Ch. 271..280
Chapter 271 Sell Me Out
They understood they were in the wrong as Carl was the one who pushed Emma.
Seeing that Rayna was keeping quiet, Emma smiled faintly with a smug look in her eyes. “You didn’t know any better, Ms. Garland, so I won’t hold you accountable. I hope you can respect your elders in the future and learn your manners.”
“There’s no need for you to lecture my people about manners, Mrs. Xavier.” Curtis spoke in a deep, powerful voice as he laid his broad hand on Rayna’s shoulder, which instantly calmed her down.
Glancing at him, Emma uttered, “Ah, it’s you, Curtis.”
Curtis nodded and allowed Rayna to lean against his sturdy body, providing her with a great sense of security. “I know what kind of person she is, Mrs. Xavier. I also know there are some things you are clearly aware of as well.”
“Aware of what? I don’t want to speak too much, but since you’re Theodore’s close friend, I must remind you that you shouldn’t let your guard down around some people.”
Narrowing his eyes, Curtis spat coldly, “You shouldn’t shed your pretenses, Mrs. Xavier. I’m willing to speak to you peacefully because I respect Theodore.”
Furious, she yelled, “You insolent brat! Do you know she—”
“The contract, right?” Rayna cut her off and replied coldly, “Save your effort. I’ll tell him what I should tell him myself!”
With that, she grabbed Curtis’ and Carl’s hands before leaving with them.
“Look at him, Theodore!” Emma was absolutely furious that she was disrespected by a couple of youngsters. “I only wanted to offer him a few words of advice, yet he had the gall to speak to me like that!”
Coldly, Theodore retorted, “My good relationship with Curtis is something that’s between us, Mom. It’s not like he’s your son. You should be glad he didn’t get angry at you for bullying his people.”
“Whose side are you on, Theodore?”
Instead of answering the question, he asked, “Did you threaten Rayna with the contract?”
Emma argued unreasonably, “She and that child next to her disrespected their elder! I can’t believe that little boy had enough strength to push me into the fountain!”
The boy was here? Promptly, Theodore turned to the entrance. Sadly, Curtis and the others were already gone. Now that I think about it, Rayna did seem like she was trying to hide something behind her. I guess that something must be the boy.
“You know Curtis’ personality, Mom.” Pursing his lip, he continued, “If you piss him off, you’ll get chased out of Norwal City. I won’t help you if that happens.”
“Am I still your mother, Theodore?” Emma didn’t expect her son would speak to her like that. “I’m doing this for your own good! If you hadn’t kept thinking about Jasmine and that woman as soon as you returned, I wouldn’t have acted like this! There are so many women in the world, so why must you love a woman like her? Her family background isn’t good enough!”
Annoyed, he rebuffed, “We’ve already broken up!”
Grabbing his hand, Emma examined the ring on his finger. It seems like Jasmine didn’t lie to me!
She questioned, “In that case, what is this? Ah, I see. After you learned about Jasmine’s fake marriage with Curtis, you ran to their wedding because you plan to wait until he leaves before you jump in and marry her. Did I get it right?”
“So what if that’s the case?”
“So what?” Raising her voice, she shouted, “Let me tell you something, Theodore. I would rather you marry a poor, homeless woman than Jasmine! I’ll never accept her! If I let her into the Xavier family, what do you think others will say?”
“Are you done?” Theodore’s expression was as black as ink. “Why do you refuse to leave her be? Are you saying people who don’t have a good family background don’t even deserve human rights?”
A smile formed on Emma’s countenance. “You sure know a lot. I bet you’ve always been paying attention to her matters in secret. If you think about her again, I’ll divorce your father, Theodore!”
Coldly, he questioned, “Now you’re just being tyrannical! What does this have to do with my father?”
“It’s his fault for not raising a good son!”
“You’re still wet. Let me send you back.” Sanders Group was the host of the event, so Theodore didn’t want to argue with her there.
Upon shoving him away, Emma tidied her gown. “I can go back by myself. You’d better use this opportunity today to talk things through with Jasmine. I don’t care how high she climbs. She’ll never be part of the Xavier family!”
Hearing that, Theodore rubbed his eyebrows, feeling very exasperated.
After Rayna left the hotel, she hailed a taxi and stuffed Carl inside. Then she waited for another taxi before entering the vehicle with Curtis.
“You’re sending him back home alone? Why? We’re heading back to the condominium anyway, aren’t we?” Curtis asked.
“He may be young, but he’s excellent. You don’t need to worry about him.” Waving her hand, she continued, “Also, we’re not going to the condominium. We’ll go to your house.”
“Mhm,” he muttered.
His plain response made her panic a little. There was a brief silence before Rayna asked, “You’re not going to ask me why we’re going to your place?”
“It’s not the first time you’re going there, so why would I ask?” Glimpsing at her, Curtis continued, “Compared to that, I’m more interested in the ‘contract’ you and Mrs. Xavier spoke of.”
“It’s…” The contents of the contract were quite complicated, so she wasn’t sure how to explain it.
“Is there something going on behind the scene?” His voice deepened.
“No, no, I can tell you about it. Just… don’t get angry, okay?”
“Well, it depends.”
This man is way too calm! I know he’ll learn about it sooner or later, even if I keep my mouth shut. If he learns the truth from Theodore or Mrs. Xavier instead, I bet he’ll be even more furious. I don’t think I have a choice here. Upon steeling herself, she told him everything without hiding any details, from the first time Theodore met her to why Emma looked for her earlier.
Three minutes after she finished her story, Curtis was still sitting there silently with his legs crossed. His expression didn’t change at all. While his look darkened, it didn’t seem like he was livid.
Pressing her hand on her chest, Rayna thought, Things aren’t actually that bad, so he shouldn’t be angry.
The next moment, he inquired in a deep voice, “So, Theodore came looking for you with the contract to ask you to keep your distance from me. The contract states that, as long as I marry Jasmine, you’ll get a few houses and sports cars. Then, you signed the contract without hesitation. Did I get it right?”
“Yes… No!” She quickly changed her answer. “Mr. Xavier thinks Ms. Sanders likes you and that I’m a third wheel bothering you two. That’s why he came to me with the contract.”
“And you signed it without hesitation?”
“I had no choice.” Rayna apologized to Theodore in her mind and explained, “You know how… intimidating Mr. Xavier can be. If I refused to sign, I was afraid he would bully the elders in my family.”
Curtis snorted. “Is that so? I didn’t know Theodore likes to take his frustration out on old people when he fails.”
A sheepish smile was set on her face. “Maybe I was overthinking it.”
“Are you blind, Rayna? Hmm?” He clasped her face as he stared at her with a slightly darkened look. “You’re willing to sell a gold mine like me out for a little benefit from someone else?”
Upon weakly raising her hand, Rayna informed in a small voice, “I swear, Mr. Xavier forced me to sign the contract. Besides, it’s partly your fault, too. You were the one who told Mr. Xavier about your fake marriage, resulting in him getting jealous and dragging me into this mess.”
Chapter 272 Who Do You Think You Are
Curtis gazed at Rayna with his sharp eyes. “So you didn’t sign the contract because you want to distance yourself from me?”
“No,” she answered.
“You don’t look sincere at all when you said that, Rayna.”
Knowing there was no winning against him in an argument, she wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him.
Alas, she tricked him with this little gimmick.
After the kiss ended, her lips appeared even more alluring. Slightly panting, she repeated, “This is Mr. Xavier’s fault, okay? He was the one who forced me to sign the contract. Do you understand what I’m saying?”
Curtis gently rubbed her lips and chuckled. “Who taught you these indecent techniques?”
“Are they indecent?” Rayna was stunned as she replied reflexively, “That doesn’t sound right. Kristie told me ninety percent of all men love this technique the most and that the effect will be stronger if perfume were applied…”
When she saw his amused look, she shut her mouth. Crap… This is so embarrassing! I can’t believe I fell for his trap.
He gave the driver another address. Not long after, the car stopped in front of her residential area. Then, she was sent out of the vehicle dumbfounded.
“Go home and rest well,” he uttered before shutting the door.
The car drove away just a second later.
As Rayna stared at the taxi’s taillight, she was still rooted to her spot with a puzzled look. He just… left?
The cocktail reception was almost over when the clock struck ten.
During the whole night, Jasmine had been dealing with guests, so she didn’t know about the incident that occurred in the sky garden. When she saw there weren’t many guests left in the living room, she packed her things and was ready to leave.
“Ms. Sanders.” A middle-aged man suddenly approached her. He seemed slightly chubby because he wasn’t tall.
She recognized him.
With a smile, she greeted, “Ah, Mr. Cook. I see you haven’t left yet. How about I get a car for you?”
“I’m not in a hurry to leave as I want to talk about that advertisement project with you, Ms. Sanders.” Benjamin Cook grinned. His eager look kept circling around her body.
Jasmine remained collected with a smile. “Didn’t you say you found a better advertising company, Mr. Cook?”
