Chapter 6
Gwen shuddered her entire body freezing up like a snake caught by the neck. “How did you get in?” she asked.
“Do you think it’s hard for me to get a key!” Eilum replied, histone dripping with sarcasm.
Of course, it wouldn’t be hard. The property management was kind enough for not rolling out a red carpet and se platter
serving Gwen to
n to Ethan on a silver
Ethan’s voice, low and sinister like a devil’s, whispered close to her ear. “Why are you staying in a place like this instead of the house I provide your”
His breath was so close that Gwen felt her skin tingle, every pore e awakening.
“Or is it,” Ethan’s voler dipped into a playful menace, “you just like stirring up trouble in places like this?
Gwen wanted to say that she wasn’t stirring up trouble, she just wanted to get away from him.
“What are you avoiding? Are you afraid of me?” Ellan asked, frowning at her as she continued to avoid him. He tutted, clearly upset
Gwen felt there was no reasoning with him. “I don’t want to sleep with you,” she said firmly.
Ethan let out a mocking Laugh. “You think I do? Even I need a break.”
He turned off the shower and said, “Still standing there like an idiot?“
Owen shot him a wary look.
The cramped, barebones bathroom in the workforce housing left linle room to maneuver, especially with Ethan’s imposing frame taking up space.
Gwen had left her clothes in the living room. Crabbing a towel off the rack, Ethan pulled her toward him and began drying her off. He paused. weighing her breast in his hand. “You haven’t been eating properly while I was away? You’ve lost weight
Gwen slapped his hand away, and to her surprise, Ethan didn’t get angry.
He had a strange balance when it came to women–he disliked those who were too submissive but had no patience for those with a fiery temper. Gwen always seemed to walk the bue line that kept him intrigued.
He opened the bathroom door, which creaked in protest, and frowned. He was confused by Gwen, who was raised in a rich family, but now willing to endure any hardship
Gwen rushed to her bedroom to change, but Ethan followed her in and pushed her down onto the bed
“Didn’t you say you didn’t want to do it?” she snapped,
Relax. Tin just checking if i hurt you last night,” he said calmly,
Ethan leaned down, and Gwen stiffened. Despite how many times they’d been infinute, she
he still couldn’t get
used to
his sudden proximity.
She fell a cool ointment being applied inside her, his hands meticulous and gentle.
Gwen tried to convince herself that this was him showing a shred of humanity, tending to her injuries. But eventually, her patience supped “You’re done already!”
Eilian withdrew, holding up his hand to show her. “Seef You say you want to leave me, but your body’s far more honest than your mouth”
“Having a physical reaction doesn’t mean anything,” she said nonchalantly
Ethan’s good mood vanished uran instant. He stood up abruptly, his gaze turning key. “What game are you playing, C
Gwen Spell it out.”
Clutching the blanket around her, Gwen sat up and sneered. “What kind of game could I be playing? Didn’t I already tell you? I’m getting older and want to find a man to murry”
“Got someone in mind? That Mr. Anderson? Filun snerred. “I so, why were you screaming so pitifully last night??
Gwen’s expression darkened. “No matter whether I choose Mr. Anderson or someone else, at least I’ll pick a man willing to marry me. What are you planning to make me Mrs. Raymond?”
Ethan looked arogant. Keep dreaming”
12:37 PM c c
Chapter 6
Even though she already knew the answer, hearing i
him say it still ignited a surge of anger in Gwen’s chest
Then get lost. Mr. Raymond. Or are you so cheap that you’d expect a free ride for last night? Send the money to my account, Gwen said dismissively.
Ethan hadn’t expected that one day, Gwen would dare to tell him to get lost.
“Gwen, remember what you said today,” he replied, his tone low and dangeroIS,
Gwen’s pupils contracted, and a hint of fear flashed across her face. But after thinking it over, she reminded herself she could sell the things Ethan had given her, secure Beatrice’s belongings, and leave Rivermoor with Beatrice.
Seeing her still defiant, Ethan stormed out, slamming the door behind him.
