CHAPTER 18

A sharp, deadly glare. Ruby felt it when she accidentally looked at Victor, whether it was just a feeling or whether it was true that Victor kept stealing glances at her. Ruby began to feel uncomfortable; even Noah's voice, which continued to tell her about the funny incident he experienced, did not get any response from her.

"I rescued that cat; it has a very cute face; unfortunately, I can't adopt it," Noah explained, excitedly recounting today's unexpected events. Although he noticed that Ruby seemed uncomfortable, Noah's eyes repeatedly saw Ruby rubbing her wrists and rubbing the back of her neck.

"Should we move?" asked Noah, shifting slightly to block Ruby's view.

"Move?" repeated Ruby. Her eyes widened in surprise at Noah's question.

"It looks like you're uncomfortable. Let's find a place that makes you feel a lot safer," Noah replied, wrapping his arm around Ruby's shoulders and bringing their bodies closer together. Noah led Ruby through the crowd of guests and to a more s