“In terms of the design, no company can do better than Sanders Group. You’re beautiful, and you have vast connections, Ms. Sanders. So, in the end, I decided that I wanted to work with you.”
“Is that so?”
He nodded, leaned toward her, and whispered, “There are too many people here. I want to discuss this matter with you in private, Ms. Sanders.”
Of course, Jasmine was aware of what Benjamin meant by that. Just as she was about to reject his “offer” coldly, she unintentionally saw Theodore leaving a private room at the side with Jeremy.
A sharp look flashed past her pretty eyes before she promptly revealed an amicable smile at him. Not only that, she proactively leaned closer to him. “Sure. Let me book a room, and we can have a chat inside. Does that sound good to you?”
Benjamin felt heated when he inhaled her body fragrance. “I knew you would understand me, Ms. Sanders!”
When the two of them left the banquet hall, he inappropriately touched her body.
Theodore’s expression turned frighteningly grim when he saw that.
“Seems like they’re heading upstairs.” Jeremy was intrigued. “But there are only rooms upstairs. Is Ms. Sanders taking the guest to a room for a chat?”
Theodore shot him a cold glance. “What’s that got to do with you?”
“Look at the guy. He’s not even five foot seven. What an unpleasant sight of a man.” Jeremy shrugged. “Ms. Sanders is such a beautiful woman. Any man would be moved by her beauty.”
Ignoring him, Theodore strode away.
When the duo arrived at the bottom floor, they saw a taxi thoughtfully waiting for them at the hotel entrance.
Just as Jeremy was about to enter the vehicle, he turned back to face Theodore. “Are you really okay with Ms. Sanders spending time with a man like him? You should know that, for some men, once they get into the mood, they can do anything.”
The look in Theodore’s eyes darkened when he heard that. Daily new chapters upload Only On Alaniniz(dot)com Then he turned his head back and looked at the hotel, feeling dejected. He cursed under his breath, “D*mmit! What exactly do I owe her?”
Upon throwing the smoldering cigarette to the ground, he stomped on it. Without delay, he twirled around and strode back into the hotel.
With a smile, Jeremy shook his head. “Why can’t he just say what he thinks?”
Jasmine had booked a room with the hotel. Just as she brought Benjamin into the room, he eagerly locked the door.
She chuckled when she saw that. “Look at how eager you are, Mr. Cook.”
“How can I calm down when I have a great opportunity to ‘chat’ with a beauty like you, Ms. Sanders?” Giggling, he dashed toward the bar, took out a bottle of red wine, and popped it open.
As Jasmine mumbled about how she was feeling tired, she strolled into the bedroom.
Once inside, she covertly left the room and saw Benjamin removing something from his pocket. He threw a pill into his mouth before throwing another into the red wine bottle. As he did that, he kept licking his lips and smiling sinisterly.
It gave her goosebumps when she saw that. How disgusting! Does Mr. Cook think he’s outstanding just because he has a listed company? He intentionally refused to collaborate with Sanders Group in the
past, yet now he’s trying to play hard to get! If I didn’t see Theodore earlier, I would’ve felt too disgusted to look at him even a second longer!
Soon, Benjamin brought the two glasses of red wine into the bedroom. He felt as though his body was on fire and licked his lips when he saw Jasmine’s fair, slender legs as she lay on the couch.
When he arrived next to her, he handed a glass of red wine to her. “Have some wine, Ms. Sanders.”
“Thank you.” As she pursed her lips into a smile, she grabbed the glass. However, she didn’t drink it, even after he emptied his glass.
Then, Jasmine placed the glass on the coffee table. “I don’t feel so good right now. I don’t want to drink.”
“It’s fine if you don’t want to drink.” Benjamin’s voice was gentle, but he was gazing at her like a wolf.
The door’s locked. While I may be a bit short, I still have the strength of a man. Besides, now that I’ve swallowed the drug, even if Jasmine doesn’t drink her wine, I can still subdue her all the same! Licking his lips, he leaned closer to her. “About that advertisement. I’ll pay for the cost, but you still get to enjoy fifty percent of the profits. What do you think?”
She appeared shocked. “Are you saying you’re going to put Sanders Group in charge of the advertisement planning, pay for it, and when the profits for the perfume roll in, you’re going to split fifty percent with Sanders Group?”
“That’s what I meant.” Benjamin grinned with narrowed eyes and touched Jasmine’s hand. “I admire your capabilities, so I want to establish a long-term collaboration with Sanders Group. Thus, we’re going to share what we earn equally.”
“That doesn’t sound too good.” Biting her lip, she removed her hand away from his. “The outside world will no doubt speculate about our relationship. What if your wife comes knocking on my door and claims that I have seduced you?”
“I call the shots in my family. She won’t even look left if I tell her not to.” He could feel his body burning up due to the effects of the drug. “As long as you can comfort me, I’ll give you anything.”
Licking his lips, he pounced toward her.
Jasmine speedily stood to the side and smiled. “Are you drunk, Mr. Cook?”
“I am drunk. I want you, darling.” Again, Benjamin licked his lips while looking very wretched. Just as he tried to get up from the couch, she stepped on his body.
Her high heels were directly pressing on his crotch.
A chill ran down his spine as he shrieked in pain. His body was convulsing, and he felt as though someone had severed his limb tendons. He couldn’t muster any strength at all.
Staring down at him, Jasmine smirked.
“How dare you play hard to get with me when your company’s garbage?” She slapped him again and again. “Do you think I’m a gullible little girl?”
Glaring at her, Benjamin stuttered, “Y-You…”
“Do you really think you deserve to sleep with me?” She stepped on him even harder with a sneer. “You should look at yourself in the mirror and see just how ugly you are! You can’t even be compared to a strand of hair on my man’s head!”
Chapter 273 I Miss You Theodore
After Benjamin’s crotch was stepped on twice, he passed out as his eyes rolled back.
Jasmine was further disgusted by him. This guy is a piece of shit! I haven’t even really attacked him yet, but he had already passed out. I can’t believe he tried to sleep with me. What a joke.
A man knocked on the door violently and yelled coldly, “Jasmine!”
She was secretly giddy when she heard his voice. After tidying her dress, she wanted to open the door. However, she stopped herself because she was fairly certain they were going to argue with each other after only exchanging a few words and then separating bitterly.
She stared at the drugged wine for a few seconds before emptying the glass and dragging the unconscious Benjamin to the bed.
The knocking on the door was getting louder and louder. It sounded as though Theodore was kicking the door.
Disdainfully, Jasmine removed Benjamin’s belt and pulled his pants down. Then she tore her dress and messed her hair up to make herself look like she was bullied.
The door was successfully kicked open by Theodore.
Just as she prepared to lie down, she noticed the chest area of her dress was untouched. Hence, she pulled it downward, revealing her bare chest, and wriggled into Benjamin’s embrace while holding her breath with contempt. Lastly, she placed his hand on her chest and closed her eyes.
When Theodore arrived in the bedroom, he witnessed two individuals embracing each other intimately on the bed. It appeared that the woman’s dress was disheveled, thus exposing her slender, red-marked
legs. Those marks seemed to suggest she was abused.
At that moment, he felt as if all the blood in his body was rushing into his brain. His eyes turned reddish as he dragged Benjamin out of bed by the latter’s hair.
“Ouch!” Benjamin was woken up by the sharp pain. He felt as if his scalp was about to be torn from his head.
Blinking, he saw a man with a gloomy expression standing in front of him. Just as he was about to say something, he was knocked out with a punch.
Theodore proceeded to beat him to a bloody pulp. Jasmine had been clandestinely monitoring what was going on. So, when she saw that, she pretended to wake up.
Hurriedly, she left the bed and hugged Theodore’s arm. “That’s enough. Leave him alive.”
He glanced at her again. The instant his line of sight landed on her pitifully torn dress and exposed skin, an unnamed rage burned brightly in his heart once more.
Without delay, he grabbed her jaw and tossed her to the bed. Then he pressed his body on hers and gritted his teeth. “What the f*ck do I owe you, huh, Jasmine?”
“Can you play with other men or do anything far away from me?” His countenance leaned extremely close to hers as he uttered in a bone-chilling tone, “Why must you show up in front of me?”
Jasmine seemed feeble and helpless at that moment. “It’s… It’s him… He…”
“You f*cking came here with him!” Theodore clamored, feeling exasperated as he stared at her. “I can’t believe someone as stupid as you manage to take control of Sanders Group! Those people are blind! I feel like I’m blind, too!”
“D-Don’t shout anymore. I-I feel… pain…” As she writhed underneath his body like a snake, she mumbled sensually and softly, “I feel so hot, Theodore…”
Her hands climbed up to his shirt restlessly as she pressed her body against his and released her fragrant breath to his face.
Meanwhile, her soft, tender body made Theodore feel his crotch getting tighter.
Moments later, he chucked her back to the bed. His expression tensed when he saw her acting like that. “You even drank his wine! How stupid are you, Jasmine?”
“I was wrong. Don’t scold me anymore.” The heat Jasmine was experiencing was very unbearable. If I knew the drug was going to be this potent, I would’ve only drank half of it.
