Ch. 46..50: Begging For A Reconciliation Chapter 46-50
Chapter 46
At four o’clock in the afternoon, Jackson arrived at the Saint Ville airport with Han and Molly.
As soon as he walked out of the airport, he saw a black Cayenne parked in front of the gate. The car window was down, and a man was seen sitting inside.
He wore a pair of glasses and a gray suit. He looked at Jackson and the others with a gentle expression.
When they got closer to his car, he got out, opened the door, and greeted them. “Mr. Lamere.”
“Shawn, you must have waited for us for a long time, hadn’t you?”Jackson smiled and patted Shawn on his shoulder.
“No, I’ve just arrived,” Shawn smiled gently and chatted with Jackson. After that, he slowly focused his gaze on Han.
“Long time no see, Mr. Howard. You sure are getting pretty bold these days.”
Han smirked and said, “Likewise, Mr. Ford.”
“Let’s get in the car. I’ve booked you a homestay. It’s very famous in Saint Ville. You’ll surely love it.”
“Are you talking about Eden’s Court? I’ve heard that it’s a beautiful traditional-style homestay!” Molly chirped.
“You’re right,” Shawn glanced at her and said, “I have the plan to purchase Eden’s Court recently, and I plan to open a branch in Linkville. I’ll need Mr. Lamere’s help for that to happen.”
Jackson halted for a moment and threw a glance at Han secretly. As expected, Han’s expression darkened.
Han recently bought land on the outskirts of Linkville for a hotel. The paperwork was complicated, and Jackson had been secretly helping him. If Shawn were to come to build Eden’s Court at Linkville, it would surely be another big project.
The Linkville city council had started an environmental conservation initiative, and they would never approve two major projects at once, which meant only either Han or Shawn would have their way.
Han twiddled his fingers and shifted his gaze. He finally knew why Jackson invited him to Saint Ville. It was to warn him: If he could not be Jackson’s obedient pawn, he would be replaced at any time.
“You lost again,” Sullivan put down the pieces and chuckled.
Leah responded with a smile, “You’re a good chess player, Mr. Simmons. I have a lot to improve.”
Sullivan glanced at the wall clock and said, “It’s already 5 o’clock. Let’s end this. C’mon, I’ll take you guys for dinner. The food in this homestay is very tasty. You must try it.”
“Alright.” Both Leah and Ian stood up.
As soon as they opened the door, someone passed by in front of them. Leah was surprised by the unexpected encounter. It was Han in a suit, and he looked annoyed.
Leah halted. Of all the places to bump into her enemy, she did not expect to encounter Han here.
Perhaps her stare was too obvious, so Han noticed her presence. He turned his head and raised his eyebrows.
“Ian? What a coincidence! Why are you here too?” Jackson looked at Ian.
Ian hurriedly greeted him. “Mr. Lamere, I brought my friend to meet Mr. Simmons.”
“Ah, I see. So, is this young lady your friend? Why haven’t I seen her before?” Jackson looked at Leah.
Leah met Jackson’s gaze. Although he looked like a gentle person at the first glance, he had sharp eyes. He’s not someone to be trifled with. That was Leah’s first impression of Jackson.
“This is Sarah White, the young lady who has just been reunited with the White family.”
“I see. Molly and I were at another dinner party during the White family’s banquet. That’s why I don’t know about it,” Jackson said with a smile. “We need to be somewhere else, so we’ll take our leave for now. See you later,”
“See you later, Mr. Lamere.”
Throughout their conversation, Leah did not speak a word. She lowered her gaze and kept quiet as if being isolated from the world.
As Molly passed by her, she suddenly exclaimed, “Mr. Simmons, I remembered you’ll be hosting a concert soon?”
Sullivan nodded with a smile, “That’s right. Do you want to come to the concert?”
Molly grinned and replied, “No, I just suddenly remembered that I have a very good friend. She plays the violin very well. I want to introduce her to you.”
Sullivan’s smile froze awkwardly. He glanced at Leah and explained, “Well, I’ve just found my violinist.”
