Chapter 10 Just a Transaction
The party was buzzing, and Jennifer could tell Francis was in high spirits. She stayed close, chatting at the right moments, serving coffee, and offering cake.
Eugene had been searching for a chance to talk to Jennifer alone but didn’t want to upset Francis. Finally, he saw Jennifer slip away with Mia into a lounge. He quickly followed.
Mia was excited, "I think you might have a shot! You wouldn't believe it, but every time I've seen Francis before, he seemed totally uninterested in women. I even thought he might be impotent. But today, the way he looks at you, it's like he's hunting prey."
Jennifer swallowed nervously, "Really? I'm just worried he's not interested in me. As long as he is, I have a chance." She knew that with Francis's status, he probably wouldn't take her seriously. But if he was just looking for some fun, maybe she could get him to pay more attention to David's illness.
Mia looked concerned, "Jennifer, I gotta remind you not to get too involved. A guy like Francis is definitely gonna marry someone from a wealthy family."
Francis wasn't just exceptional himself; he was the heir to a multinational conglomerate, which was why everyone respected him so much.
Jennifer nodded, whispering, "I know. Between us, it's just a transaction."
Mia was about to comfort her when the door suddenly burst open and Eugene stormed in. Mia tried to push him out, "Eugene, what are you doing here?"
Before she could finish, Eugene pulled her outside and locked the door behind him. Mia pounded on the door, "Eugene, you coward! Don't you dare bully Jennifer! Wait until I get Aaron, and you can fight him!"
Eugene ignored her, pushing Jennifer onto the couch with one hand, looking down at her, "You think seducing Francis will help you? You should be asking me for help. Why go the long way around? Agree to my terms, and all your family's problems will be solved."
Jennifer turned her head away, her tone calm, "Who I seduce is none of your business."
Eugene grabbed her chin, forcing her to look at him, "Jennifer, I'm the one who knows you best, both your personality and your body. You're so stiff in bed, Francis won't be satisfied. Only someone with my unique taste would find you appealing."
Jennifer frowned, feeling nauseated just looking at Eugene. "Eugene, I won't sleep with you ever again. Get over it! If you want your engagement with Aria to go smoothly, stay away from me." She glared at him, knowing she had some leverage over him too.
Eugene released her and laughed, "You still care about me. You chose today to seduce Francis in front of me to provoke my possessiveness, didn't you? Well, it worked."
"Eugene, are you insane? You deceived me, sabotaged my dad's company, made him sick and hospitalized. I only feel hatred and disgust for you. We've broken up, so stop pretending to be sentimental!" Jennifer's face was filled with undisguised loathing, even a hint of disdain.
Eugene's eyes turned sinister, "Jennifer, I will make you submit."
Jennifer glared at him.
From outside, Francis's steady voice called out, "Ms. Brown, do you need help in there?"
Jennifer didn't respond. She knew that in such a setting, Eugene wouldn't do anything too outrageous that could damage his reputation. As an investment bank manager, his reputation in the circle also affected investors' perceptions of his capabilities.
Sure enough, Eugene straightened his tie and opened the door, pretending nothing had happened, "It's nothing. I was just having a word with Ms. Brown." He smiled politely at Francis at the door and left, completely ignoring Mia's angry glare.
Mia rushed in, "Jennifer," checking to see if Eugene had hurt her.
Jennifer, feeling a bit drained, leaned against the couch. Seeing Mia's concern, she forced a smile, "I'm fine."
It was then that she noticed Francis standing by the door, watching her thoughtfully.
Jennifer stood up and smiled, "Thank you, Dr. Carter. You helped me again just now. Can I treat you to dinner?"
Francis didn't respond. Mia tugged on Aaron's sleeve, and he quickly said, "Dr. Carter, I just remembered we have an appointment later. Could you give Jennifer a ride?"
The party was held in the suburbs, making it hard to get a cab. After a moment's thought, Francis nodded.
Jennifer breathed a sigh of relief and obediently followed Francis. As Mia and Aaron left, Mia mouthed "be careful" to Jennifer, who smiled reassuringly. She knew what would happen if she followed Francis, but it was her choice.
Francis had driven a Rolls-Royce that day, its understated luxury gleaming. As soon as the car stopped in front of her, Jennifer hurried to the passenger seat.
There were few cars on the road, but Jennifer didn't know what to say. She stole glances at Francis, who was focused on driving, his usual shirt and suit perfectly in place.
The air conditioning was set low, and before long, Jennifer shivered and sneezed. She didn't dare disturb the serious-looking Francis, so she rubbed her exposed arms. Her coat was still in Mia's car, and she couldn't retrieve it now.
Francis suddenly spoke, "There's a jacket in the back seat. Put it on."
Jennifer quickly thanked him and wrapped herself in his jacket, finally feeling warm. It had a faint scent, likely Francis's cologne.
As they approached the city, traffic slowed. Francis, hands on the wheel, casually asked, "That Eugene, is he a suitor or an ex?"
Jennifer paused for a moment before softly replying, "Ex."
"How long?"
"Three years," Jennifer answered honestly.
Francis chuckled, "Three years and it wasn't enough? Ms. Brown, you must be quite the catch."
He heard! Jennifer's face darkened, "Dr. Carter, if you're just going to insult me, you can let me out here."
Francis glanced at her, half-smiling, "Ms. Brown, didn't you come to me today to sleep with me?"