Just as Theodore wasn’t paying attention, she pulled his hand with all her strength and pushed him to the bed.
Then she straddled on him.
The look in her eyes darkened. To his surprise, she managed to pin his arms to the bed when he tried to move. Staring at him with a silly grin, she mumbled, “You’re still so naughty! You deserve a spanking!”
“Let go, Jasmine.”
“No…” Jasmine shook her head and demanded drunkenly, “You can’t go. You need to help me.”
Theodore was speechless.
Lowering her head, she allowed her black hair to land on his face, tickling him. Thanks to that, he could smell the orange scent on her hair. It was faint but alluring.
“It’s been almost four years, Theodore.” Jasmine inclined closer to him and rubbed his cheeks. “Why do you always scowl at me whenever I try to talk things out with you?”
Shifting his head away, he spat coldly, “There’s nothing for us to talk about.”
She forcefully bit his lip, stared at his eyebrows, and grinned lightly. “Really? Then why did you try to help me put on the ring when I was marrying Mr. Faymon?”
“I didn’t want the Faymon family to become the butt of a joke.”
“Is that the case? Or is it because you felt uncomfortable watching me marrying another man?”
Theodore shoved her away and grimaced.
Just as he got up, Jasmine pressed him down on the bed again vigorously like a tiger. Is she really drugged?
“You’re a b*stard, Theodore!” Jasmine reproached and kissed him. “Do you know how much I miss you for the past four years, you b*stard?”
Following that, she slapped him and gently caressed his cheek. Chokingly, she chided, “You’re a scumbag, you know that? Do you know how tired I was for the past few years?” While I was dealing with Sanders Group and raising Carl, he was living happily in a foreign country for four years!
Being slapped by her without apparent reason infuriated him. In response, Theodore turned around and pinned her on the bed. “Do you feel great slapping me, Jasmine? Should I let you slap my left cheek, too?”
Jasmine shook her head. “No. My heart aches when I slap you.”
Wrapping her arms around his neck, she kissed him and flirted meekly, “I miss you, Theodore. I’ve been missing you day and night for the past four years.”
It was as though her soft touch had opened the hidden spot in his heart. He might be able to push her away physically, but his heart was unwilling to do so. Therefore, he could only reprimand himself in his mind as he embraced her. I must be crazy. I can’t stop yearning for her even after being played for a fool!
They spent an intimate, lovely night with each other.
Jasmine was used to waking up early in the morning. So, even though their sex was very intense last night, she still woke up at seven.
Next to her was no longer just a cold blanket.
Instead, she was lying in Theodore’s embrace. His warm chest and breathing are the same as I remembered four years ago. She couldn’t help but wriggle further into his embrace fondly and kiss his muscles. It’s great to be able to see him when I wake up.
Her phone on the bedside table vibrated twice. Jasmine picked it up and saw it was her assistant calling her.
When the call connected, her assistant calmly reported, “Mrs. Xavier is here, Ms. Sanders. I saw her asking for your room number at the reception counter and entering the elevator when I came to deliver your clothes.”
Jasmine chuckled. “I’m impressed that she managed to get my room number out of the receptionist. Anyway, thanks for telling me about it.”
She hung up the call and kissed the still-sleeping Theodore. Her legs felt a bit sore when she descended from the bed, but she could still walk. Clad in a bathrobe, she stepped out of the room and noticed something was wrong. Mr. Cook isn’t in the bedroom? Where is he, then? Did Theodore toss him out of the room last night?
Just as she pulled out a checkbook and finished writing a string of numbers on it, she heard a wave of loud knocking at the door.
Chapter 274 I Have Never Seen His Body
Jasmine went out with the check in her hand, not forgetting to close the bedroom door behind her.
When she opened the entrance door, she saw that Emma’s face was contorted with rage.
“So it’s really you!” The moment Emma saw Jasmine, her face darkened. “There are so many other men that you can choose, Jasmine. Why do you have to pester my son?”
Jasmine smiled faintly. “Did I pester him? I don’t think so.”
Emma scowled. She pushed Jasmine aside and walked into the room. She intended to march straight to the bedroom, but Jasmine stopped her. “You’re here to see me, Mrs. Xavier. Please don’t interrupt my man sleeping.”
Emma sneered, “Do you think I don’t know that Theodore is inside? Move aside!”
“Did the receptionist inform you that Theodore is here as well?” Jasmine countered.
“He didn’t come back home last night.”
“If he didn’t go home, perhaps he went to have a drink with his friends.” Jasmine smiled and leaned against the door. “If you insist on barging in, Mrs. Xavier, I will call the police. Mr. Xavier is not in Norwal City. You can be taken to the police station because you’ve trespassed other people’s places. Don’t you think it will be too humiliating if your peers know about it?”
Emma clutched her bag furiously. “You have a sharp tongue.”
“It’s been four years. People change. How can they not?” Jasmine smiled. “But to me, you’re still the old you, Mrs. Xavier.”
“I’m not here to argue with you, Jasmine.” Emma glanced at the closed bedroom door. “I know Theodore is inside. Otherwise, you won’t stop me from entering the bedroom.”
She took two steps forward. While she continued to look at Jasmine with disdain, she said, “So what if you’ve slept with each other? You’re the one who is at a disadvantage. You have insulted yourself and trampled on your own dignity.”
Jasmine did not back down. She met Emma’s eyes. “Mrs. Xavier, it’s a beautiful thing for two people who love each other to sleep together. In that case, aren’t you insulting yourself as well?”
“You—” Emma raised her hand, wanting to slap Jasmine.
Of course, Jasmine would not let her do it. She grabbed her wrist and flung it away.
Emma staggered a few steps backward, her face filled with rage.
“If you try it again, you will hurt yourself, Mrs. Xavier.” Jasmine took out a check from her pocket and handed it to Emma with a smile. “Four years ago, you gave me ten million. Now, I’m returning you a hundred million.”
“Do you think you’re that capable now after you took over Sanders Group?” Emma was utterly disgusted.
Jasmine arched a brow and replied, “Why, of course. I can easily give away a hundred million now. I can even buy those things that you wish to have.”
Emma looked as if she was eager to rip Jasmine apart.
“Don’t worry. I’m not interested in the jewelry.” Jasmine shoved the check toward Emma with a small smile. “This is to thank you. Without the ten million from you, I won’t be who I am today. I will settle the scores with you in the future for swapping the letter.”
While the tension between them thickened, Jasmine’s assistant entered the room with two shopping bags in her hands.
“Ms. Sanders.”
Knowing that she was no match for Jasmine, Emma merely snatched the check away and shoved it into her bag. With a cold smile, she said, “All right. If you want to continue pestering my son, don’t blame me for being ruthless.”
Having said that, she tucked her bag under her arm and strode away.
After she left, the assistant finally dared to approach Jasmine with the bags. The former asked gingerly, “Mrs. Xavier looks like a tough woman to deal with. She didn’t bully you, did she?”
Jasmine flashed a faint smile. “Did you see me being bullied?”
The assistant shook her head, then quickly handed the shopping bags to Jasmine. “These are the clothes that you have requested, Ms. Sanders. But didn’t Mr. Cook follow you last night? Why—”
“What a keen observer you are. Then why didn’t you ask two men to come over here to prevent bad things from happening to me?”
“Well, Mr. Xavier was there!”
Suddenly, the bedroom door was flung open without warning. Jasmine lost her balance and directly fell into Theodore’s chest. In less than two seconds, she was pushed to the side.
“I have things to do, so I’ll be going now, Ms. Sanders.” The assistant quickly walked away.
Seeing Theodore’s crumpled shirt, Jasmine took out a new shirt from a shopping bag. “Why don’t you change your clothes?”
“There’s no need for that.” Theodore swatted her hand away.
Jasmine narrowed her eyes.
What a jerk! He slept with me last night. How can he be in such a bad mood after he woke up? Do I owe him anything?
Theodore stepped aside and wanted to walk out. However, Jasmine grabbed his shirt before he could. “Mr. Xavier, I can see that you look sated. It seems that you haven’t forgotten what happened last night.”
Theodore’s temples throbbed. He tried hard to control his temper as he said, “You were drugged.”
“You could have sent me to the hospital after I was drugged. Isn’t it wrong for you to sleep with me? Besides, do you think anyone can sleep with the director of Sanders Group?”
“What do you want?”
“Looks like you’re a responsible one after all, Mr. Xavier.” She smirked. “You owe me a huge favor. Behave more politely next time.”
“Fine. I owe you a favor.” Theodore glanced at her hand, which was still gripping the corner of his shirt. “Let go.”
“What’s with that attitude, Mr. Xavier?”
Theodore was at the end of his patience. I must be crazy to spend the night here!
“Please let go, Ms. Sanders.”
Jasmine gave him the new shirt. “Go change your shirt. It’s crumpled and there’s a smell on it. Aren’t you worried that everyone will know what you did last night? Aren’t you embarrassed by it?”