“Oh? You managed to find someone so fast?” Molly pretended to be surprised. She glanced at Leah and asked, “Don’t tell me it’s the young lady beside you?”
Leah could see the malice in Molly’s eyes. She instinctively raised her guard.
“Yes, it’s her.”
“Tsk, that’s a pity…” Molly chuckled and shifted her gaze. Noticing that, Han frowned.
As he passed by Leah, he paused slightly and opened his mouth as if wanted to say something, but eventually, he said nothing.
Shawn, who was walking behind, noticed the change in his expression. He turned his head to look at Leah. Hah, things have gotten interesting!
Shawn led them to the private room. “The food in Eden’s Court is the best, and the selection of red wine is marvelous. You must try it later,” Shawn said after they were seated.
At this moment, Molly stood up and said, “I’m going to the washroom.”
After she left the private room, she walked to a corner where the surveillance cameras could not see her and took out a pill from her bag. Her eyes were brimming with madness. Although Han promised her that he would be engaged to her, she was afraid that another accident would happen. Not on my watch! This time, I must get Han to marry me willingly!
While passing by the private room, Molly met the waitress, who was bringing a bottle of red wine.
Molly asked her, “Is this wine for the guests in this private room?”
The waitress nodded and answered, “Yes.”
Molly took the tray from her hand and said, “Give it to me. I’ll bring it in.”
Not suspecting anything, the waitress handed the tray to Molly.
After the maid left, Molly quickly opened the cap and put the pill into the bottle. Once the pill was mixed with the wine, nobody would noticed anything wrong with it.
The pill was a strong aphrodisiac she bought exclusively from abroad. Even just a sip could produce a strong reaction, and the only relief was to be intimate with someone.
This is my chance. Even if Shawn were here, she would still do the same. She believed that Shawn would naturally find another woman to solve his “problem”, so she was not worried at all.
After the pill dissolved completely in the wine, Molly put the cap back and entered the room while smiling naturally.
“What’s that?” Jackson looked at his daughter.
Molly grinned and put the bottle on the table. “It’s the red wine you ordered. I happened to run into the waitress, so I volunteered to bring it in.” While explaining, she poured a glass of wine and placed it in front of Han.
Chapter 47
Han stared at Molly but did not take the glass. Looking at his reaction, Molly quipped, “What? Are you afraid that I might slip a roofie into your wine?”
After finishing her sentence, as if to prove something, she poured another glass for Shawn and said, “Take a sip, Shawn. He doesn’t believe me. As for you, Dad, you shouldn’t drink because you have high blood pressure. If Mom finds out you’ve been drinking wine, she’ll scold me,” Molly said.
“Okay,” Jackson looked at his daughter lovingly.
Shawn did not expect Molly to put drugs in the wine. Having no doubt about it, he drank it all up.
After seeing that, Han took a sip of the wine but stopped there. However, Molly, who watched him take a sip of wine, could no longer hold back her excitement.
After drinking three glasses of wine, Molly stood up while staggering and blurted, “Daddy, I’m a little dizzy. I’ll go back to get a rest in the room.”
Jackson nodded.
As soon as Molly left the private room, the flustered look on her face faded away. However, as she approached the guest rooms, she ended up in front of Han’s room instead of hers.
It seemed that she would finally become one with Han that night.
Molly could not help but be excited when she thought of that. She quickly took a bath, got undressed, and lay in bed.
Meanwhile, in the private room, Han could feel his head spinning violently, and he was unable to keep his thoughts straight. Even though Shawn was also dizzy, he had other plans in mind.
Seeing that it was late, Shawn said to Jackson, “Please continue your dinner, Mr. Lamere. I’ll need to excuse myself to the washroom.”
Shawn walked out of the private room. The cold wind woke him up.
He took off his glasses, rubbed his nose, and quickly walked toward the guest rooms. He sneaked in front of a room, looked around to check that no one saw him, and opened the door.
“Where would Han hide his documents?” Shawn mumbled to himself as he looked around.
A curtain split the room in half. He could not find anything in the first half, so he proceeded to walk into the room.
