Chapter 49 Applause

Chapter 49 Applause
"You have a hunter's mindset?"

Ellie looked confused. "A hunter's mindset? What's that?"

A faint glimmer flickered in his eyes, betraying a mix of hope and longing.

He took a step closer and asked. "Ellie, would you use me one more time?"

Ellie gathered her composure and shook her head. "No. I'm sorry."

Tyler stared at her in silence, his jaw clenched, eyes shadowed by hurt.

Then he pulled her into his arms and leaned down to kiss her.

His hand slipped beneath the hem of her shirt, and his breathing grew heavy.

His hands trailed upward along the curve of her waist.

His breath was hot on her neck. "Today, I won't ask permission," he said hoarsely.

"Mm." She gave only a faint reply.

He held her tighter, his grip carrying an irresistible force.

His breath was heavy as he continued, "I'm going to take you many times... until you're pregnant with my child."

She remained calm, feeling unexpectedly detached despite his words.

Frustrated, he growled, "Don't you feel anything at all?!"

She didn't answer.

He stopped, took several deep breaths, and leaned in close to her.

After a long moment, he sighed and closed his eyes.

He reached out to adjust her collar, released her, and took two steps back.

"If you're tired of this, just forget about me. Don't feel guilty," he said calmly. "Never feel guilty."

Ellie's heart clenched as she realized how much his words hurt her, conflicting with her calm facade.

He waved his phone at her. "Give me your card number."

"No need. Thank you."

"Ellie, I have my pride, too."

"I don't quite understand what you mean..."

"Breakup or not, Miss Ward, live with dignity and grace—for me." His tone was firm.

She lowered her head, her brows slightly furrowed.

Tyler gestured with his hand. "I'll buy that painting from your exhibition. Is fifty million enough?"

Ellie looked up, a hint of surprise in her eyes.

He glanced at her. "Five hundred million?"

"No," she replied. "That painting's too small for that price."

"Twenty million?"

She considered. "A hundred thousand is enough."

Tyler pressed his lips together and stared at her.

"Who are you humiliating? Me? Or yourself?" His voice grew deep.

"Two hundred thousand?" she suggested quietly.

He snapped, "Give me your card number!"

"Let's go through a legitimate trading platform," Ellie insisted.

Tyler's breath caught, and he sneered, "For that tiny painting, you're using a platform? What a grand show!"

Before he'd even finished speaking, he stormed out the door.

The dark green sports car pulled out of the apartment complex and sped down the road toward the airport.

The car was silent.

Ellie unlocked her phone, deleted the post Jack had shared on Moments, and quickly scanned the group chat named "Sunny City."

Messages were refreshing.

——

Tyler kept his eyes on the road as he drove fast.

After a while, he glanced in the rearview mirror.

"Your friend's brother, right?" he asked flatly.

Ellie froze, anxiety rising, and looked behind them to confirm her suspicion.

A sedan was right on their tail.

It was Dylan's car.

"Is he after you?" Tyler asked.

After a pause, Ellie said, "He chased me for three years in high school."

"Did you ever date?"

"You were my first love."

Tyler raised an eyebrow slightly and glanced at the person beside him.

Their car was traveling in the middle lane with a massive freight truck on its right.

Suddenly, Dylan's car accelerated, swerved into the left fast lane, and began driving side by side with theirs.

The sports car was now sandwiched between the two vehicles.

Ellie looked at the man beside her, seeking assurance as tensions escalated.

He gripped the steering wheel with a blank expression.

Dylan's sedan gradually closed in on the Dark Night Green.

He was trying to force them to stop!

Ellie narrowed her eyes and shifted toward the center of the seat.

Tyler glanced in the rearview mirror, and a flash of contempt crossed his eyes.

He reached out and took her hand, their fingers intertwining.

With his other hand, he yanked the steering wheel hard to the left.

Crash!

A piercing screech filled the air.

The front right side of Dylan's car scraped against the sports car's left door—right where Tyler was sitting.

The door dented instantly.

Dylan slammed on the brakes, nearly losing control of the steering wheel.

He managed to steady the car, but it skidded to a halt, scraping against the roadside guardrail.

Tyler merely glanced in his rearview mirror, smirking.

He then slammed his foot down on the gas and accelerated.

The sports car continued racing toward the airport.

Ellie stared at him, her eyes wide, emotions storming beneath the surface.

Tyler shot her a cold glance, then asked. "If I killed that guy, would you be afraid?"

"I'd applaud you."

He turned his head and gave her a meaningful look.

Did she figure it all out?