Chapter 46 Surprise
Humiliated and still reeling from the sting on his cheek, Eugene climbed into his car and slammed the door. His knuckles whitened against the steering wheel. She slapped him.
Jennifer had never dared raise a hand to him before. He ground his teeth, the humiliation twisting into something darker.
She would regret it. One day, he'd prove he was better than Francis in every way.
He drove to the company garage, the anger still simmering. Just before stepping out, he caught sight of himself in the rearview mirror—the angry red imprint across his face. He paused, foot retreating back inside, and pulled out his phone.
"Bring some makeup down to the parking lot," he told his secretary.
There was a beat of silence. "Makeup, sir?"
"Just do it."
Minutes later, she appeared, a small cosmetics bag in hand. Her eyes flicked to his face, widening. "Mr. Bailey, what happened?"
"Bug bite," he snapped. "Cover it up before the whole office starts gossiping."
She didn't believe him for a second. That mark was no insect bite—it was the clean arc of a slap. Could it be that his picture-perfect engagement with Aria wasn't as solid as everyone thought? But she kept her thoughts to herself and dabbed powder over the welt. The sting made him wince, but he didn't flinch.
His mind wasn't on the pain—it was on Jennifer. The way she'd stood up to him today… unexpected, sharp-edged. It made her more interesting than he remembered. Back when they were together, she'd been soft, agreeable, almost too easy. That was why Layla had been such a tempting distraction.
By the end of the morning meeting, Eugene was restless. He pulled out his phone and called Layla.
"Meet me," he said.
Layla was at work, but the sound of his voice lit her up. She made some excuse about a client and slipped out early.
They met at a discreet hotel, the kind that didn't ask questions. Layla arrived first, dressed to kill—black stockings, a tight skirt, sprawled across the rose-red bed like an invitation.
When Eugene walked in, he loosened his tie, dropped into the sofa, and crooked a finger at her.
She obeyed instantly, crawling toward him, eyes heavy-lidded. The skirt clung to her hips, the stretch fabric outlining every curve. His hand slid over her thigh, the silk of her stockings smooth under his fingertips.
Layla let out a low, breathy sound, resting her head on his knee. She caught his hand and drew his fingers to her mouth, tasting the faint salt and tobacco.
Eugene chuckled, pinching her tongue between his fingers. "That desperate already?"
She couldn't answer, only let out a muffled moan. He hauled her up by the waist, tossed her onto the bed, and pulled off his belt. The leather slapped lightly against her cheek, his voice dropping to a husky growl. "Then I'll give you what you want."
There was no time for slow seduction—he had to get back to the office. He shoved her skirt up, ripped through the stockings, and took her hard. She gasped, clinging to him, her body already slick with need. The rhythm was relentless, the sound of skin meeting skin filling the room.
Just as she was about to shatter, she heard him murmur a name.
Her body jerked, the pleasure colliding with a cold spike of anger. She grabbed the back of his head. "What did you just call me?"
He didn't stop moving. "Jennifer. Problem with that?" His eyes were flat, all hunger and no warmth. If only Jennifer were this obedient, he thought. For a moment, he even toyed with the idea of not marrying Aria. The thought made his thrusts harder, faster.
Layla cried out, but her mind was a knot of resentment. Jennifer again. Always Jennifer.
When it was over, Eugene leaned back against the headboard, cigarette in hand. Smoke curled toward the ceiling.
"Why the mood?" Layla asked.
He exhaled slowly. "She's coming to my engagement party."
Layla flashed a smile. "What a coincidence. So am I. Your ex and your mistress at the same party… sounds fun."
His gaze snapped to hers, sharp. "There can't be any mistakes at my engagement with Aria. Don't start anything."
She laughed softly. "I'm obedient, remember? I wouldn't ruin your big day. In fact, I've got a surprise for you."
He didn't bother asking. They cleaned up, left the hotel, and walked out in opposite directions without a word—two strangers in daylight.
After sending Eugene away with that slap, Jennifer went upstairs, changed clothes, and headed to the hospital. David's condition had stabilized, and Francis had already scheduled the surgery for next month—he'd be performing it himself.
She'd brought a bag of homemade cookies for Francis, but he was in the operating room. She left them at the nurses' station and waited a while before heading out.
Later, she called Mia to share the news. Mia cheered, saying justice had finally been served, and invited her for afternoon tea.
They met at a cozy coffee shop. As soon as Mia sat down, Jennifer slid an envelope across the table—inside was a bank card. Her family's assets had been unfrozen, and the first thing she wanted to do was pay Mia back, with interest.
Mia smiled and tucked it away without fuss. "Your family's crisis is finally over. That's great."
Jennifer took a sip of coffee, warmth spreading through her chest. Yeah, those dark days were behind her.
On the wall-mounted screen, a news segment was playing—the Luminous Charm Jewelry Creative Contest was entering its preliminary stage.
Mia pointed. "Isn't that the competition you were always talking about entering?"
Jennifer's eyes lit up. "Yes. I have to enter this time." With everything that had happened lately, she'd almost forgotten it was coming. The Luminous Charm contest was the most prestigious in the industry, held every two years. Winners received substantial prize money, and their designs could be produced and promoted by Radiant Charm Jewelry Group—instant commercial success.
Sandra had once planned for her to represent the company, but now she'd have to enter as an independent designer. She couldn't miss the registration.
The host's voice cut in. "Internationally renowned designer Ryan Mitchell will serve as a judge for the finals."
Mia grinned. "Ryan, your favorite designer. Didn't you collect his photos in high school? I thought you had a thing for older men."
Jennifer laughed, eyes fixed on the elegant man on screen. Ryan's story had always inspired her—poor, abandoned by his first girlfriend, washing dishes in a restaurant while sketching designs in the grease. He'd fought his way up, winning a competition that put him on the map, until he became the chief designer of Radiant Charm Jewelry Group.