He knew that Han had plans to build a hotel. Because of that, he rushed back from abroad in a hurry.
The Howard family’s influence would surely increase if Han succeeded in the project, and it would be more difficult for the Ford family to keep them in check. He must stop Han’s plan.
Shawn pushed away the curtain, but he became even dizzier. He tried to shake off the feeling. I don’t think I drank much tonight. Why is my head so dizzy and my body so warm?
There was a bed and a wardrobe inside. Shawn staggered toward the bed. When he flipped the quilt over, he saw a naked woman lying inside!
Molly has been waiting for a long time. After waiting for some time, she felt a sudden coldness in the air, and someone touched her. Her whole body trembled in excitement, and Han’s face appeared in her mind. She subconsciously reached her hands out and wrapped that person’s neck.
Meanwhile, in the private room, Han felt that his body was getting increasingly warmer. Even Jackson noticed something was wrong with him. He said, “If you’re drunk, go back to rest.”
Han nodded and stood up shakily. His brain was too drowsy. He staggered back to the guest room.
On the other side, Leah and Ian, who have finished their dinner, came out. Sullivan proposed to go to the hot spring but Leah refused. “You two go ahead, I don’t feel too good.”
Ian said concernedly, “I’ll walk you back to your room.”
Leah chuckled, “I’m not a child anymore. I can find my way back to my room. Please enjoy yourselves at the hot spring.” After that, she left.
No one was in the corridor because the guests were either having their dinner or taking a bath. It was perfectly silent.
Suddenly, Leah heard someone staggering behind her. She thought it was someone who had drunk a little too much during dinner, so she stopped and made way for them. However, when the person approached, she was surprised to discover that he was none other than Han!
Instinctively, she wanted to escape. However, after walking two steps away from him, she heard a loud bang!
Han had fallen on the wooden floor. Leah, feeling pity for him, sighed and went over to help him up.
“How much did he drink…” Leah muttered to herself. Pulling Han up, she asked, “Where’s your room?”
Her voice drew Han’s attention. He stared at her for a moment and suddenly hugged her! Leah, in shock, immediately pushed him away. However, just as she raised her head, Han grabbed her chin and kissed her passionately.
Leah froze. It was the first time Han kissed her.
How ironic that he’s drunk now. He doesn’t know who I am.
Leah used all her might to push Han away, but he hugged her even more tightly. Then, he kicked open an unoccupied room next to him, forced Leah inside, and closed the door behind him. Leah could only hear his heavy breathing and feel his lips ravage her body.
His hands were burning, as though it was hot enough to burn her up.
“Get away from me…” Leah was not strong enough to push him away. She suddenly felt aggrieved. When he’s unconscious, he can kiss any woman. Why didn’t he kiss me for the three years we were married?
In the past, when the two were making out, he would always turn his head away in disgust whenever she wanted to kiss him. Was she no better than a random woman?
Leah burst into tears unexpectedly. She let Han kiss her, but she cried silently.
Han tasted the saltiness and realized that she was crying. His brain was dizzy, and he could not think of anything. Still, he felt unhappy that she was crying.
Han slowly reached out and wiped her tears.
Leah thought that he had sobered up and pushed him away. At that moment, he pinned her down.
Han buried his head in her neck. While exhaling hot breath onto her neck, he sighed, “Don’t cry, Leah.”
Leah froze!
Chapter 48
Han tormented Leah relentlessly. His bottomless lust could make him go on and on until the next day.
“Stop crying, Leah.“ was the last thing he said.
It was either Leah’s hallucination or Han was just babbling.
Han finally let go of Leah around two o’clock in the morning and fell into slumber. Leah’s throat was hoarse, and her body could barely move from all this suffering.
Seeing that Han had fallen asleep, Leah quickly grabbed her clothes and scuttled out of the room.
Leah ran into someone after running a few steps away from the room, but she did not raise her head. She wiped away her tears while replying with a croaky voice “Sorry.”, and left in a hurry.
Shawn looked at her frightened reaction and realized she was the woman he met in the corridor.
Leah’s swollen eyes indicated that she just cried. Her clothes were messed up and a few conspicuous red marks could be noticed on her neck.
Shawn was contemplating as he put on his glasses to take a better look at her.
The next day, Han woke up with a headache. He rubbed his face trying to recall what happened last night.
Han remembered that he got drunk and wanted to return to his room. After that, it was very surreal.
Han flipped over his blanket and pondered the question “Who was it?”
Although Han was unconscious last night, he could feel that something was not right.
After washing up, Han went to the foyer to meet up with Jackson and others. Everyone was having their breakfast.
Jackson smirked while asking his daughter, “How was it last night?”
Molly was startled and blushed immediately. “Daddy. Don’t be so straightforward.”
“I won’t be qualified as your dad if I don’t know what you’re thinking.” Jackson shook his head.
Molly was shy and replied softly, “He did it…now there is no reason for Han to leave me. You can hand this project to him, Daddy.”
“Heh. You really are something.” Jackson sighed and saw Han with a stern face walking toward them.
Han’s demeanor was intimidating. He did not even glance at Molly as he sat down beside Jackson.
“Is everything alright? What’s with that look, someone got on your nerves?” asked Jackson, glaring at Han.
Han scratched his head “Nothing, I didn’t sleep well last night.”
Molly blushed again after listening to his words.
“You came at the right time, I’ve got something to tell you.” Jackson smiled. By the looks of it, Jackson and Molly had arrived at the same understanding.
Shawn overheard their conversation right when he wanted to open the curtains. Shawn subconsciously stopped and sneaked behind the curtains.
“What is it?” Han asked.
“I’ve had a discussion with the head of secretary and unanimously agreed on giving the development consent to you. As for Eden’s Court, Saintville will suffice and there is no need for a further development to Linkville.” Jackson grinned while pouring tea for himself.
Han was stunned.
After that, he nodded his head slowly. “Okay.”
Jackson knew that Han always had a long face so he continued the conversation “The documents should be ready by the time we get back to Linkville. You can undertake the development project for the hotel afterward.”
Han looked over to Molly. “I’ll be quite busy after this project starts.”
Molly quickly waved her hand. “It’s alright, I can wait. Your career is more important than this.”
Molly was not worried that Han might not marry her since they already spent the night together. It also helped portrayed Molly as a considerate and kind lady.
Not only was Han not relieved by what she said, he frowned because he was frustrated by Jackson and Molly’s capricious behavior. They changed their decision only after a day.
Shawn, sneaking behind the curtains, was infuriated and clenched his fists. That old geezer! I have spent such effort buttering him up, but he still gave the authority to Han.
Shawn took a deep breath. He swore not to let Han get away with this.
Han finished his breakfast and wanted to get some rest in his room. Right after he got up and turned away, Molly called him, “Han.”
Han halted his footsteps and turned around. “Yes?”
Molly went over and whispered, “About last night…”
Han’s eyes dilated with astonishment and grabbed Molly by her shoulder. “What about it?”
Molly was shocked by Han’s grim expression.
“You and I last night, we…” Molly shyly lowered her head.
Han’s mind was blown by this shocking information. The lady last night was Molly?
The inconceivable look on Han’s face worried Molly “Han, you wouldn’t want to run away from this, right? I am already yours.”
Han gave Molly a perplexed look and stared at her into the eyes. As time passed, he finally came to his senses. “No.”
Molly heaved a sigh of relief and hugged Han. “I knew it. You have feelings for me, and we’ll be together forever, right?”
Molly’s infatuation with Han pervaded the atmosphere. Han was feeling uncomfortable as his body stiffened, he wanted to push Molly away. However, he was just having thoughts only.
“We will.” said Han.
Han whispered to himself again, as though trying to convince himself.“We will.”
…
In the afternoon, Molly was walking to the back of the foyer, and she met Sullivan at the cloister on her way there.
It reminded Molly about the incident between Sullivan and Leah yesterday.
“Mr. Simmons,” she shouted.
