"Mr. ." I greeted Ethan with a hint of a formal smile and shook his hand.
He had made a na for himself in politics and was the top dog at FarHorizon Group.
Ethan smiled back, exuding an aura that made feel a tad intimidated.
"Please, have a seat. I’m expecting another friend shortly." His voice was gentle, but I could sense a bit of coldness in it.
"Sure thing." I plopped myself on the couch, casually setting my bag to the side.
Ethan wasn’t much of a chatterbox. He had a chill deanor, didn’t put on airs, and even poured a glass of wine himself. When he spoke, his pace was slow and steady
Every ti I thought about the harm this guy had caused my father, a fire of anger burned within , but there was no way to vent it out.
Ethan made it clear that FarHorizon Group wanted to partner with our company and laid out all the perks that would co with it. If it weren’t for Damon telling the truth earlier, I would have been totally swayed by him.
In the midst of our chitchat, the door to the room was nudged open, and who should walk in but Jones.
"Dr. Jones, you’ve arrived." Ethan greeted Jones with even more warmth.
Jones was decked out in a black sweater and a brown jacket. His gaze swept over , and his usually expressionless face revealing a hint of surprise.
I could do nothing but look away.
"Ms. Brooks, I’m quite close with Dr. Jones’s father. I’ve been feeling a bit under the weather lately, so he’s agreed to give so dical advice. You don’t mind, do you?" Ethan started to get a bit chatty, all the while maintaining his friendly smile..
"No, I don’t mind." I replied, just to play along.
Jones kept quiet and took a seat between Ethan and .
I was puzzled as to why Ethan would call Jones here for a consultation in the middle of the night. It was just odd.
After a few exchanges, Ethan took a call and stepped out.
The room was left in silence, with just Jones and .
A few minutes passed, and he was the one to break the silence. "Damon’s back with Ariel. What’s your take on that?"
"I don’t have any particular thoughts. All I want to do now is focus on my work" I didn’t et Jones’s eyes and just replied calmly.
"You’re not angry or upset? Aren’t you feeling like you’ve been played?" Jones cracked a small smile.
"I saw this day coming. Damon is a long-ti friend of yours; don’t you know the kind of guy he is? I knew he couldn’t stand being dumped by , so he kept bugging , just to dump once he got ." I picked up my cup and took a leisurely sip, my tone icy.
Jones stared at for a mont before asking, "Is that so?"
I gave a faint smile. "Think whatever you want, Jones. As long as you stop making feel awkward."
"Heh." Jones chuckled and poured himself a glass of wine. He raised his glass to . "Hmm, maybe I should take it easy too. How about we just laugh it off?"
I wasn’t sure if I could trust Jones, but he did look sincere and frank at that mont. If he could accept it and live a good life with Scarlett without ddling in the affairs between Damon and , that wouldn’t be so bad.
I raised my glass. "Deal"
After a few drinks, Ethan still hadn’t returned, which was odd. I wanted to get up and use the restroom and maybe check on him outside, but as soon as I stood up, everything went black.
I quickly sat back down. My vision started to co back a bit, but everything was blurry. I felt a throbbing pain in my temples and felt dizzy.
Jones noticed sothing was off and furrowed his brows. "What’s wrong?"
"I’m not sure, but I feel dizzy and weak..." I couldn’t muster the strength to finish my sentence.
At that mont, the door to the room opened, and Ethan walked in. I heard him say, "Dr. Jones, I think Ms. Brooks might not be feeling well. Let’s get a room here so you can look after her."
I was annoyed but couldn’t utter a word.
Jones’s voice rang out. "I can take her ho."
"A man should fight for the woman he loves, don’t you think, Dr. Jones?" Ethan’s words were subtle, but it was clear he knew about my history with Jones and was hinting at Jones to do sothing drastic.
Jones didn’t respond. The next thing I knew, I was lifted up and carried outside.
I had no idea where Jones was carrying to. I had no strength left in my body, but it didn’t seem to react in any other way. It was just pure weakness.
After what felt like an eternity, I was laid down on soft bed. I strained to open my eyes and saw Jones in a blur.
He had taken off his jacket and was sitting on the bed in his sweater. He gently touched my face, his voice low and nacing. "Eliana, what should I do?"
"Jones..." I managed to say, but my voice was barely audible.
"Why can’t I asure up to Damon in your eyes? Where do I fall short?" Jones’s voice was becoming increasingly disturbing. I started to feel scared.
His hand moved to my chest and began to unbutton my clothes. I couldn’t resist, and I felt like my heart was about to explode.
This must be Ethan’s doing. He must have spiked my drink. His actions were completely inconsistent with the image he projected.
Just as my clothes were about to co off, Ariel’s voice ca from outside the door. "Godfather, didn’t you say that you had two friends here too? Where are they?"
"Haha, those two friends of mine are a bit busy in the room. Let’s not disturb them."
Ethan’s response clearly had a deeper aning.
Then he went on. "Mr. Coleman popped in today as well. Co to think of it, you probably know those two buddies of mine."
"Oh? I do?" Damon’s voice chid in, giving a startle.
Jones also paused his movents. It felt like deja vu, yet completely different.
My breaths ca out ragged. I was scared to even imagine what I’d do if Jones really had the guts to do certain things.
"Your good pal, Jones, and your Ms. Brooks." Ethan ’s words were crystal clear, as if there were a loudspeaker installed on the door.
Outside, it was dead quiet. My emotions were all over the place. I hoped Damon could burst in and save , but I was also afraid his appearance might arouse Ethan’s suspicion.
Jones lowered his gaze at and leaned in. "Tell , what should I do?"
"I hate you..." I barely managed to get the words out, my eyes glued to Jones.
All the emotions in my heart could only be expressed through my eyes. I couldn’t help but tear up.
Jones was taken aback. He stared at blankly and asked, "He ca with Ariel, so why am I the one you hate?"
Reviews
All reviews (0)