Theodore walked into the bathroom with the shirt and pants in his hands, his face cold. Jasmine pursed her lips.
It’s not like I’ve never seen his body before. Why does he want to cover it?
As she changed her clothes outside, she heard a painful shriek coming from the bathroom. It was vague and fleeting, so she merely shrugged, thinking that she had heard it wrong.
When Theodore came out, he had changed into new clothes. He still had a bitter expression on his face as if the entire world was against him. Without sparing her a glance, he walked out in large strides.
Jasmine grabbed her bag and followed him. “Do you want to have breakfast together, Mr. Xavier?”
“No, thanks.”
“You’ve exercised for the whole night. Aren’t you tired and hungry?”
Theodore was at a loss for words.
Half an hour later, a housekeeper pushed her trolley into the room. When she opened the bathroom door, she was shocked to see a chubby man who had bruises and blood all over his face.
Curtis left right after sending Rayna home the night before. His action made her feel uneasy for the entire night.
Did I say something wrong? I didn’t. But why is he so calm? Why didn’t he reply to any of my messages?
The more she thought about it, the more uneasy she was. He might have thought that she had willingly signed the agreement and agreed to stay away from him. She hailed a taxi and went straight to the supermarket early in the morning to buy groceries.
After that, she entered the mansion surreptitiously.
It was quiet. Curtis was still asleep. Lucky was sprawled inside its kennel. It sprang into action the moment it noticed her. Then it ran toward her while wagging its tail happily.
“Shh!” Rayna crouched down to caress its head. She whispered, “You’re a good dog. Don’t make any sound.”
Surprisingly, it did not make any sound and merely continued to wag its tail.
Rayna went to the kitchen to prepare the meal. She made sure to move quietly and thought of waking Curtis up only after breakfast was ready. Her reason for treating him to breakfast was to trick him into forgetting her words from the night before.
While she was busy preparing breakfast, Lucky continued to circle her and bit her slippers.
Chapter 275 Curtis Had Tricked Her
Rayna tried to shove Lucky aside with her leg. “Go play on your own.”
It walked back to her.
“Play on your own, all right? I will play with you after I have made breakfast. Don’t step on my leg, you fat dog.”
Rayna tried to shoo it away a few more times, but she finally stopped after realizing that her efforts were in vain. As she took out the groceries, she could see its chubby body occasionally when she looked down.
She sighed. “It’s obvious that you are well-fed when you are with Mr. Faymon. Just look at you. You’ve grown faster than my cat.”
Lucky twitched its nose all of a sudden and went out of the kitchen abruptly.
Thinking that it was hungry and wanted to eat its food, Rayna ignored its sudden departure and concentrated on making breakfast. As her back was to the door, she did not know that Lucky had gone outside to meet Curtis, who was walking down from the second floor.
As always, he still disliked pets. However, he had Lucky for a long time and he was already used to it biting his slippers. With a cold expression on his face, he walked to the bar to make coffee. It was then he realized that there were a lot of extra things in the house.
He noticed that there was a pair of a woman’s leather shoes near the entrance and a person inside the kitchen.
Curtis cocked his brow and walked toward the kitchen. When he opened the door, he saw Rayna, who was busy making breakfast. A pleasant aroma filled the air.
The sight of a busy woman and an aroma permeating the kitchen had inexplicably added a warm touch to the mansion.
Leaning against the door lightly, Curtis did not say a word and merely looked at her in amusement. As she prepared the meal, she muttered to herself, “How should I wake him up later? Honey, I made you breakfast. Let’s wake up and eat. No! I feel disgusted just saying it. What if I say that Mr. Xavier forced me? I can go with ‘Mr. Faymon, don’t be angry. I can make you breakfast for a month.’ But that won’t do. It’s too tiring to wake up early for the entire month. Ugh, I blame Mr. Xavier for it. I’m not the only one who is close to Mr. Faymon. Why did he find me? I hope Theodore goes bankrupt soon!”
Curtis chuckled. Then, he drawled, “You will have to pray many times. Theodore has a lot of companies. He earns more money than Faymon Group. It will need quite some time to make him go bankrupt.”
Rayna was started. Daily new chapters upload Only On Alaniniz(dot)com She turned around and saw Curtis leaning languidly against the wall. With an awkward laugh, she said, “Y-You’re up, Mr. Faymon?”
Having forgotten that she was preparing breakfast, she touched her forehead guiltily. Pasta sauce was stuck on her forehead. When Curtis saw it, he could not stop himself from laughing.
Rayna’s lips twitched.
He must be disorientated because he just woke up. Otherwise, why would he be acting like a fool?
“There’s sauce on your face, Ms. Garland.” Curtis grabbed two tissues and helped her wipe the sauce on her forehead, bringing them closer to each other.
“T-Thank you.” Rayna leaned back, wanting to avoid him. However, the more she leaned back, the more he moved toward her. He placed his hands on the kitchen island and confined her in his arms. “Ms. Garland, what do you think is the reason for my anger?”
As she took in his stern expression, she felt an inexplicable feeling of anxiety. “I-I don’t know.”
“You don’t know?” Curtis moved closer. “After listening to you mumbling just now, I thought you were here to cook me a meal so that I can be happy and forget about the matter.”
It’s over. He heard everything.
Rayna gave a guilty smile and said, “Mr. Xavier really did force me to sign the agreement. I’m here because I love cooking. I want to make something for you, Mr. Faymon.”
“I don’t believe it.”
“Huh?”
“I think you signed the agreement deliberately because it has something to do with me.”
“I can swear on it!”
“Even if you swear on it, you may be saying in your heart that the oath is not valid.”
Rayna’s expression grew awkward.
He can even guess that? This is too much!
Curtis said slowly, “You can still make me believe. Give it a try with me.”
“Give what a try?” she asked.
“Be my girlfriend.” Curtis stroked her cheek endearingly. “If you can make me feel your sincerity, I will believe that Theodore forced you to sign the agreement.”
Rayna was rendered speechless. She lowered her head in contemplation, looking as if she wanted to find the flaw in his words.
Seeing that, Curtis continued to coax her, “I promise I won’t go to look for you when we’re in the office. I won’t let anyone else know about our relationship unless you want to make it public. Am I not an excellent boyfriend? I’m tall, handsome, and rich. You don’t have to find a teacher if you want to learn something. Just ask me about it. If you want to eat, I can cook for you.”
“The food you cook is inedible!”
“I can take care of you.” After some deliberation, he said reluctantly, “And your cat.”
“I can take care of it on my own.”
“Rayna, think about it carefully. I’m filthy rich. Don’t you want me? If I’m yours, you don’t have to worry about your life. I heard that it’ll be fun to travel to Jeradus in two months’ time. Don’t you want to travel with your mother? I own a lot of planes.”
Rayna’s heart wavered. “Can we go to see penguins?”
“Sure. You can even raise one if you want to.”
“Let me think about it.” She bit her lip. “I keep having the feeling that something is amiss.”
A cunning gleam flashed across Curtis’ eyes. Nonchalantly, he said, “The band that you like, SF Band, is going to hold a concert in Coldbridge next month. We can take my plane and fly there. We can watch the concert from the front-row seats. After the concert ends, we can go backstage to chat with the members of the band. We can even ask them for autographs and have dinner with them.”
Rayna grew excited.
SF Band! And I can eat with them!
Seeing that she had finally taken the bait, Curtis gave a small smile. “As long as you become Mrs. Faymon, you don’t have to do anything at all. The celebrities will come to you to chat and have a meal with you. They will even give you autographed pictures.”
“Okay!”
Curtis asked her again, “So you really agree?”
“Yes!” Rayna nodded.
A shrewd smile appeared on his face. He kissed her on the cheek and said, “Let me go upstairs to change my clothes first, Mrs. Faymon. I look forward to your breakfast.”
Rayna only came back to her senses after he walked out of the kitchen. She was dumbstruck.
What did he call me just now? Mrs. Faymon?
Her heart beat wildly. She tried hard to recompose herself. After giving it some thought, she finally realized that he had tricked her.
He asked me to be his girlfriend at first. When I was distracted, he changed it and called me “Mrs. Faymon.” Others would be given a huge and sparkling engagement ring when they were proposed to. There would be roses as well. But this man is too clueless. Did he think that a verbal proposal is enough? Wait, this is wrong!
Rayna slapped herself hard. She chided, “This is not the right time to be worried about the marriage proposal. If I become his girlfriend, we can break up the moment we fight with each other. But after I
become his fiancée, it will be much harder to break up.”
Finally, she calmed down. I need to take care of myself. I must stay away from Uncle Curtis!
Rayna was melancholic after knowing that Curtis had tricked her.
When she arrived in the office, someone lunged at her from behind. She nearly fell to the ground. “Nana, you’re here early today. Did you make a heartwarming breakfast for Mr. Faymon again?”
“I’m frustrated.” Rayna wanted to ignore the woman.
Jessica slid down Rayna’s back and turned to hug her. She looked happy when she saw Rayna’s contorted face. “Just look at your face, Nana. You look miserable…”
Rayna gave her a death stare, and she quickly corrected herself, “I mean, you don’t look so good. Did Mr. Faymon bully you?”