Sullivan turned around and grinned. “It’s you, Molly.”
“Mr. Simmons, about the violinist you mentioned yesterday, is she Sarah White?” Molly asked.
Sullivan did not know what she was up to, but he nodded anyway.
“I see, you’ve already decided,” said Molly, which intrigued Sullivan.
Sullivan noticed her peculiar tone and asked, “Is everything okay?”
“Everything’s fine. It’s just that Sarah’s reputation in Linkville is quite notorious,” Molly said with a smile.
Chapter 49
Sullivan was peculiar about a person’s ethics. Furthermore, Molly thought it was the perfect opportunity to demean Sarah, which was why brought up Sarah’s reputation.
As expected, Sullivan frowned curiously. “What do you mean?”
“Sarah White has a penchant for seducing other people’s lovers. She made Sasha White’s fiancé, Ian Sanders, fall for her, and she has her eyes on Han too.” Molly’s face turned gloomy. “I’m sure Mr. Simmons won’t approve of such a character.”
Sullivan started to hesitate. “How could that be? She seems like a nice lady…”
“Don’t judge a book by its cover. If you don’t believe me, you can ask around, then you’ll know if I’m telling you the truth.”
“I see. Thank you for telling me. I’ll go look into this myself.” Sullivan nodded.
This will do. Once Mr. Sullivan doubts her, he won’t trust Sarah so easily anymore. Besides, There really was a scandal about her back in Linkville. Molly smirked.
Meanwhile, Ian was pacing anxiously in his room. It’s been the whole morning and Leah still hasn’t left her room, I wonder if anything happened to her?
Ian could not hold it anymore. He went over to Leah’s room and knocked.
“Sarah? Is everything alright?”
No response.
It worried him, so he barged into Leah’s room. He was shocked to see Leah perspiring heavily while curled up on the floor.
Ian ran over and grabbed Leah. “What happened?”
Her face was pale. She slowly opened her eyes. “My stomach hurts…”
“I’ll bring you to the hospital.” Ian picked her up.
Right when Ian stood up with Leah in his hands, Sullivan entered the room and witnessed the whole scene.
Sullivan scowled as he saw Leah lying in Ian’s arms, which testified to the rumor that Molly told him.
“Ian, why are you holding her?” Sullivan walked over to him.
“Mr. Simmons, you came at the right time. Sarah is having a stomach ache, can you bring us to the nearest hospital?”
Leah suddenly pulled Ian by his collar gently.
“What is it?” Ian asked.
“You don’t have to take me to the hospital. I’m feeling better already.”
“But you were curled up on the floor earlier. It is better to have a checkup, just in case.”
Leah smiled and gave Ian a relieved look. “Alright, I’ll go to the hospital after I get back to Linkville.”
Ian was concerned and asked again, “Are you really okay?”
“Yes, I’m fine.” Only then Ian let go of Leah and put her on her feet. The jacket on Leah’s shoulder suddenly slipped down. She quickly grabbed it and covered her body.
Inevitably, Ian noticed the red marks on Leah’s body. The curiosity in Ian urged him to ask, but Leah looked haggard so he decided not to.
“Wait here. I’ll bring you a drink.”
Sullivan was agitated by the interaction between the both of them, even though he knew Ian was only caring for Leah’s wellbeing.
Sullivan went out of the room and called out, “Ian.”
“Yes, Mr. Simmons?”
“Aren’t you engaged with Sasha? Why do you still care about Sarah so much?”
It baffled Ian and he subconsciously looked away. “I’m just taking care of her as a friend, Mr. Simmons.”
Sullivan thought that something was amiss. He sighed. “Fine, as long as you know what you are doing. Sasha is your childhood friend, and I want to remind you not to let Sasha down.”
“Mr. Simmons, it is not what you think it is…” Ian wanted to explain, but Sullivan patted him on the shoulder and left.
…
Ian brought a glass of warm sweet tea for Leah and made sure she finished it.
Ian sat in front of Leah, hesitating to ask something. Leah noticed his expression, so she asked “What is it?.”
