The Framed Heiress Strikes Back

Chapter 26 Nice Grip, Mr Jude!

Davina simply nodded and let out a quiet grunt without saying anything more.

The gold card in her hand had been a gift from the Barlows-a token of gratitude and payment.

*5 Free Coms

With this card, she could dine or shop at any business under the Barlow Group's name for free. It also granted her full VIP

access to all services.

The Harlows owned properties across nearly every major industry.

This card? It wasn't something just anyone could get, Only members of the Barlows with real power-or those the family considered truly important-were given one.

And this restaurant? It just happened to be part of the Barlow Group's dining division.

Davina hadn't known that when she picked the place. She'd just been looking for somewhere cozy for dinner. It wasn't until she stepped inside that she realized the connection.

The manager's deferential attitude toward Davina, along with a few things she'd said, left the group she'd encountered completely stunned.

Howcouldskehavethatkindofpowert

p-one with dozens of upscale chains across

They all knew the fondue place was just one branch of a larger restaurant group-

the country.

And that company? Backed by the Barlow Group,

Not exactly the kind of place where just anyone could walk in and demand the restaurant be cleared.

The mute girl tried to speak but couldn't get a sound out-not a syllable.

Still, she looked at Davina with wide, desperate eyes and pointed anxiously at her mouth.

Davina simply told her. "When you learn to talk like a decent person, it'll heal on its own."

With that, she turned and walked off.

But Travis, never one to know when to quit, tried to chase after her. He pointed at her hack and yelled, "Motherfucker, don't think you're hot stuff just because you landed some rich guy! Everyone knows what kind of slut you really are-you-ught He didn't get to finish. A hand clamped around his throat. Travis's eyes widened in panic as he struggled for breath.

The grip was iron-tight-so tight that his body slowly jerked upward and his toes slowly lifted off the ground.

He looked at the man in front of him, eyes filled with fear, but he couldn't even form a word, Just a choked, terrified syllable,

The others backed away instinctively, too shocked to even whisper.

Jude had him by the throat with just one hand, veins bulging along his arm, his muscles flexed and tense beneath his black

dress shirt

His eyes were ice-cold. He tilted his head slightly, with a lazy arrogance in his voice. "Say that again. I dare you."

Yeah, Jude was pissed.

This was supposed to be his moment-the classic knight-in-shining-armor scene, where he saved the day and looked impressive doing it.

But Davina had flipped the script.

Now he felt like he was the one being sidelined.

Chapter 26 Nice Grip, Mr Jude!

That stung more than he liked to adm

So when Travis rubbed him the wrong way, Jude didn't hold back, using him to vent his rage.

With a sharp twist of his wrist, he flung a grown man aside like a rag doll.

Travis hit the ground hard, clutching at his throat, gasping for breath.

For a second there, he'd genuinely thought he was going to die.

s

Jude rolled his shoulder and let out a slow breath. His secretary was already at his side, silently offering a handkerchiefnoveldrama

Jude took it, wiped his hand, then casually tossed it down-right onto Travis's face-before turning and striding after Davina.

Once they were gone, the restaurant munager stepped forward and began clearing the room.

"Apologies, everyone. We're closing early tonight for a private event."

No one dared protest. With sour faces and lowered heads, the group quietly left the building.

Davina stepped out onto the sidewalk just as Jude reached her again.

Tm sorry tonight didn't go the way it should have," he said. "You should have a more pleasant dinner, Ms. Summer,"

Davina's voice was light but distant. “I should be the one apologizing. They were targeting me.

Jude grinned and offered. "May I drive you home?”

She had already hailed a cab. That won't be necessary."

He saw the taxi pull up and stopped insisting

She opened the door but paused before getting in, glancing back at him. Her gaze dropped briefly to his hand-the one that had just nearly crushed Travis's throat.

She smiled faintly and praised, "Nice grip."

Then she slid into the cab and shut the door.

Jude shoved his hands into his pockets, watching the cab pull away, a smirk playing on his lips-dark and thoughtful all at