Chapter 84 Specifically Asked for You
Chapter 84 Specifically Asked for You
The driver silently steered from the front seat, while tension lingered in the back.
Adjusting his tie, Adrian lounged back and, with a hint of booze on his breath, remarked, "Frank, that sly old dog, plays a good game!"
"Actions speak louder than words," Victoria thought it was the difficulties in their collaboration that had put him in a bad mood, so her tone softened.
"If he's willing to chat, there's still a chance. Money's tight, he's just driving a hard bargain," Victoria's voice rasped slightly, her stomach still aching.
"Miss Chase is spot on," Adrian sneered suddenly, "No wonder you were once the heiress of the Chase family; you do know a lot."
Victoria's expression shifted, realizing Adrian's earlier brusque demeanor towards her had deeper roots.
"What did I do to tick you off? You gotta mock me here?" she inquired, as Adrian abruptly leaned in, gripping her wrist with unexpected force.
Victoria winced, struggling instinctively, "What's your deal? Let go!"
"Let go?" Adrian's handsome face took on a fierce edge in the dim light.
The mix of alcohol and his sharp cologne assaulted her senses, "You resist me, but when that damn Frank grabs you, you don't fight back? And you smile so easily?"
His voice simmered with anger, like a provoked beast.
Victoria found his stance utterly unreasonable.
"If I smack him, can you still work together?" Victoria was about to retort when Adrian's face loomed close, and his warm lips pressed down forcefully.
"Ugh..." her words were muffled by his aggressive, punishing kiss, devoid of tenderness.
Victoria's mind spun, struggling in confusion.
But under the influence, she felt feeble and powerless, pushing Adrian's hand away felt more like a tease.
Adrian's kiss intensified, his tongue probing into her mouth.
Amidst the chaos, she summoned the strength to fiercely bite Adrian's lips.
A strong metallic taste of blood filled the space between them.
Adrian winced, grunting in pain, finally letting her go.
"Adrian! You promised to keep your distance!"
He reclined in his seat, wiping his lips and noticing a vivid red stain on his fingertips.
"Sorry, had a bit too much to drink, lost control," Adrian extended his tongue, licking away the bloodstains at the corner of his mouth.
Feeling disoriented, Victoria couldn't help but snap, "Adrian, you're a real piece of work!"
"So what? It's how I was brought up," he chuckled softly.
This was a subtle dig, suggesting Nathaniel used to be similar.
Victoria was speechless.
Adrian locked eyes with Victoria, his gaze cold and intense, murmuring, "Uncle Nathaniel was right to want to keep you locked up. So you wouldn't be out there tempting men like this."
Victoria's chest rose dramatically, using the back of her hand to wipe her lips, sarcastically remarking, "Only insecure men blame women for their own shortcomings instead of reflecting on their own flaws."
"You..." Adrian was left speechless by her words.
Was Victoria implying that his failed attempts to undermine Nathaniel were due to Nathaniel being more charming than him?
In truth, Victoria sometimes wondered if Adrian's intense behavior towards her stemmed from genuine affection, but her rational side reminded her it was merely his competitive nature.
In the end, she responded with a disdainful smile, turning her head away, choosing silence.
...
While the meeting with Frank didn't immediately lead to cooperation, Victoria did manage to establish a connection with the Gaya Music Hall through it.
The circle connected to Gaya Music Hall consisted of the wealthy and influential, including high-ranking officials. This platform far exceeded Karen's club or the entertainment industry she had previously been involved in.
She cherished this opportunity, with Monica personally handling the liaison with the Gaya Music Hall representative.
With Genesis Corporation's support, the collaboration with Gaya Music Hall progressed smoothly.
Monica's poise and exceptional social skills helped finalize the collaboration details effortlessly in such esteemed settings.
Victoria then introduced her girls to the exclusive venue frequented by elites, enhancing their knowledge and resources significantly.
A few days later, just when Victoria thought the cooperation with Frank would be delayed, Adrian's call came.
His voice, tinged with the laziness of just waking up, whispered as if he was right beside her ear, "The old fox has invited you. Gaya Music Hall, tonight at eight, specifically asked for you."
Victoria held her phone, strolling to the floor-to-ceiling window, observing the lively street below.
She could immediately sense that the phrase "specifically asked for you" was Adrian's addition.
Someone like Frank, despite being lecherous, prioritized interests above all. Why would he be fixated on a female companion?
This was Adrian's way of ensuring she wouldn't decline, using it as leverage.
She understood that for Adrian to quickly arrange another meeting with Frank, he must have worked hard behind the scenes.
For her own future or the collaboration with Genesis Corporation, she had no reason to decline.
After all, she was now aligned with Genesis Corporation, no, with Nathaniel.
"Got it, I'll be there," Victoria's voice was firm and resolute.
On the other end of the line, Adrian let out a light chuckle, "See you then."
That evening, Victoria arrived fifteen minutes early at the entrance of Gaya Music Hall.
She was dressed in a champagne-colored silk blouse paired with high-waisted wide-leg pants, her long hair loosely tied back, showcasing her slender and elegant neck.
Adrian's car pulled up on time, and he was clad in a dark gray tailored suit.
His eyes squinted slightly behind his gold-rimmed glasses, a hint of surprise flickering as he laid eyes on Victoria.
"You're looking stunning today, aiming to steal the show?" he quipped as he opened the car door, teasing her.
Ignoring his comment, Victoria headed straight for the music hall's entrance.
Frank was already there, engaged in conversation with the hall's owner.
"Mr. Beckett, my apologies for the wait," Victoria greeted with a polite smile.
Frank's beady eyes immediately locked onto Victoria, his greed undisguised, "For a beauty like Miss Chase, any wait is worthwhile."
Stepping in, Adrian subtly positioned himself between them, flashing a smile to ease the tension, "Mr. Beckett, shall we head inside first? The private room on the top floor is all set."
The trio strolled together to the top floor, the corridor exuding opulence, with a hint of aromatherapy in the air.
Suddenly, a melodious piano melody drifted from a partially open door, Chopin's "Nocturne."
Victoria paused momentarily, genuinely impressed, "He plays so beautifully, with such skill."
Frank nodded in agreement, "Absolutely, very moving."
As the piano abruptly fell silent, a sharp scolding followed, "Who gave you permission to touch the piano! Instead of cleaning properly, you're playing the piano here! Can you afford to cover any damages?"
A man in a steward's uniform was sternly reprimanding a maid-like girl.