Ian nodded. “The Lamere family will be holding a banquet at the foyer today. I heard that it’s a celebration for Han’s getting the land development grant for Linkville.”
Leah was surprised.
She had heard some rumors about Han’s intention to build a hotel in Linkville. If the project was successful, Han’s net worth would rise tremendously.
After all, Molly was the perfect wife for Han. Molly’s family and status would aid Han in his career if they were married.
That would be the best-case scenario.
About last night…Leah did not want to dwell on that incident. She treated it as a dream.
“Mr. Simmons invited me. Are you going?” Ian asked. “If you’re unwilling to go, I can tell Mr. Simmons that you’re not feeling well.”
“Never mind.” Leah shook her head. “I can’t hide forever.”
Ian was relieved. “I’m glad to hear that.”
Wearing formal attire would be compulsory if Leah wanted to join the banquet. In the afternoon, Ian accompanied Leah and went to a boutique.
Just when they were looking at the dresses, Ian’s phone rang.
“I’ll take this outside.”
Leah nodded her head and saw a lovely dress, she asked the sales clerk, “I would like to try this dress, could you get it for me?”
Leah put on the dress and looked at herself in the mirror. The dress fits her fair skin and long dark hair very well.
A man suddenly appeared behind Leah in the mirror.
Shawn was wearing golden frame spectacles and a gray suit. Leah looked stunning in that dress and it caught Shawn’s eyes.
“Hello, Ms. White. We meet again.” Shawn smiled as he walked over.
Leah was confused. “Who are you?”
“Shawn Ford.” Shawn said while reaching out his hand. Leah hesitated but took his hand anyway.
Shawn’s demeanor was like a gentleman. However, he was standing a little too close. “Ms. White, you look so beautiful in this dress. I’m guessing you will be joining Lamere’s banquet tonight.”
Leah knew Han and Shawn were acquainted with each other because she saw them talking last time.
Leah nodded and wanted to leave. “I’ll excuse myself if there is nothing else. Goodbye.”
Looks as if Shawn was a courteous person, but the way Shawn looked at her made her felt uncomfortable.
Chapter 50
She had just turned around when she felt a hand clasp her shoulder.
The gown she wore was sleeveless, and she involuntarily shuddered when she felt the slight coolness of Shawn’s palm on her shoulder.
The hand was like a boa constrictor clinging onto her. She reacted that way out of sheer disgust instead of coldness.
Someone once told her she should stay away from people she disliked at first sight.
“What’s your problem?” Leah frowned imperceptibly and pushed Shawn’s hand away.
“I apologize if I have offended you,” Shawn pulled his hand back and said apologetically, though his gaze changed slightly behind his glasses.
As he looked at the palpable disgust on Leah’s face, he took a few steps forward and reached out to pinch her long black hair.
Instinctively, Leah wanted to step away from him. However, the words that came out of his mouth made her freeze in her tracks!
“Yesterday, around midnight… you came out of Han Howard’s house, right?”
Leah’s eyes opened wide. She glared wordlessly at Shawn as her lips turned pale.
He saw it!
Shawn smiled gently as though he were only talking about something trivial like the weather. “If Han knew about it, or if the Lamere family caught wind about this, do you think your family can help you?”
Leah trembled slightly while Shawn twirled her long hair around his fingers like a venomous snake. He was dangerously close, and his penetrating gaze stung her.
“What… do you want?” she said hoarsely.
Shawn smiled and let go of her hair. A hint of disgust flashed in his eyes. “Don’t worry. I know you know I’m interested in you, but I won’t resort to such means to get you to fall for me.”
Leah’s face turned paler when she heard that.
She did not think Shawn would let her go just like that. That man was more dangerous than she first imagined.
“Why are you looking at me with those eyes? Don’t you trust me?” Shawn said as he adjusted his glasses. “To show you I’m not lying, here’s a word of advice: You should think twice about attending the party later tonight.”
Leah could see that Shawn was not joking around. She frowned and asked, “What do you mean?”
