?Chapter 1084:

    He then said something into his inte.

    Brenna smirked faintly. “It seems I have no choice but to swim with you. So, Miss Wilson, what’s the challenge? Who has the better figure, who swims faster, or who can hold their breath longer?”

    Seeing Gracie squirm under Brenna’s sharp retorts, Waldo couldn’t stay silent and jumped to her defense. “She’s just looking to enjoy some time with you, Miss Harper. Aren’t you reading too much into it?”

    His sleazy gaze lingered on Brenna, specting about the curves hidden beneath her reserved attire.

    He figured she must have an impressive figure to have Ethan interested in her.

    Soon, a staff member arrived with a range of swimsuits—some barely more than scraps of fabric held together by flimsy ties, others slightly less revealing, like triangle bikinis or halter styles, and a few one-piece options.

    Ethan’s expression darkened at the selection. Though luxurious and costly, the designs were scant. The thought of Brenna’s body being stared at by others made him frown.

    Besides, there were Waldo and other people nearby.

    He didn’t want Brenna wearing something so revealing in front of everyone.

    “This one,” Ethan and Brenna said together, pointing to the one-piece swimsuit.

    Gracie scoffed mockingly, “What’s the matter, Miss Harper? Do youck confidence in your figure?”

    Brenna’s reply was swift and cutting. “Confidence doesn’t mean I need to parade around in barely anything for men to gawk at. You’re wearing next to nothing; has the man you like even noticed you?”

    Gracie was rendered speechless, her re fixed on Brenna.

    She had dressed skimpily to catch Ethan’s eye, but he hadn’t even spared her a look, his face even betraying a flicker of irritation when she was near him.

    Humiliation stung her. She had once been from a wealthy family, but now, she was deep in debt, and only Ethan was willing to help her. Being leered at by a creep like Waldo only deepened her shame, while Ethan seemed oblivious to the matter.

    “I’ll go with you to change,” Ethan said, escorting Brenna toward the building.

    Gracie tried to stop him. “She needs to go to the women’s changing room. You can’t enter.”

    ?????????? ?????? ?????????? ?????????? → g????????ν?????????????

    Ethan’s voice was icy. “I’ll stand outside to make sure she’s not disturbed.”

    Brenna’s smile was soft and appreciative. “You’re so considerate,” she said to Ethan.

    As they walked away, Waldo grabbed a cue stick and turned to Gracie. “Miss Wilson, since Miss Harper will be a while, how about a game of pool? I can teach you.”

    He slid behind her, wrapping his arms around her to guide her hands on the cue. Both barely dressed, the contact repulsed Gracie.

    She shoved him back with anger. “I know how to y. I don’t need you to teach me.”

    racie’s hand struck Waldo’s face, her voice trembling with rage. “You’re disgusting!”

    Waldo’s expression darkened, his cheek stinging from the p. Instead of retreating, he seized Gracie, pulling her close, his heavy frame pressing against her in a way that sent a twisted thrill through him.

    Humiliated and furious, Gracie shoved against him, but his strength overpowered her. “Let me go, you creep! If you disrespect me again, I’ll have Ethan cancel all partnerships with you, and you won’t make a single penny.” Her voice turned venomous. “I’m serious. Keep this up, and you won’t find a single business ally in Shirie!”

    .

    .

    .