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."

plate," Ethan said, grabbing a broom

back to washing the dishes, trying to sound casual, "Why'd you come back? She just got her license,

I walked out. Victor was

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

windows were down, and Lacey, behind the wheel, looked thrilled. She was

cool. And Lacey had that classy vibe. A beautiful

driving skills were impressive. She handled turns and U-turns like a

get a driver's license," I blurted

He smiled, looking amused. "A woman who's too scared isn't cut

at him, feeling down. "You think I'm

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

talk always caught me off guard, but this time,

way back, I didn't say a word. But

felt like a jinx. Because of me, Arthur demanded $7 million, giving me just three days. I had no idea how

out and touched

head, I jumped a bit and

up the hospital?"

Just tired," I

get some

I nodded.

beach house,

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

want to think about it, but I couldn't stop. How

three-day deadline was gone, and I was running out of

even had a crazy thought of offing him. I felt like I was losing it. In the afternoon, it started pouring. We stayed in, just watching

been. He suddenly sat next to me, pulled me close, and pressed his

I realized I was wrong. I shouldn't have tried

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

he took it, Ethan

non-holidays, the beach area was pretty dead, making the

bunch of times, but his phone was off, making

up to me and said, "Ethan was worried you'd be freaked

at the company. Don't stress," Jason

would go into overdrive, especially staring out at the dark night through the window and hearing the waves