'What does he mean by saying I should treat him fairly because he is a major client too?'
True, we are business partners. And since this is our first meeting, I put a lot of importance on it.
However, I could sense that Stefan meant something beyond my comprehension.
"Mr. Hudson, I'm afraid I don't quite follow your point," I said, testing the water.
Stefan pulled his body away from me and straightened his back, but his eyes remained fixed on my face.
"Tsk. How unfair that Chadrick only had the chance to receive your full service."
What Stefan said left me speechless.
Then a realization came down on me.
'Is Dad giving me off to Stefan now that Monica is back?'
But I have this question in mind…
How did Stefan know I had such a relationship with Chad? Has he planted a spy in our company?
'Who could it be?' I cannot help but overthink.
Dad's private secretary, Mr. Lee, has been working for him for 2 decades. So I think Mr. Lee cannot betray Dad.
And Chad, on the other hand, is ruthless and meticulous when it comes to those who work for him. So I didn't believe a spy could walk freely under his nose.
Anyway, as long as it won't affect the Collins Group, I shouldn't concern myself with it. What matters to me now is closing a deal with the Edison Group, so then I can go home.
"Mr. Hudson, you must have mistaken. Whatever the relationship between Mr. Murray and me, it is only a business partnership." I said without blinking, lying straight to his face.
Stefan smiled. It shows me that he didn't believe what I said.
"Jess, you aren't a good liar, so don't try it in front of me."
Hearing him say that brought a frown to my face. "I don't have any reason to lie to you, Mr. Hudson. If you aren't satisfied with me, I will arrange for someone else to discuss our collaboration with you. There are many competitive executives in our company. We are willing to revise the contract to meet your expectations."
Hearing me say that, Stefan constricted his pupils and met my eyes. I was dead serious, and so I am sure he could see I am not here to give in to what he wanted.
Although I wanted to ensure he is satisfied with our collaboration, spreading my legs is not part of it.
Thinking all these creates a ripple in my chest. Not because of the thrill I felt, but anger like a fire burned deep down in me.
Dad is giving me away to someone else, again...
Now, I understand completely.
He must be afraid that I will keep getting tangled up with Chad, or maybe he thinks I wouldn't let him go.
Hah. How funny would that be?
I don't have the right to voice out in the first place. But it hurts me that Dad's kindness was never genuine, which I should have known already.
Still, I am hoping for a small act of kindness from a stranger.
Raymond Collins has been my father for fifteen years, and so, I am foolishly hoping for affection I shouldn't.
Accepting the truth, I've decided not to hold on, but this is the last time. I would not allow Dad to use me again.
"So? What can you say, Mr. Hudson?"
Stefan appeared to be contemplating what I offered. After a long while, he finally lifted his head and looked me in the eye. He pursed his lips into a thin smile and said,
"You still keep your distance from me. I do not like that, Jess… But I will give you one last chance. After all, I don't want to be the reason that Chadrick would torment you. I hate to see you struggling because of me."
Stefan released my hair and straightened his back. He added,
"Go and coax Chadrick for the last time. Once you are ready to meet my demands, you know where to find me."
Stefan left, and his secretary followed suit.
Left alone, I stared at the door for some time before I snapped.
'What the hell is going on?'
I was lost in thought as I walked to the elevator, having overlooked the bodyguards blocking my way. Then, out of nowhere, someone grabbed me by the waist.
Before I could blink, I was thrown on the shoulder.
"Who are you!?"
I was about to scream HELP at the top of my lungs when I realized that the man who carried me like a sack was Chad.
"What are you doing? Let me down! Chadrick!"
Chad didn't listen to me. I don't know what he is thinking. It confused me why he kept acting like this.
Everything between us should end now that Monica is back.
But why is he still bothering me?
Inside his presidential suite, Chad cornered me by the door. He towered over me, lowering his body to shorten the distance between our faces.
Through gritted teeth, he asked, "What did he ask you?"
I could see the anger boiling in Chad's eyes, which bewildered me. I don't see any reason for him to be this concerned about me.
"You are supposed to be with Monica," I mumbled.
Chad mustn't like what I said. His gaze narrowed.
"Don't you dare change the conversation!"
Chad pinched my chin.
Without my consent, he furiously covered my mouth. It was as if he were punishing me.
For a moment, Stefan's words rang in my ear. He seemed aware that whenever Chad was not in a bad mood, I was the one who received the anger he unleashed.
But now that my service ended, I cannot let him torment me further.
"Let go, Chad!"
I pushed him with all my strength. Chad, who is physically strong, was thrown on the bed.
At first, Chad was surprised, but gradually, his lips curled into a grin.
"So this is what you like, huh?"
I gave him a confused look in response. I honestly don't understand why he said that.
I watch Chad walk to the walk-in closet, and when he returns, he's holding a small suitcase.
I was about to ask what it was when the contents finally displayed before me. Instantly, my jaw dropped open.
"Why do you have those?" Before I realized how stupid my question was, Chad picked up the golden handcuffs and placed them in my palms. The cold object in my hand caused my body to shiver.
"It seems you are no longer excited about our sessions. Tonight, I will grant you a favor."
He added, "I will let you do whatever you want to me tonight."
I look at Chad in confusion.
I don't know whether he was serious when he handed me the handcuffs.
For the past two years, this is the first time his foreplay has gone wilder than I could have imagined.
So?
What am I going to do with these handcuffs?