Chapter 225 Chapter 225: Who Said That I Don’t Like You?
Upon returning to the meeting room, Tim and Estelle discovered Mr. