Unveiled: The Survivor's Triumph

Chapter 75 Three-Day Deadline

I could totally tell Victor's whole nice-guy act was just that-an act.

The stench from his cigarettes was rank. Even a few steps away, I felt like hacking up a lung. But I sucked it up, even held my breath.

"Ms. Russell, you're bad news. Before you showed up, Ethan and Skyline International were smooth sailing. All the drama started when you came into the picture. I remember you left with your head held high. So, why can't you stay away from Ethan now? Don't worry, I'll make sure you do."

The plate I was holding slipped and shattered.

Victor was sharp, no doubt about it. He picked the perfect time to corner me, with Ethan and Jason out of the picture, laying it all out there, no sugar-coating. But I can't just walk away from Ethan.

I knew no matter how much I tried to explain that I wasn't after Ethan's money or had any hidden agenda, Victor wouldn't buy it.

"Ms. Russell, don't kid yourself. Ethan's my son, and I know him better than you. He's driven, more than his peers, more than most people twice his age."

Victor had a point. Ethan and I were worlds apart.

"He's already killing it. He needs a woman who can keep up. Ms. Russell, what can you offer him?"

I couldn't help Ethan with anything. I was more of a burden than a help.

"Don't give me that 'I love him' speech. I believe in love, but not that it lasts forever. 'Forever' is built on something more solid." Victor was ruthless, tearing down my romantic notions right in front of me.

I had no comeback. It felt true. I was a jinx, always bringing bad luck. And I had nothing special to offer.

I used to be okay with being ordinary, finding joy in my simple life. But now, I hated it. I wanted to be someone worthy of Ethan.

I don't know how long I stood there, but eventually, I was alone in the kitchen.

I squatted down to pick up the broken pieces, my legs stiff from standing.

Suddenly, a familiar pair of shoes appeared, and someone pulled me up.

"What's up?" Ethan's brows were furrowed.

I apologized, "Don't be mad. I broke the plate while washing it."

said, grabbing a broom to

casual, "Why'd you come back? She just got her license, it's not safe for her to drive alone." "Jason's with her, it's fine," he

out. Victor was on the couch, watching TV like he hadn't

pace and hurried out with Ethan. As soon as we stepped outside,

looked thrilled. She was chatting with Jason, laughing now and

that classy vibe. A beautiful woman

skills were impressive. She handled turns

to get a driver's license,"

voice was low, but Ethan, right next to me, heard it. He smiled, looking amused. "A woman who's too scared isn't cut out for

"You think I'm

to my ear, his

me off guard, but this time, I was too wrapped up in my own thoughts to

didn't say a word. But inside, I

Because of me, Arthur demanded $7 million, giving me just three days. I had no idea how to

out and touched my head, his

own head, I jumped a bit

hit up the hospital?"

no need. Just tired," I

some rest," he

I nodded.

the beach

was out cold. He moved super quietly getting into bed, but I was

I couldn't stop.

Arthur's three-day deadline was gone, and I

offer of $1,500 per hookup? I even had a crazy thought of offing him. I felt

how off I'd been. He suddenly sat next to me, pulled me close, and pressed his

eyes, guilt hit me hard. I realized I was wrong. I shouldn't have tried to handle this

for the chance Arthur might leak those nudes. I licked my dry lips, ready to talk, when his phone

chance to confess. After he took it, Ethan

dead,

silence was driving me nuts. I called Ethan a bunch of times, but

out. Jason walked up to

some work stuff at the company. Don't

especially staring out at the dark night through