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

back? She just got her license, it's not safe for her to drive alone."

out. Victor was on the couch, watching TV

pace and hurried out with Ethan. As soon as we

wheel, looked thrilled. She was chatting with Jason, laughing

cool. And Lacey had that classy vibe. A beautiful

impressive. She handled turns and U-turns like

want to get a driver's

me, heard it. He smiled, looking amused. "A

him, feeling down. "You think I'm useless too,

put his arm around my shoulder, leaning close to my ear, his

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

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

$7 million, giving me just three days. I

Ethan reached out and touched

bit and shook my head. "Just feeling a

hit up the hospital?" Ethan

no need. Just tired," I

some rest," he

I nodded.

at the beach

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

about it, but I couldn't stop.

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

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

next to me, pulled me close,

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

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

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

dead, making the beach house feel

of times, but his phone was off, making

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 to bring you back." "Where is he?"

probably has some work stuff at the company.

at the dark night through the window and hearing the waves crash. It made