Cedric had silently observed the entire heated exchange between Francesca and Simon. He said nothing until Francesca stormed off in anger, leaving him to fix Simon with a stern glare before finally speaking.

"Simon, why do you insist on tormenting yourself over Fran?" Cedric asked, his voice calm but firm.

Simon's face flushed with both embarrassment and rage. "Mr. Aicker, it's not that I want to bother her! She lied to me—she made me think she was with Andrew when she wasn't. How is that no