Chapter 44 44

Chapter 44 44
As Sheila walked out of the apartment, her long skirt swept the floor in a grand, benevolent style, her heels clicked sharply on the floor —steady, calculated and her expression radiating like the sunset.
Arthur sat in his car, his gaze fixated on her as she walked, but however, his expression still remained neutral, unreadable.
He pulled the collar of his shirt softly, then turned to his driver, “Bring the lady over to the car,” he ordered grimly, his eyes not blinking away from her.
“Yes, sir.” The driver responded and made an attempt to open the car door but Arthur stopped him.
“One more thing,” he glanced over at the driver, his lips curving into a dark, ominous smirk.
“Don’t return back here without her,” Arthur's expression narrowed..
“Unless you've prepared a good replacement already, I'll be grateful.” he said, his voice dangerously calm.
The driver —Ted, nodded once more and left to do Arthur's bidding.
Arthur watched with hawk gaze as Sheila fussed over the driver who had obviously delivered his message, his eyes flickered with something unknown but it disappeared immediately, his expression shifting back to neutral.
“Call your boss right now,” Sheila's angry voice pierced into Arthur's ears. Her fingers curled into fist and she clenched her jaw.
“You don't have to do that. I'm here now, little one.” The unhinged, calm, dulcet voice filtered out easily.
His black expensive polished shoe was the first to touch the floor—gleaming in the dim light. It was gentle and slow as he stepped down, then his full body came into light.
Dressed in simple yet refined dinner jackets and trousers, the dark fabric complemented by a crisp white shirt, its collar open just a little.
His face was illuminated by the dim light, chiselled jawline, and sharp cheekbones. His eyes, a deep shade of hazel, sparkled with warmth, yet held a hint of mystery.
A small, unpredictable smile grazed his lips as he carried himself with an air of quiet sophistication.
Sheila's breath caught in her throat and for a moment, she forgot how to breath, her gaze solely fixed on Arthur.
Arthur's smirk deepened as he got closer, then with a gentle voice he said, “Give me your hands, little one.” he brought his right palm forward, urging Sheila to place hers.
Sheila blinked, her mind returning back from the short, unprepared hiatus.
She scoffed with an eye roll, “And you think I'll do that?” She huffed.
Arthur smiled softly, then leaned in closer to her, “Should I yank you over? I wouldn't mind being called an abductor,” he grimaced, his hands still pointed out to Sheila.
Sheila glanced at the passers-by, then back at Arthur, her teeth clenched.
With a heavy scoff, she pushed her hands forward, placing it on Arthur's waiting palms.
She didn't want to create a scene, that was the only reason she had given him her hand and not because of his silly words.
With a low snicker, Arthur began leading her to the car.
Sheila's expression was hardened like a rock as he opened the door for her and she climbed in.
Arthur walked to the other side of the seat and climbed in, then Ted brought the car back to life before driving out of the residence.
The drive to wherever they were headed was calm, the tension choking and the awkwardness between them tense.
Arthur didn't bother to initiate a conversation nor did Sheila. It was as if the both of them had a lot going on in their minds.
Finally, Ted stopped the car in front of a magnificent hotel. Sheila's brows furrowed as she turned to Arthur, “A hotel?” She half yelled, eyes spinning in shock and disbelief.
Arthur's lips curled, “What? Scared that I might have you screaming my name?” he smirked rawly and Sheila choked on nothing, casting him a hateful glare.
The valet helped park their car and a female concierge approached them, a smile tainting her lips.
She led them in and Sheila couldn't stop rolling her eyes as they took the elevator, going to God knows where.
Soon, they arrived at the garden suite. Sheila's jaw dropped in shock as she took in the luxury.
The room was decorated with flowers and candlelight, creating a warm atmosphere.
A slow music is buzzing softly in the background, adding a little touch of romance to the ambiance.
The round table is almost filled with wines from different brands—the air thick with richness.
Sheila was still lost in luxury when Arthur pulled out a seat, nudging at her to sit down.
She slowly sat down, then placed her purse beside her. Arthur was first surprised that she didn't react, even when he had pulled out the seat for her, he had expected her to act a little displeased or even pissed off, but she seemed to be okay with everything.
Finally, Arthur settled down before her, then he called the room service to take their order.
All through, Sheila remained strangely calm. Even when the orders came, she quietly picked her fork and began eating.