“That’s not all!” Rayna answered through gritted teeth.
Chapter 276 Agenda Of Emma Mabins
“Wow, so there’s more?” Jessica’s curiosity and excitement intensified. “Quick, tell me!”
“Don’t be nosy!”
Rayna rolled her eyes before shoving Jessica aside. Just as she pressed the elevator button, a towering figure loomed over her.
The familiar masculine breath caused her heart to skip a beat.
“Good morning, Mrs. Faymon.”
Walking past her, Curtis lowered his head and brushed his lips against her ear. As the words rolled off his tongue, his deep voice sounded especially irresistible.
He then strode into the open elevator as if nothing had happened.
Everyone else pretended to be oblivious to the incident.
Clearing her throat to feign calmness, Rayna cursed Curtis in her heart. However, when she turned her head, she was greeted by Jessica gawking at her in shock.
“M-Mr. Faymon… H-H-He…”
Rayna covered Jessica’s mouth and dragged her into another elevator before stabbing her finger desperately at the close button.
It wasn’t until the elevator doors finally shut that she heaved a sigh of relief.
“Mr. Faymon called you Mrs. Faymon! I heard him! Since when did the both of you got married? Why didn’t you tell me?” Jessica’s voice echoed through the elevator as she bombarded Rayna with a barrage of questions.
“No, we didn’t, and keep your voice down.” Rayna held her head in annoyance. “He was just joking.”
Jessica snorted. “I have known Mr. Faymon for a long time. Someone as reserved and ruthless as him doesn’t have a sense of humor. What happened between both of you that I’m not aware of?”
“If he was really reserved, would he have said something like that?”
“Oh…” Jessica smiled at her mischievously. “So, Mr. Faymon isn’t reserved…”
Rayna was speechless.
Finally, she succumbed to Jessica’s carrot-and-stick approach and resigned herself to revealing the origins of “Mrs. Faymon.”
After listening to the entire story, Jessica—eyes almost popping out—laughed so hard that she had to hold on to the elevator handrail to steady herself. “Nana, I can’t believe you fell into Mr. Faymon’s trap despite how smart you are. This is so hilarious!”
Feeling the urge to give her a beating, Rayna snapped, “Laugh all you want!”
“It appears Mr. Faymon is better at scheming than you are!” Jessica hugged Rayna’s arm. “Be honest with me. Mr. Faymon’s so handsome. Aren’t you interested in him?”
“He is handsome, but he’s too cold.” The thought of Theodore’s frosty demeanor elicited a smirk from her. “He behaves as if the universe is against him. Only Jasmine is interested in him.”
“What’s this about Jasmine and him?” the nosey Jessica probed.
Rayna tried to pry her hands away. “Why do you want to know? Now, let go. My top is tailor-made with thin fabric. You’d better not rip it.”
“Nana, you don’t love me anymore.”
“Get lost!” Rayna rolled her eyes. “I already have enough problems on my hands!”
“Don’t let them bother you. Let me take you someplace fun!” Jessica suggested with a giggle. Upon retrieving her phone, she waved it at Rayna. “I won three tickets for a five-day trip to Jetroina through a lucky draw!”
Rayna took Jessica’s phone to verify her claim.
She did won a prize.
“Has the technical staff at Twitter changed?” Rayna mumbled. “Don’t they always leave the best for their own? How did you manage to win such a big prize? Can it be…”
She turned to look at Jessica.
Jessica gave Rayna a gentle pat. “Wyatt doesn’t know about my Twitter account. Anyway, this is from a new live streamer who has always been generous with his prizes. Let’s go have some fun. I’ll sell the third one online.”
Rayna waved her hand. “No, thanks. There’s just too much to do that I can’t afford to have fun.”
Jessica tugged her hand and pleaded like a child, “Let’s just go. After working non-stop for so long, you deserve some rest. Besides, I have never been overseas in my entire life!”
“In that case, what about your passport?”
“I’ll just pay to get it done.”
Rayna gave it some thought and realized it had indeed been a long time since she had gone on a holiday, let alone one where she didn’t have to pay. “Fine. Let’s go. You’d better not end up bringing Wyatt along.”
Jessica flashed a cheeky smile. “Jetroina is a fun and beautiful country. I’m not going to let him get in my way.”
Somehow, Rayna felt as if there was more to Jessica’s words than she was letting on.
Upon arriving at the floor where Jessica would get off, Rayna couldn’t help but ask, “I have a question. How do you manage to act cute without being annoying?”
“That’s because I am cute!”
Rayna was stumped for words.
You’re a true apprentice of Wyatt, having picked up his shameless behavior.
Upon entering the office with a swipe of her card, Rayna was given a shock when everyone looked in her direction. “Why do all of you look so surprised? Or is there something wrong with my outfit?”
Her colleagues shook their heads.
“Then go back to whatever you’re doing.” With a cordial smile, she went into her office.
After going through the pile of documents on her table, she gave the colleague in charge of them a call. “I’m done with the files. You can deliver them to the secretarial department.”
“All right.”
On her way out after picking up the documents, she couldn’t resist turning around to look at Rayna.
Noticing the curious response, Rayna asked with a frown, “What is it? Ever since I came in, all of you have been giving me a strange look. Whatever it is, spit it out.”
The colleague asked carefully, “Ms. Garland, did you not read the papers?”
“What papers?”
The colleague slipped out and returned in less than a minute, placing the newspaper she brought in front of Rayna. “Ms. Garland, if you’re getting married, don’t forget to let us know. We would like to get you a wedding gift.”
Rayna picked up the entertainment section and browsed through it. The moment her gaze fell upon her half-hidden face and the flexed muscular chest, she spewed the coffee in her mouth onto the picture.
Underneath the picture was the headline: Rayna Garland visits the Xavier residence at night. Wonderful news in store for the Xavier family!
The entire page was dedicated to her rendezvous with Theodore. It claimed that she had met Theodore at the mall one afternoon, and he had given her a present, after which both of them engaged in some intimate acts.
Then she had attended Sanders Group’s low-key cocktail reception with Theodore. Both of them were spotted having a tryst in the restroom. Upon emerging from it, Theodore gave her some tissue. Later in the night, she even sneaked into the Xavier residence.
Since when did I go to the Xavier residence? Also, the present was for his own son, all right? As for the cocktail reception, both of us happened to come out of the restroom at the same time, and Theodore was just giving me a pack of tissues. How did it end up becoming a tryst between the two of us? These pictures must have been doctored! With half the girl’s face covered by her long hair, editing her jawline will naturally make her look like me!
Rayna crumpled the newspaper into a ball and threw it out. She couldn’t contain her rage. She logged into Twitter and discovered that the scandal was raging with even greater intensity there. There was even an interview with Emma.
Faced with the reporter’s question as to whether Rayna had gone to the Xavier residence, the distinguished and elegant Emma didn’t reply directly. Instead, she stated she was not one to interfere in her children’s affairs and that she liked Rayna very much.
Reading between the lines, the reporters could only conclude that Rayna did visit the Xavier residence.
F*ck!
After watching the video, Rayna was certain that Emma was the one who masterminded everything. She probably did it as revenge for my being rude to her at the cocktail reception last night!
Rayna hated herself for making decisions that she regretted. After signing the contract with Theodore and getting involved with him, she ended up falling into Curtis’ trap. Thereafter, she was used by Theodore’s mother as a shield.
Chapter 277 You Are So Cruel
It took Rayna a long while to recompose herself.
Examining the photos again, she noticed that they looked familiar.
Opening her album, she compared it to the picture of Curtis she had accidentally taken a long time ago in the hotel. Other than his head being cut off, the rest of the picture was a match.
This picture has been in my phone album. How did Mrs. Xavier get it?
Rayna brooded over the matter. She was filled with frustration at the thought of Theodore’s father’s rank and his mother’s behavior.
This woman is really wicked!
She took a deep breath and gave Jasmine a call. “Did you see the news in the entertainment section? The reporters made things up. It isn’t me and Theodore in that photo.”
“I know.” Jasmine chuckled over the line. “I can recognize the body of my man with a single glance.”
Rayna cleared her throat before changing the topic. “Mrs. Xavier is the one behind this. When I was eating with Carl at the cocktail reception last night, she approached me to force me to marry Theodore. Both of us got into an argument thereafter.”
Rayna went on to tell Jasmine about the contract.
Jasmine seemed to be even more elated after listening to Rayna’s words. “Thanks for this. That’s how she has always been. She’s willing to do anything just to get rid of me.”
“You sound… happy?” Rayna was baffled. “How can you be happy over something like that?”
Jasmine smiled. “Shouldn’t I be happy to know that my man cares about me? By the way, are you free on Friday? I would like to treat you to a meal to thank you.”
After checking the calendar, Rayna realized she couldn’t spare the time. “I’ve taken leave and will be going on a vacation.”
“With Mr. Faymon?”
