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

back? She just got her license,

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

Ethan. As soon as

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

Lacey had that classy vibe. A beautiful woman in a nice car-quite the

handled turns

want to get a

Ethan, right next to me, heard it. He smiled, looking amused. "A woman who's too

at him, feeling down. "You

his arm around my shoulder, leaning close to my ear, his voice teasing.

but this time, I was too wrapped up in my own thoughts to

I didn't say a word.

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

out and touched my head, his

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

hit up the hospital?" Ethan

Just tired,"

some rest,"

I nodded.

the beach house,

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

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

was gone, and I was

Arthur's sleazy offer of $1,500 per hookup? I even

suddenly sat next to me, pulled me

eyes, guilt hit me hard. I realized I was wrong. I shouldn't

for the chance Arthur might leak those

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

dead, making

nuts. I called Ethan a bunch of times, but his phone was off, making me

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

the company. Don't stress," Jason tried to reassure

especially staring out at the dark