Gwen collapsed onto the bed, exhausted. Thankfully, no one else had moved into the apartment yet. Otherwise, with Ethan barging in and out as be pleased, her safety would be a distant dream.
She hadn’t even begun to figure out her next move when her phone rang again. It was Monica “Gwen, what are you up to? You haven’t sent us this month’s money yet, have you?”
idn’t I just send money last month! We’re only halfway through this month–why do you need more?”
Gwen frowned. “Didn’t
Vincent’s business payments haven’t come through yet. Send me another 200,000 dollars. And don’t forget, your grandmother’s medical checkups and the caregiver fees aren’t cheap, Monica said.
“Doesn’t Grandma have insurance? Why can’t that cover it?” Gwen retorted.
“Oh that’s eveil
en funnier. It’s because of your father’s bankruptcy dragging her down as a guarantor. You should count your blessings you’re still able to study at a decent school. Otherwise, you’d be out there doing hostess work,” Monica said mockingly.
“Anyway, just send the 200 thousand dollars. The hospital said your grandmother needs a blood transfusion,” she added.
Gwen didn’t bother arguing. Monica and Vincent held Beatrice’s guardianship over her head, using it to control her.
Beatrice had acted as a guarantor for Vincent, and his refusal to pay his debts had led to all of this. Gwen had lived with Vincent’s family for a long time, always under their thumb.
After mulling it over, she decided to pursue the 200 thousand dollars. Throwing on a nightgown, she opened the door and rushed out.
Erlun was still waiting for the elevator. His tall, imposing figure exuded a quiet menace. When Gwen opened the door and saw him, he didn’t even spare her a glance
Plastering on a smile, Gwen called out, “Ethan.
The elevator doors opened, and Ethan stepped inside. Without thinking, Caen hurriedly grabbed his sleeve.
“Let go, Ethan said coldly.
“Ethan, darling, why don’t you come inside for a cup of coffee?” Gwen asked with a flattering smile.
Ethan smirked, his eyes glinting with mockery. “Why are you clinging to me like this?”
When Gwen needed something from him, she was shameless. ” I need to borrow some money from you.
A derisive chuckle escaped him as he shook her hand off. “Go ask your Mr. Anderson”
With that, he stepped into the elevator without another word. Gwen stomped her foot in frustration, cursing the petty man under her breath.
She had no idea what now entirely dashed
to do next. Filian had always been vindictive, and she had just thoroughly offended him Her hope for a peaceful breakup was
Returning to her rooni, Gwen, utterly exhausted, collapsed onto her bed and fell asleep mmediately-
Downstairs, Ethan sat in
in sat in his car, smaking a cigarene. “Mr. Raymond, should we keep waiting one of his bodyguards asked hesitantly.
Ethan shot him a cold glance. “When did I tell you I was waiting?”
The bodyguard quickly started the car and drove off without another word.
Gwen was jolted awake by her work alarm. Dazed, she noticed the streetlights outside were already onE
2/3
Chapter 6
Dragging herself to the window, she peeked through the blinds and saw that the leaves on the trees in the neighborhood had started to turn yellow.
She touched her forehead, realizing she might have a fever.
With only half an hour until her shift, Gwen didn’t dare take any medicine, She drank some warm water, got dressed, and hurried out the door.
As soon as she stepped into the boutique, the manager greeted her enthusiastically. “Finally, you hard time to come int Without you here, our sales have been sluggish. Those wraliby Ladies won’t buy anything unless they see it modeled on you first.”
“Been a linle busy,” Gwen replied in a casual tone
“No worries. You’ve got the magic touch–everything looks amazing on
g on you. But a heads–up, there are some tough customers upstairs today. Be mindful” the manager said, leaning in conspiratorially,
She gestured discreetly toward the second floor, “Ethan Raymond brought a woman in to shop. The girl looks like she’s trying too hard to fit in bot has this air of cheapness about her. Funny thing, thùngh–she does look a bit like you.”
“If Ethan ever set his sights on you, you wouldn’t have to struggle like this anymore, the manager sighed. “Go change your clothes and head upstairs. You’ll definitely walk away with a heliy tip”
AD