“No. My friend won three tickets to an all-expense-paid trip to Jetroina via a lucky draw,” Rayna said. “Since I’m due for a break, I decided to go with her.”
“I see… It’s been a long time since I had a break too. Can I come along with you?”
“Sure. I’ll let her know.”
“It’s fine. Just give me her number. I want to talk to her about something else.”
“All right.”
Before they ended the call, the sound of shuffling documents could be heard from Jasmine’s end. Daily new chapters upload Only On Alaniniz(dot)com She said, “I heard that your mother enjoys making snacks and wine. Sanders Group currently owns a few stores in Obelisk Mall. One of their tenancy agreements has ended. I’ll get my assistant to send the contract over to Faymon Group. It will be my way of thanking you.”
“You don’t have to do that,” Rayna declined cordially. “Treating me to a meal is enough.”
“I’m sure you know how reluctant I am to rent the place on the cheap. I might as well let you have it to repay my debt of gratitude. If you think it’s too much, just send me the delicious snacks your mother makes next time.”
“Sure. Thank you!” Rayna felt it rude to refuse.
“You’re welcome.”
After giving Jasmine Jessica’s number, Rayna watched as her colleague enter with documents in her hands.
“Ms. Garland, Mr. Faymon wants you to sign this.”
“Why does he insist on having me deal with this when he can do so himself?” Rayna grumbled as she quickly signed her name on the last page. As Curtis had gone through it, it wasn’t necessary for her to take another look.
No sooner had the colleague closed the door behind her with the signed document than a group of people surrounded her. “We heard the secretarial department mention that this contains the management rights of Obelisk Mall. Is it true? Show us!”
“In your dreams!” The colleague shooed the group away with the document. “Mr. Faymon said to keep this confidential, yet you guys had to gossip about it. Do you want to get yourselves fired?”
“We were just discussing it among ourselves. It’s not like we’ll reveal it to any outsiders.”
Within Faymon Group, it was effortless to trace any leaks to their source. As Rayna was also their department manager, the last thing they wanted was to be fired by her.
The colleague relented with a nod. “It’s indeed the management rights of Obelisk Mall.”
“Wow!”
Everyone gasped in shock and turned to look at Rayna, who was sitting behind the glass door. Filled with admiration, one of them commented, “Obelisk Mall rakes in a profit of a few hundred million
annually. Did Mr. Faymon really give it to Ms. Garland just like that?”
Another speculated, “You guys saw the news, right? The Xavier family is also considered one of Norwal City’s most influential families. Do you think Mr. Faymon presented the gift to Ms. Garland because he was jealous after reading it?”
“Mr. Faymon is really generous to give away a mall just like that. I’m really impressed!”
“In that case, who’s Ms. Garland going to choose?”
“I’m dying to know too.”
All of a sudden, a mischievous laugh rang out. “I think Ms. Garland should accept more presents from them. That way, she’ll soon be rich enough to be her own boss. Wouldn’t that be great?”
Buried in her work, Rayna was oblivious to the fact that Curtis had given her another present.
In the afternoon, Jessica arrived at Rayna’s office with two boxes of food.
They were from Good Times Restaurant, and everyone in Rayna’s department received a lunch box each. Throwing the food a glance, Rayna asked in surprise, “What’s the occasion? Why are you treating us to lunch all of a sudden?”
Jessica replied with a giggle, “I struck it rich!”
“Did you win a bet with Wyatt?”
“It’s meaningless to win his money. They’re mine anyway.” Puckering her lips, Jessica opened Rayna’s lunch box for her and said mysteriously, “I got it from Ms. Sanders.”
“Oh… I gave her your contact. She wants the buy the third ticket to join us on our trip.”
“Do you know how much she gave me?”
“How much?”
Jessica made a “V” sign with her fingers and her smile broadened. “Two million!”
Rayna choked on her food. After getting a quick drink of water and regaining her composure, she asked, “The trip costs twenty thousand at most. Why did you take two million from her?”
“She insisted on giving me that much. What am I supposed to do?” Jessica shrugged before grabbing Rayna’s hand abruptly with a pitiful expression. “Nana, you have to forgive me if I have done anything wrong!”
Her gesture caused Rayna’s hair to stand on end. “Did you sold me out?”
“Not really…” In a way, it’s not far from that.
An hour later, Wyatt discovered Jessica’s social media post, which was hidden from Rayna.
“What the hell?” He sprang up from the couch in shock.
“What’s wrong with you this time?” Curtis snapped. “Just a moment ago, you were being lackadaisical during our discussion. And now, you got all excited all of a sudden. I think you’re really suited to become a doorman at a hotel.”
Wyatt exclaimed, “Jessie and Rayna are going to Jetroina with Jasmine!”
Curtis let out a snort. “So what? Do you always need to keep her by your side?”
“F*ck! Since when did I put any restrictions on her social circle? Jessie posted it online herself!” Wyatt showed him the phone. “Look what she posted.”
Jessie: Hurray! I’m going to Jetroina with my girlfriends. We’ll be going on the Blue Whale cruise ship. Are there any handsome guys out there going at the same time as us? There are two single girls among us!
Rayna’s and Jasmine’s photos were attached below. Looking perfectly gorgeous, they could captivate anyone who laid eyes on them.
Curtis’ gaze darkened in response. “What in the world is she up to?”
“I just checked her Twitter account with an alternate account of mine. It appears that she won three tickets to Jetroina.” Wyatt placed a hand on Curtis’ shoulder. “Despite how handsome I am, my other half is still looking to date other men.”
“Get your hands off me!”
Wyatt gradually retrieved his hand. “You’re so cruel. You’re no longer the friend you used to be.”
Chapter 278 The Fourth Gift From Curtis
Just as Curtis was about to throw a document at him, the cowardly Wyatt scrambled to the other couch.
“Contact Twitter’s administrator and get them to designate Jessica’s account as a zombie account. That way, she’ll no longer be eligible for the prize. If we really allow them to go on that trip, nothing but trouble will come out of it.”
Wyatt flashed a cheeky smile. “I heard the male escorts in Jetroina are really interesting and know their way around women. Curtis, are you worried that—”
“Shut up!”
Not daring to fool around any longer, Wyatt did as he was told.
After that, he lay back down on the couch. It was then he received a message from Jessica. “Hmm? Jessie sent me a message to explain. She said Jasmine gave her two million to trick Theodore into going with them, and she wants my help.”
Curtis didn’t even bother to look up. “Then get someone to make one of the tickets expire.”
“What if Jessie decides not to go and Rayna ends up going with Jasmine?” Wyatt didn’t agree with the plan. “Wouldn’t it be better if we tagged along without their knowledge? Once we run into each other on the cruise ship, there’s little they can do about it.”
“Why do we need to get involved in Theodore and Jasmine’s affairs?”
“Let’s just go along and have fun!” Wyatt smiled gleefully and leaned over. “Women are difficult to understand. Who knows? She might fall for you on the trip.”
“You’re worried that you won’t get a break if I don’t go. That’s why you’re manipulating me into doing so.”
Wyatt chuckled. “Looks like I can never get anything past you!”
Curtis twirled a pen between his fingers before putting it down on the document. He arched a brow and said, “Fine. I’ll go. Since you’ve worked hard for the entire year, I’ll give you a few days off.”
“You’re the best, Curtis!” Wyatt was overjoyed. But remembering something, he muttered, “But what are we going to tell Theodore?”
“That’s your problem.”
Wyatt scratched his head. “Jessie keeps giving me difficult problems to solve.”
As soon as he said that, the office door opened, and in walked a cold-looking Theodore with lunch in his hands.
“Wow, you’re the best, Theodore. You brought us lunch.” Wyatt rushed over and asked in an excited tone, “Theodore, do you want to take a break and go on a vacation?”
“No, thanks,” Theodore replied indifferently. He was visibly in a bad mood and wasn’t keen on entertaining Wyatt.
After placing the food on the table, he turned to Curtis and informed, “I’ll be flying back to Norham on Friday morning. I need to deal with some stuff and will only be back during the holidays.”
With his arm draped around Theodore’s shoulder, Wyatt said, “There’s nothing to worry about with Mr. Tylinski holding the fort in Norham. Why are you leaving in such a hurry? Are you trying to avoid something?”
Theodore threw him an icy glance.
“Your hand.”
F*ck! Why does everyone find me annoying?
Despite feeling aggrieved, Wyatt had no choice but to remove his hand. He subsequently showed Theodore his phone. “Theodore, look. Jasmine is going to Jetroina. Aren’t you worried? Don’t you feel like going with her?”
After glancing at the phone emotionlessly, Theodore averted his gaze and answered, “I don’t know her that well. It’s none of my business where she goes to.”
“Oh, is that how it is?” Wyatt nodded. In the very next second, he tore open Theodore’s shirt to reveal the hickeys on his collarbone. A cheeky grin appeared on Wyatt’s face. “I heard you were at Intercontinental last night. Theodore, are you going to tell us that those are mosquito bites?”
With a grimace, Theodore gave Wyatt a kick.
