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."

Ethan said, grabbing a broom to

"Why'd you come back? She just got her license, it's

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

with Ethan. As soon as we stepped

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

that classy vibe.

skills were impressive. She handled turns

get a driver's license," I

next to me, heard it. He smiled,

feeling down. "You think I'm

around my shoulder, leaning close to my ear,

time, I was too wrapped up in

way back, I 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

and touched my head, his gesture

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

to hit up

no need. Just

some

I nodded.

the beach house, I crashed

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

I couldn't stop. How the hell was I gonna fix this

three-day deadline was gone, and

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

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

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

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

call blew my chance to confess. After he took it, Ethan left

area was pretty dead, making the beach house feel

called Ethan a bunch of times, but his phone was

Ethan's car. Jason stepped out. Jason walked up to

the company.

overdrive, especially staring out at