Chapter 16 Provocation

Darien was well-known in the circle as a master of romance, flirting with lots of women. It was said that he had caused many young girls to have abortions, giving them some money to dismiss them, and then leaving without a second thought.

Bethany always looked down on such people, so she responded coldly, "Did you see him?"

Darien pretended to think for a moment and said softly, "I remembered. His secretary came to find him, seems like they're discussing business in the study."

Clinton was someone who kept his work and personal life separate. Whenever he went out to play, he would make sure his work was done beforehand. On a grand occasion like today, he wouldn't let work matters bother him.

Then why would his secretary come looking for him?

Sensing something amiss, Bethany thanked Darien and went to find Clinton.

Watching Bethany's back, Darien swirled his glass, smiling maliciously. "Clinton, take care of yourself."

...

Bethany arrived at the door of the study. Instead of calling out for Clinton immediately, she stood at the door and listened quietly. Indeed, there were voices of a man and a woman inside, but the soundproofing was too good, and she couldn't hear clearly.

After standing there for a while, she lost her patience.

Bethany planned to push the door open directly, but it was locked.

The action of opening the door disturbed the people inside. After a commotion, a young woman came out and opened the door, bumping into Bethany face to face.

When the woman saw Bethany, she seemed visibly flustered. "Ms. Campbell, why are you here?"

Bethany calmly sized up the woman, who was quite attractive, dressed in a luxurious Chanel-style suit. The watch on her wrist must have cost hundreds of thousands of dollars, and she didn't look like someone who should be working. Others would think she was some wealthy young lady.

Compared to the woman's fluster, Bethany was calm. She smiled gracefully, "You must be Clinton's secretary. Where is he?"

The woman nodded.

But she didn't show any intention of moving away from the door. Suppressing her panic, she said, "Mr. Riddle has had too much to drink and is resting. Do you have something important to discuss with him?"

There was obvious hostility in her words.

Or perhaps, she wasn't trying to hide it at all. She was deliberately provoking Bethany.

Bethany's gaze cooled in an instant, but the smile on her face remained unchanged. "I'm here to look for my fiancé. What business could I have with him?"

The secretary raised her hand to adjust her hair, and the love bite on her neck was inadvertently revealed. She said with a shallow smile. "Whatever it is, Mr. Riddle can't handle it right now."

To be honest, the action seemed quite deliberate.

Bethany, as she wished, squinted at the love bite on the woman's neck. She could discern that the mark was vividly colored, indicating it was recent.

Bethany didn't immediately expose it but said, "Whether he can handle it or not is not what a mere secretary can decide. Move aside."

She spoke calmly, but her aura was strong.

The secretary couldn't hold her ground and yet refused to yield.

Just as the two women were at a standstill, a drunken voice came from inside the study, "Has Bethany arrived?"

"Darling, come here!"

Clinton's words determined who was more important.

Bethany said nothing, just calmly staring at the secretary. Yet, with just a single glance, she managed to embarrass the secretary.

The secretary turned to look at the man lying on the sofa. Clinton impatiently waved his hand and said, "We'll discuss work matters tomorrow at the office. You better leave now!"

The secretary bit her lips, tears welling up in her eyes. Finally, she left angrily.

Bethany watched her retreating figure, her eyes narrowed in thought. The secretary's back seemed somewhat similar to the one she had seen in the hospital that day.

Moreover, her emotions were intense, yet she walked cautiously, as if afraid of bumping into something.

Something wasn't right.

Before Bethany could dwell on it further, Clinton urged, "Darling, come over and let me hug you."