Wyatt howled in pain.
Theodore quickly straightened his shirt while giving Wyatt a dressing down. “When will your itchy hands ever stop?”
“My poor leg…” Rubbing his thigh, Wyatt complained, “Curtis, are you not going to do something about this?”
Curtis responded flatly, “You deserved it.”
Upon swiftly signing a document, Curtis handed it to Theodore. “Theodore, once you’re back in Norham, please take care of this matter with the food manufacturing plant.”
Theodore hummed in acknowledgment before leaving with the file.
“Theodore’s gone. Just like that?” After staring at the tightly shut door, Wyatt returned his gaze to Curtis. “Damn it! Theodore is already in his thirties. Are you really all right with watching him growing old without a wife and child?”
Curtis retorted, “Do I look like a matchmaker to you?”
Wyatt scratched his head in frustration. “That’s it. I can’t complete the task Jessie has given me. I’m doomed!”
Curtis smirked.
He knew that Theodore’s cold temperament would never allow him to reveal his true feelings. Naturally, the latter would go on the trip without anyone having to ask twice.
However, when he heard Wyatt talking about Theodore not having a wife and children, Curtis—for some strange reason—recalled the child who would often walk with Rayna. The more she tried to be evasive about the matter, the more intrigued he was.
“Wyatt, show me that post again,” he piped up.
“Why? Haven’t you ogled at her enough in the office? Are you looking to use her picture as a screensaver?” Wyatt teased before chucking his phone over.
Curtis tapped on Jasmine’s picture and enlarged it.
His pupils constricted abruptly as if he had ascertained something. “These women really know how to have fun.” He chuckled lowly.
“What are you talking about?” The curious Wyatt leaned over.
When he saw Curtis staring at Jasmine’s picture, Wyatt inhaled sharply. “Curtis, as a man, there’s nothing wrong with admiring pretty girls. But two-timing is crossing the line.”
“You’d better clean up your act before sticking your nose into my business!” Curtis sneered as he tapped the phone against Wyatt’s chest.
Wyatt grabbed his phone and refuted, “My act is very clean, thank you.”
Curtis didn’t even bother to respond.
Meanwhile, the tenancy agreement for Sanders Group’s store was soon delivered to Rayna. The annual rental was less than a hundred thousand, and the lease was for five years.
Overwhelmed by the gesture, Rayna gave Jasmine a call to thank her, but the latter quickly played down the matter. After a quick chat, Rayna finally signed it and sent the contract to Linda.
After Linda had recovered and had been discharged from the hospital, Kristie had been dragging her all over the city to shop and go for beauty treatments. As days passed, she looked a lot younger and more vibrant than before.
Nevertheless, splurging every day like a rich housewife made Linda feel uncomfortable. Because of that, she was ecstatic to learn that Rayna had secured a shop in Obelisk Mall for her to sell her snacks and wine.
Upon viewing the place, she was satisfied with its renovations and didn’t feel that any changes were required. Once she had prepared her things, Rayna helped her move them over. Curtis offered to help but was subsequently rejected, for her disapproval of him had yet to diminish.
When Curtis found out that it was Jasmine who had given Rayna the shop, he cocked his brow in surprise. “You don’t know?”
Rayna rolled her eyes at him. “How would I know what you’re talking about when you don’t speak properly?”
“You own the management rights of Obelisk Mall.”
Only then did Rayna realize that the document she had signed the other day was a transfer agreement for the management rights of the mall.
Curtis had a beautiful name for it—it was her first gift ever since they got together.
This is crazy!
Linda changed the sign for the shop and decided to kick off her business on Thursday. Worried that her mother’s snacks wouldn’t be popular, Rayna planned to gather some people to beef up the crowd.
Little did she expect the shop to be brimming with customers early in the morning. Without any hesitation, she swiftly joined in to help.
James and Kristie arrived shortly after.
Kristie had planned to help promote the shop but was stopped by Rayna. The latter was concerned that Linda would end up being overwhelmed given Kristie’s fame.
Chapter 279
Chapter 279 I Am Actually His Mother
By around ten, the snacks and home-brewed red wine were basically sold out.
After serving coffee to everyone, Kristie nestled into James’ embrace and said seductively, “Hubby, Mom’s tired. Let’s not cook lunch at home and eat out instead.”
Rayna took a sip of her coffee and frowned. The relationship between Kristie and James is progressing too well. Something’s surely going to happen in the future.
Linda grew flustered, and she said to Kristie, “Honey, you guys aren’t even engaged yet. How could you address him that way? Don’t be fooled by James’ sweet words.”
“It’s all right, Mom.” Kristie was elated because Linda would always side with her. “We’ve already given each other our tokens of love. We’re practically engaged!” she said shyly. “Once James is free after his semester next year, we’ll get married and have children! Mom, I’ll give you three grandchildren!”
Linda smiled gleefully and said, “Sure! Don’t tire yourself out, Honey. If you don’t want to act anymore, then don’t! You can spend all my money in the future.”
“Hey… Don’t you think you’re biased, Mom?” Rayna piped up. “Are you not going to let me spend your money?”
Hearing that, Linda turned to Rayna and answered, “I almost forgot you’re still here! Reflect upon yourself, will you? Your brother is already getting married next year. How about you?”
“Isn’t it the same with Roxanne?” Rayna talked back.
“At least Roxanne has a boyfriend. You’re still single!” Linda was displeased. “I’m not asking you to get married. You can start by dating someone so that you won’t feel so lonely.”
Rayna lowered her head and continued sipping her coffee. I’m not lonely at all. I’ve even received an engagement gift. Should I tell everyone that?
Taking in Rayna’s demeanor, Linda questioned, “Why are you not talking? Did I say something wrong? Or you’re still thinking about Mr. Faymon? Is that why you don’t want anyone else?”
“No…”
Linda shot Rayna a know-it-all glance and said, “Just by looking at your face, I know that’s the case.”
“Mom, Curtis is a good man. Not only is he handsome, but he’s also filthy rich! I think he’s meant to be with Rayna!” Kristie couldn’t help but defend Curtis.
“Handsome men are all cheaters.”
Rayna and the rest were rendered speechless.
“Ms. Linda, do you really hate me so much?” Curtis suddenly showed up outside the shop with bags of goods in his hands. He had a helpless look on his face.
“Why are you—” Rayna instinctively wanted to carry those bags for him, but at the thought of Linda’s presence, she sat back down and kept her mouth shut.
Linda sized Curtis up and said, “My daughter likes you, so she brought you home. I even cooked for you. But how did you treat her? She had a high fever for three days and almost lost her life. I think my anger toward you isn’t uncalled for.”
Linda was frail, but she was still a protective mother. Prior to that, her impression of Curtis was positive. However, everything changed after Rayna suffered from a high fever.
Curtis brought the bags of goods in and uttered apologetically, “Yes, you’re right. I’m young and foolish. Since I’ve committed a mistake, your anger toward me is justifiable.”
Linda snorted in response.
Curtis flashed a smile and passed her the goods. “I heard you’re into cooking and brewing wine, so I asked someone to bring these ingredients back. Perhaps these can come in handy.”
“Are you bribing me?”
“If I were to bribe you, I would need a lot more than this,” Curtis replied. “I love the dishes you make, and I hope you can do even better. With more money, you can expand the shop and employ others to work. By then, all you need to do is keep track of how much money you’re making! Wouldn’t you like to spend money on your grandchildren in the future?”
Linda seemed moved, but her expression remained grim. She took the bags of goods from him and said, “My daughter knows how to make money, so I don’t need you. I’m not someone you can handle with ease.”
Curtis’ smile grew wider. “You’re right! Who knows? I might even need to rely on her in the future!”
Seeing that Rayna was in a daze, Linda shouted, “Hey! Are you not going to serve our guest some coffee?”
“Oh, right.” Rayna quickly served Curtis a cup of coffee. “I’m impressed, Mr. Faymon. You were smart enough to make use of her hobby!”
“Don’t you know how capable your boyfriend is?” Curtis whispered into her ear.
Rayna rolled her eyes at him in response.
No matter how much Linda disliked Curtis, he was still as gentle as ever. He even taught Linda ways to attract customers. Customers of different ages had different preferences for wine.
Linda listened intently and even took notes. Once Curtis was done, she looked at him in awe. This future son-in-law of mine is still quite useful.
During lunchtime, Kristie suggested having lunch at Good Times Restaurant. Let’s make Curtis spend his money.
Linda didn’t like the dishes there, so she told the rest to go without her.
“Just let her be.” Rayna knew Linda well. Hearing that Linda refused to go with them, she dragged Kristie away and left. Curtis and James followed from behind.
The moment they stepped into the elevator, Sandy, dressed in a light yellow skirt, arrived in the other elevator. She looked graceful and elegant.
Sandy checked out the name on the signboard and stopped right in front of the shop.
“Oh? Are you here to buy food?” Linda thought Sandy was a regular customer. “I’m so sorry, but everything is sold out today. Perhaps you can come again tomorrow.”