“Because… I hope you can stay alive for longer,” Shawn said with a smile. “You are a precious pet. I wouldn’t want you to die just like that.”
A chill coursed down Leah’s spine.
This person in front of me might look like a gentleman, but he’s actually insane!
“Don’t tell me you want to do something at the party! The Lamere family won’t forgive you.”
“Heh, I’m not an idiot.” Shawn reached out to caress the kiss mark on Leah’s neck, and his gaze turned dangerous. “Next time, don’t sully yourself like this. I’ll get mad at you.”
After saying that, Shawn left. Leah trembled with anger as she watched him walk away.
Instinctively, she wanted to tell Han about it.
However… would he believe him?
“What are you thinking?” A stern voice rang next to Leah’s ears.
Leah stiffened. She turned her head to see Han glaring at her coldly.
Han was here with Molly to pick a gown. At the moment, Molly was in the dressing room of another boutique trying out the dress that caught her fancy.
Han was waiting for Molly outside. When he lifted his head and glanced beyond the display window, he inadvertently saw Leah being forced into a corner by Shawn.
He frowned hard. Before he realized it, he was already walking toward Leah.
Too bad for him, Shawn had left before he reached there.
Leah turned away and said, “Nothing.” The tips of her ears were burning.
The scenes from last night forced their way into her mind. She dared not face Han.
“Do you know Shawn Ford?” Han asked her as though he were interrogating her.
Even he did not know why he was so angry. His current mood made him sound very hostile.
Leah was taken aback. “No, I don’t know him,” she said.
“Best to keep it that way,” Han said sternly while looking her in the eye.
He paused for a while before continuing, “There’s more to Shawn than meets the eye. He’s a dangerous person. You should stay away from him.”
Leah was surprised. Why is he telling me all this? I don’t think our relationship is at that level yet, right?
Immediately after saying that, Han turned around and left.
Leah opened her mouth as she watched him walk away, but she did not call out to him.
She guessed that Shawn would not do anything to her at the party. Han was already wary of him, and Jackson would also be there.
…
That night, Eden Court was bustling with activity.
By eight o’clock, the foyer was brightly lit, and people in suits and gowns were milling about.
At other times, Eden Court would not see a crowd like this. The people of Saint Ville were gathered here tonight because they knew Jackson and Han were hosting a party, and they wanted to curry favor with them.
When Ian brought Leah to the venue, Jackson had not arrived yet.
He brought Leah to the lounge and said, “Wait over here for a while. I’ll talk to Mr. Lamere for a bit, and we can leave.”
“Okay,” Leah said and nodded.
After Ian left, Leah sat down on the sofa and noticed someone’s gaze was transfixed on her.
Surprised, she turned around to see Shawn’s face.
Shawn was looking straight at her. When he saw her looking at him, he raised the wine glass in his hand toward her.
Leah felt goosebumps rising on her back.
She did her best to look away, but she saw Shawn pick up another glass of red wine and walk toward her.
He sat down next to her and handed the wine glass with his slender hand.
“Fancy meeting you here, Ms. White. Will you be so kind as to have a drink with me?” Shawn said with a smile. He was staring straight at her as though he was confident she would not decline.
Leah carefully shifted away from him. “Sorry, I don’t drink.”
Shawn leaned forward. “This is fruit liqueur. Are you going to be so heartless to reject me?”
He was so close to Leah that she could feel his warm breath on her face.
Shawn circled his arms around her, and her expression immediately sank.
She bit her lip in an act of defiance. Taking a deep breath, she reached out to take the glass of liqueur.
Shawn smiled imperceptibly.
Suddenly, someone caught her hand. Before she could realize what happened, her world spun around, and she was plucked out of Shawn’s embrace.
Han was glaring at Shawn with a chilling gaze.
“Don’t you understand English?” Han said coldly. “Didn’t you hear her say she doesn’t drink?”
Shawn’s smile froze on his face.
A long while later, he slowly lifted the wine glass to his lips and drained its contents. He slowly stood up and said, “This isn’t any of your business, Han Howard.”