Cooper's woman

But Cooper came after me and stopped me before I could enter the elevator; he hugged me from behind, and I remained still.

I was angry and wanted to lash out at him, but I held back. I had done well controlling myself; I will be a fool once again.

"I'm sorry, it's just that..." He began to speak, but I didn't let him finish.

"I understand." I forced a smile and turned toward him. "I completely understand; you don't have to explain. May I know the venue, please?"

"Uh... I..." He hesitated, watching me.

"Ruby wants to..." Just then, my phone rang.

"Look, it's Ruby; she wants to know the location."

"Luffy's Five Star is an English restaurant; the workers chose it themselves," he revealed.

"Oh... I'll tell her." I turned to answer the call, but he stopped me.

"You will join us at the VIP table."

"Us? Who?"

"Parker, Gavin, and I."

What about Bryce?

"Oh, okay, can I leave now?"