SWNOVELS Chapter Billionaire’s 79
Chapter 79
Ethan followed his brother Melvin into the cozy bakery cafe, inhaling the delicious scents of freshly baked bread and pastries and brewing coffee, which wrapped around him like a warm hug.
He hadn’t been thrilled about the errand, but Melvin had insisted, claiming his pregnant wife had a craving that only Ray’s Bakery could satisfy Ethan had never been to the place before, but as he stepped inside, he found himself appreciating the inviting atmosphere with its wooden beams and cheerful floral arrangements
Melvin, on the other hand, walked in like he owned the place. He moved with the case of familiarity, waving at the young woman behind the counter, who greeted him with a bright smile..
“Hey, Melvin Back so soon?” she called, her eyes sparkling with recognition.
“You know my wife,” Melvin said with a good–natured chuckle.
ckle. “She’s craving Bay’s croissants again. If I don’t bring them home, I’m a dead man!
The barista laughed, nodding in understanding. “I’ve g
got you covered. Fresh batch just came out of the oven
“Awesome! Is Rayna in?” Melvin asked hopefully
“She stepped out to get something down the block, but she’d be back soon”
Ethan watched the exchange with mild amusement, his curiosity piqued. He hadn’t realized his brother and his wife were regulars here. “So, the famous bakery that Sarah keeps raving about.” Ethan commented, looking around. “Not bad”
Melvin grinned, nudging Ethan’s shoulder. “Not bad! This place is a lifesaver. They have the best pastries in town.
“Easy with the exaggeration, Ethan said, and Mekan chuckled.
“A trial will convince you. Come on, let’s grab a table and have some muffin and coffee before we head out Melvin suggested, nodding to the barista to serve them.
pastries—croissants, muffins, cinnamon rolls, and other
Ethan nodded, his mouth watering at the sight of the display case filled with an array of pa treats that looked too good to resist,
After ordering some muffins and two cups of coffee, they slid into one of the booths.
Tahan picked up one of the muffins and but into it as they sat down. His eyes closed involuntarily as he savored the taste. He had to admit that Melvin was right and the baker was good.
it with approval.
“This tastes really good. I didn’t know a muffin could taste so good,” he said
Told you” Melvin said with a grin, taking a bite of his cart. “Best in town”
Melvin leaned back in his chair, taking a sip of his coffee. “You know, Ethan, you should come here more often. The owner, Rayna, is a really lovely lady. She’s single, too: Sarah and I have been thinking of introducing you two. I bet you’d hit it off.”
Echan raised an eyebrow, hiding his smirk behind his coffee cup. “Oh? Are you trying to set me up, Mel! Is that why Sarah insisted we come here today!”
Melvin shrugged, a playful glint in his eyes. “Just saying, you’ve been single for too long. Rayna’s great. She’s beautiful smart, and kind, and she makes a mean chocolate cake. What more could you want?”
“Is this about what I want, or about you and Sarah wanting a sister–in–law who can make a mean chocolate cake for you!” Ethan asked. He had yet to tell his brother about his plan to put up an ad for a wife.
“Well, that’s a given, but you’re the one who gets to have an amazing woman,” Melvin said with a grin.
Before Ethan could respond, the door to the bakery swung open, and Rayna walked in, dressed in a casual bat chic outfit, her hair pulled back in a next ponytail.
“Speak of the devil,” Melvin said with a wide smile. “Raynal Over here!”
On hearing her name, Rayna’s eyes scanned the room briefly before she spotted Melvin, who was waving her over with a big smile.
Curious, Ethan humed to look, and his stomach dropped. He recognized her instantly the same woman he had argued with at the club–the same woman who had accused him of being a pervert.
Oblivious to Ethan’s displeasure. Melvin grinned as Rayna approached, “Beautiful, isn’t she!”
Rayna pained, her smile fading as she took in Ethan’s presence. “You?” she asked, wondering what he was doing these and if perhaps Derek had sent hiar cover to apologize to her.
12:15 PM dd.
Chapter 79
“What are you doing here?” Ethan dernanded at the same time, his voice cold and sharp.
“I could ask you the same thing.” she said, her tone cautious,
Melvin looked between the two of them, clearly confused. “Wait, do you two know each other?”
Melvin
“What is she doing here, and who is she to you?” Ethan asked, and Melvin frowned.
“She is the one I was just telling you about. How do you know her?” Melvin asked, looking from one to the other.
Kayna
Ethan shot out of his chair, his face a mask of anger. “I can’t believe this. You own this place?” he asked, his voice sharp with disbelief. When R: nodded, he let out a bitter laugh. “I’ve been eating something you made? Unbelievable.”
Rayna’s face flushed with embarrassment, her eyes wide with regret. “Look, I.” Rayna tried to say, but Ethan didn’t wait to hear her out.
He pushed his chair back, standing up abruptly, his jaw clenched in anger. “I’m out of here, Mel,” he said and stormed out of the bakery without. looking back, leaving Rayna standing there, stunned.
Melvin called after him, but Ethan ignored him, disappearing out the door. The little bell above it jingled with his departure, leaving an awkward silence in its wake. Melvin turned back to Rayna, his expression a mix of bewilderment and concern
“What just happened? I’ve never seen him so pissed. Did something happen between you and my brother?” Melvin asked in confusion.
Rayna nodded, biting her lip as she watched Ethan’s retreating figure through the window. “We met once before. It didn’t go well. It’s… complicated,” she said, her voice soft. “You should probably go after him, Melvin.”
Melvin hesitated, glancing back at the door. “I don’t know what’s going on, but you’re right. I’ll talk to him. Thanks, Ray. And I’m sorry about this.”
Rayna shook her head, offering him a small, reassuring smile. “It’s okay. Go on.”
Melvin nodded, giving her a grateful look before hurrying out after Ethan. As the door closed behind him, Rayna stood alone in the middle of her bakery, her heart pounding. She took a deep breath, trying to steady herself.
What manner of coincidence was this? All this while she had heard of Melvin’s brother from his wife, Sarah, but had never seen him, and then all of a sudden, she is meeting him now after a misunderstanding at the club?
“Way to go, Ray. You’ve got rotten hack”