Chapter 22 Cor
ion
Theodore stepped closer and lifted Audrey’s chin with his sharp fingers, looking down at her with a sneer. “Talk? Why do you think you can talk to me?”
At 5’6“, Audrey seemed small as she stood before Theodore. Her jaw was gripped tightly, forcing her to tilt her head back, muscles strained with discomfort.
Audrey looked up into Theodore’s deep, unreadable eyes, which felt like she was standing on the edge of a cliff and one wrong move would send her into an abyss. His gaze made people instinctively hold their breath, overwhelmed with fear.
But Audrey couldn’t back down. Beaumont Group couldn’t afford to wait any longer. This was her one chance to speak with
him.
Audrey struggled to say, “Because we aren’t divorced yet. I… am still Mrs. Ainsworth.”
A storm instantly brewed in Theodore’s eyes. His expression turned grim. He abruptly released Audrey’s chin and wrapped his hand around her throat, fingers tightening as his words dripped with icy venom. “Mrs. Ainsworth? What right do you have to even say those words?”
Audrey was shocked. She grabbed his wrist, trying to pry him
off.
Chapter 22 Condition
2/4
But Theodore didn’t budge an inch. His eyes, terrifying and dangerous, grew even more menacing as he tightened his grip. “Audrey, you are asking fe
th.”
It felt like all the air was being sucked out of Audrey’s lungs. “Theodore…” Her breathing became labored, and her eyes began to turn bloodshot.
Maxwell, alarmed, quickly intervened. “Mr. Ainsworth!”
Audrey couldn’t breathe. Her grip on Theodore’s arm weakened. Her vision blurred as her eyes slowly shut.
A scalding tear slipped from her eye and landed on Theodore’s hand. In that instant, the rage in his eyes briefly cleared. When he caught sight of Audrey’s face, which was so pale, his heart sank. He released her immediately.
Audrey, unable to keep her balance, collapsed heavily to the floor.
“You want me to let Beaumont Group off the hook?” Theodore looked down at Audrey, as cold–blooded and ruthless as ever.
Audrey took several deep breaths to recover, then raised her head to meet his gaze. Her voice was slightly hoarse from the brief lack of oxygen. “As long as you’re willing to spare Beaumont Group, I’ll do whatever it takes.”
Theodore’s eyes narrowed slightly as he gave a curt order. “Maxwell, have her change clothes before getting back in the
Chapter 22 Condition
car.”
3/4
Audrey froze, and by the t had already stepped over
Maybach parked nearby.
the snapped out of it, Theodore
differently, heading towards the
Misty Villa was one of the most popular clubs among Kenston’s elite. During the day, it catered to business meetings and luncheons, but by night, it transformed into a world of indulgence and excess.
The black Maybach pulled up smoothly in front of the club’s
entrance.
A valet rushed forward to open the back door with a respectful
nod.
Theodore stepped out and headed inside without a word.
Maxwell noticed Audrey still sitting in the car and glanced her way, offering a gentle reminder. “Mrs. Ainsworth, Mr. Ainsworth is about to get in the elevator.”
The implication was clear. Audrey didn’t have much time to dawdle.
Audrey nodded and stepped out of the car.
Audrey quickened her pace, her heels clicked crisply against the custom tiles, managing to slip into the elevator just before the doors closed.
Chapter 22 Condition
Cold air blew down from the vents, filling the space with a chilling draft..
4/4
Audrey instinctively shivered, lowering her gaze as she tugged lightly at the hem of her dress.
Theodore stood with his back to Audrey, but her small motion didn’t escape his peripheral vision. His chiseled features darkened.
“Maxwell,” Theodore called, glancing at him.
Maxwell understood at once. He turned to Audrey and explained, “Mrs. Ainsworth, this dinner was organized by the General Secretary of the Chamber of Commerce. The goal is to finalize the Ains Group’s project in Alexandra. Most of the attendees are key partners in the Alexandra collaboration.”
Audrey looked at Theodore’s sharply defined profile. “So, you want me to help you seal the deal for this partnership?”