“Are you Rayna’s mother?”
Linda froze momentarily upon hearing that. This woman is dressed well, and she has a graceful aura. She looks like she’s from a rich family. ”I am. Are you here to look for my daughter?”
“Oh, no. I’m here to look for you.” Sandy’s eyes were brimming with tears, so she quickly wiped her eyes dry with a handkerchief. “I heard that Rayna’s mother has a shop here, so I decided to check it out.”
Linda was confused, but she still invited Sandy in and served her a cup of coffee.
“Thank you.” Sandy took the cup and smiled at Linda. “You’re so gentle and kind. You’ve indeed taught Rayna well. She’s pretty, smart, and capable!”
“Oh, no. She taught herself all that.” Linda pondered for a moment and uttered cautiously, “Rayna has been by my side ever since she was born. I brought her home from the hospital myself. I’m sure she’s my daughter.”
Sandy was baffled. “I think there’s a misunderstanding. I know she’s your biological daughter.”
“Oh… So…”
“You know your daughter is dating Mr. Faymon from Faymon Group, right? I-I’m actually his mother. That’s why I’m here,” Sandy choked out.
She didn’t dare to bother Curtis and Rayna, so she went to see Linda instead.
“Oh… So you’re Curtis’ mother! That makes us in-laws, then.” Linda became friendlier upon finding out Sandy’s identity. “Oh dear, I didn’t prepare anything for your visit. May I buy you lunch?”
Sandy immediately held Linda’s hand. “There’s no need for that. I’m just here to have a chat with you.”
Linda sat back down.
Sandy wiped the corners of her eyes and started, “I have health issues, so I’ve been receiving treatment abroad. Curtis was still so little when we separated. I don’t think he even remembers me anymore. I’m back now, and I don’t know how to make it up to him. Please don’t let the kids know I came to look for you. I don’t want to ruin their moods.”
Linda nodded and understood that Sandy had her own difficulties. “Still, he’s your biological son. Although you guys have been separated for a long time, I bet he still misses you.”
Chapter 280
Chapter 280 Wyatt Is Here
“Maybe.” Sandy forced a smile. It’s been decades, and so many things have happened. Sometimes, it’s just too late to make amends.
Sandy chatted with Linda for a while before receiving a phone call and stating that she had to leave.
“Since I didn’t bring gifts, I want you to have this.” Sandy shoved a bag toward Linda. “Consider this my meeting gift for Rayna.”
Linda refused to accept the gift. “I can’t accept this! You didn’t even meet her. Save it for the next time you see her.”
“Do you take me as an outsider?”
“That’s not what I meant.”
“Then keep it.” Sandy smiled and forced Linda to accept the gift. “Curtis has a lot of shortcomings, so please bear with him.”
Linda quickly said, “No. He’s a nice person, and he’s very capable.”
“I’ll visit you again in the future!”
The call Sandy had received earlier seemed urgent because she left hurriedly after saying that to Linda.
Linda watched Sandy get into the elevator and glanced at the bag in her hand. Mr. Faymon’s mother is so pretty. But why do I feel that there’s no resemblance between the two of them? Could it be that he got his looks from his father? Also, his mother is too kind.
After lunch, Rayna followed Curtis back to the office. When she told Curtis she wanted to take a few days off work, he merely raised his brows and hummed in acknowledgment.
She couldn’t help but ask, “Are you not going to ask me where I’m going?”
“Where are you going?”
“Vacation!” Rayna replied petulantly. “I want to find a place where no one knows me and have some fun.”
“See? It’s not like you’re going to give me a proper answer.” Curtis smiled helplessly. “Go on and have some fun, then. Come back to work once you’ve had your fun.”
Rayna turned to look at him suspiciously. Daily new chapters upload Only On Alaniniz(dot)com This is weird. He’s usually jealous of James and so overbearing. I just told him I’m going on a vacation on my own. Is he not worried about me?
“Curtis.”
“Hmm?”
“Are you not worried about me going alone? Are you not afraid that I might fall in love with another man?”
Curtis chuckled and answered with confidence, “You wouldn’t dare! Besides, how are you going to find someone as rich and capable as I am?”
Rayna rolled her eyes at him. “What a narcissist.”
“I’m not. I’m just spitting facts,” Curtis corrected.
Rayna ignored him.
After arriving at the office, Rayna completed her remaining tasks and applied for a leave of absence. Once she was free, she rang Linda and told her she would be going abroad for a vacation.
By then, Linda was already at home. Apart from urging Rayna to take care of herself, she didn’t comment much when Rayna told her she would be going on a vacation with her friends. After mulling over it for a while, Linda said, “Mr. Faymon’s mother is quite pretty.”
“What? How do you know, Mom?” Rayna asked. The family portrait James got his hands on is now with me. I don’t think I’ve ever shown it to her.
“Well, Mr. Faymon’s handsome. He must’ve gotten his looks from his parents!”
Oh, I see. Curtis’ mom was indeed a pretty woman. Rayna thought about the picture. “Yeah, but it’s a shame his parents passed away a long time ago.”
Linda was stumped. “H-His parents are dead?”
“Yes. You never follow the news about such things, so I’m not surprised that you didn’t know. When he was six, his parents died in an accident. Old Mr. Faymon took him in.”
“Then this morning…”
“Mom, what happened this morning?” Rayna asked curiously.
Linda was at a loss for words. After a while, she said, “It’s nothing. I just thought he looked moody this morning. I thought he missed his family.”
“Was he moody? I didn’t notice that.”
“I know better!” Linda wanted to end the conversation, so she said, “I need to prepare the ingredients for the dishes tomorrow. Bye!”
With that, she hung up.
Rayna heaved a sigh inwardly. She values those dishes more than she values me!
At seven-thirty in the morning on Friday, Jasmine went to fetch Rayna and Jessica. Although she was dressed casually, she looked as graceful as the models on the runway.
Jessica was envious of Jasmine. “If I have a figure like yours, I’ll look good even in a gunny sack.”
“Don’t even think about it! With her body and your personality, people would think that you had just escaped from a mental hospital.” Rayna patted Jessica on the shoulder. “You look just fine with your height.”
“Why are you so mean to me, Nana?” Jessica glared at Rayna. “You’re as mean as Mr. Faymon!”
“Yes, we’re mean. And you’re the cutest,” Rayna replied sarcastically.
Jessica snorted in response.
With their luggage packed, the ladies went downstairs together. After that, they got into a minivan that looked ordinary from the outside. The interior of the minivan, however, was nothing short of luxury. Even the fridge was studded with diamonds.
Jessica leaned against Jasmine and asked if she ever wanted a younger sister. “Even if you don’t want a younger sister, it’s fine. I’m still young. Once you’ve given birth to a son, I’ll wait until he turns fifteen. Then I’m going to marry him!”
Rayna smacked the back of Jessica’s head and scolded, “Why are you such a gold digger?”
“I’m not. I merely see the importance of money.” Jessica smiled mischievously. “Nana, if you give me a Bugatti, I don’t mind becoming your daughter-in-law!”
Rayna was bereft of speech.
Forty minutes later, they arrived at the port.
There were a lot of ships docked at the port. One of them had a whale symbol on the bow of the ship, and that was the most eye-catching one of them all. It was four stories high, and its external structure looked magnificent.
“Wow!” Jessica raised her head to look at the top of the Blue Whale cruise ship. “The famous Blue Whale is enormous! Doesn’t that mean Planet Cruise is even more breathtaking?”
She then gave Rayna a nudge and asked excitedly, “Nana, when are we getting on Planet Cruise? I can’t wait!”
Rayna sneered, “You won’t have a chance. You and Wyatt are already on my blacklist.”
Jessica pouted in response.
“Hey! Don’t you think you’re being too mean?” Wyatt appeared out of nowhere and wrapped his arm around Jessica’s shoulders. “How could you bully my woman?”
“What are you doing here?” Rayna’s expression turned solemn. After that, she glared at Jessica as if the latter were a traitor.
“I didn’t tell him! I swear!” Jessica raised her hand into the air, then scolded Wyatt, “Spill it! What are you doing here?”
Wyatt played along and grinned mischievously. “I tracked your phone down! You should’ve been honest with me! Oh… So you guys are going abroad for a vacation?”
“I can go wherever I want!” Jessica shoved his arm away. “How could you stalk me? You’re so shameless!”
Wyatt immediately threw himself at her again. “I came because I don’t want you to get bullied! No. I must follow you guys and take care of all of you.”
“There’s no need for that!”
“What if I say I’ll pay for shopping? I can even help you guys carry your bags!”
“No!” Jessica seemed angry. Since she couldn’t shake him off, she turned toward Rayna and uttered weakly, “Nana, this really isn’t my fault. You have to believe me!”
“Believe you, my foot!” Rayna gritted her teeth. This was supposed to be a vacation for the three of us. With Wyatt here, I’ll have to endure watching him and Jessica display their affection for each other publicly. How am I supposed to have fun now?
Rayna then glanced around the port to see if Curtis would show up as well. I can feel something’s off!