"Stop pretending, Boyce. Adelaide would die of a heart attack if she saw that scowl. If you don't want to care for her, just leave. Who are you putting on this act for?"
"Acting? I'll show you acting!"
I couldn't hold back any longer. My fist flew towards Raymond's face, landing with a satisfying crunch.
Raymond clutched his nose as blood streamed down, fury in his eyes.
"You fucking hit me?"
"Shut the fuck up!" I spat, raising my fist again.
But before I could strike, Yedda grabbed my arm, holding me back with all her strength.
She shook her head, her face filled with weariness.
"Boyce, I used to think you were a responsible man. Now, seeing you consumed by jealousy—it's disgusting.
"Can't you two take this outside?"
The receptionist, a young woman, had a pained expression as clients began filtering into the room.
I didn't want to be around them any longer and needed to clear my head.
I stepped out, ignoring Raymond's parting threat.
"Boyce, this isn't over."
Leaning against the wall outside, I lit a cigarette.
I knew exactly why he targeted me—because he genuinely liked Yedda.
But Adelaide had seen through him, recognizing his petty and spiteful nature, and had refused to accept him.