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,

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

the dishes, I walked out. Victor was on the couch,

and hurried out with Ethan. As soon as we stepped outside, I spotted the

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

And Lacey had that classy vibe. A beautiful woman

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

get a driver's license,"

right next to me, heard it. He smiled, looking amused. "A

him, feeling down. "You think

leaning close to my

guard, but this time,

didn't say a word. But inside,

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

reached out and touched my head,

jumped a bit and shook

to hit up the hospital?" Ethan

Just tired," I

some rest," he

I nodded.

beach

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

but I couldn't stop. How the

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

the second day, the pressure was crushing me. Should I tell Ethan? Should I take Arthur's sleazy offer of $1,500 per hookup? I even had a crazy thought of offing him. I felt like I

noticed how off I'd been. He suddenly sat next to me, pulled me close, and pressed his forehead to mine. "You sure you're not sick?

worried eyes, guilt hit me hard. I realized I was wrong.

chance Arthur might leak those nudes. I licked my dry lips, ready to

After he took it, Ethan left and didn't

beach area was pretty dead, making the beach house feel

Ethan a bunch of

nine at night, I heard a 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 sent me

some work stuff at the company.

into overdrive, especially staring out at the dark night through the window and hearing the waves crash. It made