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."

a plate," Ethan said,

trying to sound 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,"

was on the couch, watching

him, I quickened my pace and hurried out with Ethan. As soon as we stepped outside, I

looked thrilled. She was chatting with Jason, laughing now

seem so cool. And Lacey had that classy vibe.

handled turns and U-turns like a

want to get a driver's license,"

next to me, heard it. He smiled, looking amused.

down. "You think I'm

shoulder, leaning close to my ear, his voice teasing. "I think

guard, but this time,

didn't say a word. But inside, I was a

demanded $7 million, giving me just

Ethan reached out and touched my head,

I jumped a bit and shook my head. "Just feeling

to hit up the hospital?" Ethan

Just tired," I

some

I nodded.

the beach house,

eyes shut, Ethan probably thought I was out cold. He moved super quietly getting into bed,

but I couldn't stop. How the hell

deadline was gone, and I was

$1,500 per hookup? I even had a crazy thought of offing

sat next to me, pulled me close, and pressed his forehead to mine. "You sure you're

I realized I was wrong. I shouldn't

the beans, at least to prep him for the chance Arthur might leak those nudes. I licked

blew my chance to confess. After he took it, Ethan left and didn't come back by

dead,

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

car and got my hopes up, running outside. But it wasn't Ethan's car. Jason stepped out. Jason walked up to me and said, "Ethan was worried you'd be freaked out alone, so he

work stuff at the company. Don't stress," Jason tried to

especially staring out at the dark night through the window and hearing the waves crash. It