the usual way of doing business.

But Wilbur didn't notice, still smiling like he was Shane's best friend.

"Cheryl," Rodger called out firmly.

She quickly looked up, but her eyes were still fixed on Shane.

Unfortunately, he still paid her no attention.

"See Mr. Warren out," Rodger said, clearly giving her one last chance to make a move.

Cheryl's heart jumped at the opportunity, and she instinctively moved a little closer to Shane. But his distant voice cut her off.

"That won't be necessary, Miss Blake," he said flatly, offering her a fleeting glance before looking away.

A chill ran down Cheryl's neck.

Shane's eyes stayed on her just a second longer before he added, "I've got something to take care of." Then he walked off without another word.

Rodger's expression tightened, but he held back his frustration. As soon as Shane left, he turned to Cheryl. "Didn't expect you to mess this up so badly, Cheryl."

Cheryl blinked, trying to look innocent. "He's just not into me. What am I supposed to do?"

Rodger regarded her with disappointment. He was clearly about to say something when a familiar voice rang through the room.

"Cheryl!"

Cheryl recognized that voice immediately.

Perfect timing. She had been itching to get out of there.

With a quick, sly grin, she turned and took off.

Zoey stormed in, wearing a dramatic red dress and a furious expression.

Rodger stepped in front of her and tried to calm her down. "Why are you here?"

Zoey let out a bitter laugh. "Are you seriously asking me that? If I'd shown up a minute later, would Cheryl already be in bed with my fiancé?"

Zoey, who had always been spoiled and used to getting her way, hated it when people tried to steal from her. She shoved past Rodger and went after Cheryl.

Meanwhile, Cheryl had already run down the hallway in the direction Shane went. It felt like the corridor stretched on forever.

Panting for breath, she stopped and rested against the wall. Behind her, Zoey's loud shouting echoed like an annoying alarm.

Cheryl was fed up. She was tired of this whole mess. Let whatever was coming, come. She didn't care anymore.

She leaned back against a door, and to her surprise, it opened behind her. She stumbled backward, straight into someone's steady arms.

A cool scent surrounded her, and then a low chuckle came from above her head.

"Miss Blake, you really do have a talent for falling into men's arms, don't you?"