Feeling ignored and ghosted, Arthur cleared his throat, deciding to break the ice but just as he opened his mouth to speak, Sheila cut him off.
“You treated me to dinner, Arthur Wilson. Respect that please,” She muttered, not sparing him a glance.
Arthur's teeth clenched and he leaned in, “You asked me to meet you if I wanted to hear the price myself,” he almost flared up but he said the words calmly, struggling to control his pulsating heart.
Sheila snapped her head up, her eyes flickering with pretence, “Really?” She mused, putting a steak into her mouth before grabbing the glass of wine.
“I thought you treated me to dinner,” She uttered with a silly smile, bringing the glass of wine closer to her lips while still maintaining an eye lock with Arthur.
“It's one thing we started on a good note but another thing to end things on a bad note, we're here for a reason, little one.” Arthur's gaze pierced into hers like he could see her soul.
She didn't flinch, instead, she placed the glass of wine gently on the table then smiled at Arthur, “The steak is nice, why don't you have a taste?” She said softly and Arthur huffed, his expression turning pale.
What was wrong with her? Was she playing games with him right now?
“Little one….”
“Seriously? If we aren't here for a dinner date, then what's all this?” Sheila dropped her fork, staring around at the decorations and themes of the background.
“To discuss business?” She huffed.
“Or did you do all this to impress me?” her gaze shone with curiosity as she leaned closer.
Arthur exhaled, clearly getting pissed off with her drama.
“What’s the price?” he asked straightforwardly and Sheila smiled with a shrug.
“It's simple, let's agree on something, Arthur,” She began slowly and Arthur smiled with a nod, nudging at her to continue.
“You need me as much as I need you, why don't we make this simple for both parties, huh?” Sheila's brows knitted and Arthur scoffed.
“Make me understand your point,” he growled.
“First, the two major shareholders after you that pulled out, I want them back and also, delete getting pregnant for you as part of the contract, then I might reconsider,” She breathlessly said and Arthur stifled in laugh, his expression tainted with mockery.
Sheila's neck stiffened in anger and her blood boiled with rage as she wondered what part of the sentence or words she said that actually attracted that expression from Arthur.
Finally, Arthur stopped and his expression returned back—cold, unpredictable and detached.
“I expected this,” he muttered, not seemingly shocked as he finally grabbed a glass of wine then slurped down a little amount of the fluid.
“Get your facts straight,” he began, and Sheila pressed her lips together, her palms suddenly turning sweaty.
“I don't need you as much as you need me, little one. I might be losing my inheritance to my cousin brother, but that doesn't mean my predicament is as awful as yours—” he paused, a smirk appearing on his lips.
Sheila's breath hitched and her throat throbbed, she gulped in emptiness.
“You’re still holding the pieces of your Company together because my shares are still with your company. If I decide to pull out now, trust me, you'd collapse because I'm clearly the pillar of your damn company, little one.” he throttled further, his gaze turning more dark as he sipped slowly from his wine.
Sheila's heartbeat picked up the marathon, racing in her chest as her throat turned sour.
Whatever it is, she knew deep down that she might have complicated things, she didn't think things through and right now, it seemed like Arthur was the one calling the cards and not she, as she had imagined it to be.
She tried to speak but couldn't form any word, her tongue felt heavy and her lips were as if it was gagged.
Arthur's smirk deepened as he pulled out some documents with him, pushing it before her.
“Like I said, your predicament is the one that needs my help, and you can decide to risk it, but just know that I have and can propose my offer to another lady who's ready to welcome everything stated out in the contract,” he dropped the glass then leaned back against his seat.
At this rate, Sheila's eyes stung with tears as the realization washed hard on her, she was trapped and there wasn't any escape for her.
A few minutes ago, she thought she was in control, calling the cards and determining who plays or what happens next, but right now…. She's the one being controlled.
How game changes.
“The document before you is the contract agreement which requires your signature —” he smiled briefly, a smile which didn't reach the corner of his eyes.
Sheila's lips trembled and her fingers shook on her thighs as she stared at the documents before her, heart somersaulting in her chest.
Sheila knew that once Arthur pulls out from her company, then she's ruined. She didn't have the shares of the other two shareholders and losing Arthur's would be a disaster.
But then again…. The contract? Carrying his child? Her company?
Which one was she supposed to save?
“You have to make your decision now, Sheila Grey.”