Chapter 26
Heloise hung up the call and headed back to the private room, only to find Beverly’s seat empty Just Steffen and his secretary were at
the table.
“Where’s Ms. Miller?” she asked, stepping inside while deliberately leaving the door ajar.
“Ms. Miller stepped out to take a call. Didn’t you bump into her? Steffen’s eyes roamed freely over her, his face plastered with a grin.
The booze had painted her cheeks rosy, making her even more stunning, especially those eyes, shimmering like spring water, totally captivating.
He leaned his head on his hand, giving her a look that pointed to the spot next to him. “Why sit so far away, Heloise? Come, sit by me.”
“Ms. Miller will be back soon, I’m cool right here, no need to fuss, Steffen, Heloise replied, settling back in her original spot, all polite and diplomatic, without ruffling any feathers.
Steffen saw through her caution, chuckling as he swirled his drink.
Then he grabbed the bottle from the table and sauntered over to her.
Heloise’s guard shot up. Steffen plopped down next to her.
As she made a move to stand, he yanked her arm, pulling her back into her seat.
“What’s with the drama? It’s just a drink,” Steffen griped, topping up her glass while casually resting his hand on the back of her chair. “You can hold your liquor, Heloise.”
Heloise shifted away, dodging his wandering hand and forced a professional smile. “Steffen, I should be toasting you.”
“Hey-” Steffen held onto her glass, leaning in close, alcohol on his breath, a dangerous scent.
His face was flushed from the booze, shining with a greasy glow. Even when he smiled, it looked kind of twisted.
Meanwhile, his secretary had stepped outside the room, slamming shut the door that Heloise had left ajar on purpose.
Heloise’s heart pounded in her throat – all at once, they were alone, just the two of them.
Naturally, she understood exactly what that implied!
She tried to pull her hand away, but Steffen grabbed it in his, causing her glass to crash on the table, spilling liquor everywhere.
“Jeez, look at you, all jittery. Here, let me clean it for you.” Steffen made a move to grope Heloise’s thigh.
With one hand trapped and nowhere to dodge, she blocked him instinctively and yanked her hand back.
Reminding him sternly, “Steffen, behave yourself.”
Instead of getting mad, Steffen recalled Beverly’s words, thinking Heloise was playing hard to get. If that’s the game she liked, then he’d play along the girl was a looker, after all.
He glanced at her sidelong, his gaze lingering on her chest. “Name your price.”
Heloise felt humiliated. “You seem to be misunderstanding something, Steffen. I’m here to talk business, not whatever you’re thinking”
Steffen, recalling the smooth touch of her skin, smiled with ulterior motives. “Aren’t we talking terms right now? Name your price, babe, don’t you get that?”
Heloise knew he was feigning ignorance, and she didn’t need to sacrifice herself for the company’s benefit. She wasn’t that noble.
If the company chose to punish or fire her for this, she was better off without them.,
She grabbed her bag, cool as ice. “Since you’re not interested in a partnership, I’ll pass the message to Ms. Miller. Goodbye.
Steffen watched her “performance,” finding her push–pull routine quite amusing, it was making him itch for more.
He played along, standing to block her exit. ‘Don’t go, let’s sit and talk business, okay?”
As he reached for Heloise’s hand, she dodged. The drunk man stumbled, and his lower half slammed right into the edge of the table
His already flushed face turned a shade darket, almost black with pain, as anger flared.
*Know your position!” He smashed the glass and grabbed Heloise by the hair, yanking hard!
Heloise fought back. The noise of dishes and chairs crashing could be heard, but the door was shut and there was no one nearby.
“Getting carried away, huh? Playing the saint when you’re on the market, you think you’re worthy?” Steffen kicked the chair out of the way and dragged Heloise to the couch.
He tried to rip off her clothes while pressing down on her
Flashes of the night’s events flooded her mind, her eyes blazing with rage, her arms flailing. Steffen’s hand bled from her scratches, and
he hissed.
“Get lost!” Her eyes, bloodshot, peered through her tousled hair, Heloise looking like a cornered beast, ready to leap and bite.
Steffen was unnerved by that look. He cursed himself for being intimidated by a woman!
He was determined to have his way with her today.
As he lunged at Heloise, the door suddenly burst open, and before he could finish his sentence, a shadow flashed by, and he felt a sharp pain at the back of his head!
The vase by the door shattered.
“Heloise!” Kyrell kicked Steffen aside and helped her up, checking her from head to toe. Apart from her hair and clothes being a bit disheveled, she had no injuries.
He breathed a sigh of relief.
He had seen someone in a business suit standing at the door when he arrived. He asked if Heloise was inside, but the person was dodging his question. It wasn’t until he heard the noise inside that he realized something was wrong.
Thank goodness he made it in time.
“Are you okay?” Kyrell helped her to her feet.
Heloise’s legs were weak, her strength drained, her lips quivering, her complexion pale, her body trembling slightly.
Kyrell felt a pang of inexplicable tenderness. “My apologies,” he said softly.
With that, he lifted Heloise in his arms, ready to leave the room.
“Who the hell are you?!” Steffen scrambled up from the ground, staggered to block their way, and glared at them fiercely. “I’m making sure you guys don’t walk out of this private room today! You’re sticking up for her without even asking who I am, you think you can handle me?”
Kyrell wrapped his arms tighter around Heloise. “I’m her boyfriend. If you’ve got problem, take it up with me.”
Heloise was stunned. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw someone pass by the doorway. The manager was on high alert, almost jogging to keep up with Benedict’s pace.
But then, Benedict who had been striding like a whirlwind suddenly stopped dead at the entrance to the private room.
His tall frame stood in front of them like a glacier emitting a chill.
In that moment, the manager felt the air around him turn icy cold.
