Chapter 33: "It's Time to Teach Her a Lesson"
Hodgson's POV
I watched Nicole from afar, deliberately raising my voice to enjoy her awkward expression.
Did she think she was the only woman by my side?
What a joke.
I leaned down and spoke in an intimate tone near Molly's ear: "Molly, I need to handle something first. I'll come find you later."
Molly's cheeks flushed as she nodded shyly.
When I lifted my head again, Nicole had disappeared. The corner where she'd been standing was now empty.
I let out a cold laugh and left the hall.
I came to a secluded corridor in the manor and summoned Eric.
"I've had you watching Nicole recently. Has she done anything unusual?"
I lit a cigarette, took a drag, and slowly exhaled the smoke.
Eric replied: "Recently, Miss Nicole has been bringing lunch to Mr. Shier every two days, but she only stays for half an hour each time. Nothing should have happened between them."
I flicked the ash from my cigarette and pulled a mocking smile.
"At least she's been obedient and hasn't dared to do anything inappropriate." I continued asking, "What else? What does she do the rest of the time?"
"The rest of the time, Miss Nicole seems to frequently visit a private hospital," Eric said.
"Hospital? Is she ill?" I frowned.
"I've already sent people to investigate."
Eric immediately explained. "She's visiting a patient named Vera. Vera is Miss Nicole's adoptive mother from when she lived in Gardella. After Miss Nicole returned to Astoria, her adoptive mother was also brought along and placed in this hospital. Sir, do you need me to investigate this Vera more deeply?"
I was silent for a moment, then shook my head: "Never mind, not for now."
I knew roughly about Nicole's background. It was perfectly normal for her to care for her adoptive mother.
"Besides this, is there nothing else?"
This time, Eric's expression became somewhat hesitant.
I narrowed my eyes, my tone turning cold: "Speak up!"
"Yes," Eric didn't dare hesitate any longer.
He carefully observed my expression and reported in a low voice, "A few days ago, Miss Nicole privately met with Miss Molly."
I paused, feeling confused: "What connection does she have with Molly?"
Eric told me everything he had investigated.
From how Molly lured Cathy to a private club, to Nicole rushing to rescue her, and finally, in order to save Cathy, Nicole proactively proposed to Molly that she could help her get close to me.
After hearing this, anger burned in my chest.
I crushed the cigarette and threw it forcefully to the ground.
That damned woman!
She actually dared to use me as a bargaining chip to help another woman get close to me?
She had some nerve!
Eric nervously added: "Sir, Miss Nicole was in a difficult position at the time. She had no choice but to do that to save someone."
"You don't need to speak up for her!" I said coldly. "It seems it's time I taught her a lesson."
What exactly did she take me for? A tool she could use at will?
I had resolved Carlos's trouble for her and sent people to help block Wendy's investigation.
This was how she repaid me?
Damn it, this woman was really getting on my nerves.
In her heart, did I have no weight at all?
I suppressed the anger in my heart and returned to the banquet hall.
As soon as I appeared, Molly came clinging over.
She held two glasses of red wine, walking toward me with a face full of shy sweetness.
"Hodgson, where did you go just now? I looked for you for ages." She handed one glass to me. "let me toast you."
Her face showed flush, and her eyes seemed somewhat unfocused.
With just one glance, I knew there was something wrong with that glass of wine.
How interesting. She actually dared to play such a childish trick in front of me.
I accepted the wine glass with a smile on my face.
Just as she raised her glass to clink with mine, I suddenly frowned, my gaze falling on her face, my tone carrying a hint of regret.
"What a pity."
"What?" Molly looked at me blankly.
I indicated her lips with my eyes: "Such perfect makeup, but there's a tiny flaw."
Molly's face immediately flushed red as she frantically tried to find a mirror in her bag.
I deliberately said: "The lighting here isn't good. I think you'd better go to the restroom to fix it."
"Alright... okay! Hodgson, wait for me!"
She set down her wine glass and hurried away.
Then I switched the wine glass in my hand with the one she had set down.
Before long, Molly returned, her makeup restored to perfection.
She walked picked up the glass on the table, her face showing a grateful smile: "Thank you for reminding me, Hodgson."
I revealed a playful smile and raised my wine glass: "Come on, a toast to the beautiful lady."
Within a few minutes, the drug began to take effect.
Molly's body started swaying. She supported her forehead with her hand.
"Hodgson... I feel so dizzy, my body is so hot..."
I set down my wine glass and called Eric over.
"Go arrange a guest room. Remember, it must be the room next to Nicole's," I instructed in a low voice.
"Yes, sir."
Then I stepped forward and put my arm around Molly's waist.
Under the ambiguous gazes of the crowd, I helped her leave the hall.
I brought her to that dark room and threw her directly onto the bed.
Under the influence of alcohol and drugs, she had completely lost her rationality and began tearing at the clothes on her body.
"Hodgson... please... I want you..."
She mumbled my name incoherently, her hands touching wildly in the her skin.
I stood by the bed, coldly watching all of this.
I despised women who played tricks in front of me most of all, especially self-righteous fools.
Eric followed in and, looking at Molly on the bed, asked in a low voice: "Sir, her condition doesn't seem right. Do you need me to call a doctor?"
"No need." I shook my head with contempt.
"Go call the bodyguard at my side."
Eric froze for a moment, clearly understanding my intention. His face showed hesitation and disapproval.
"Sir, isn't this inappropriate? Mr. Barry already views Miss Molly as your fiancée."
I glared at him.
"Are you trying to tell me what to do? If you feel so sorry for her, then I'll give you this opportunity. You can fuck her."
Eric shuddered in fright and immediately lowered his head.
"Sir, I understand. I'll go right away."
Soon, a muscular bodyguard walked in.
I tilted my chin at him, indicating he could begin.
The bodyguard entered the room, removed his clothes, and pressed himself onto the incoherent woman on the bed.
Soon, Molly's wanton moans came from the room, each one louder than the last.
"Hodgson... ah!! You're so good..."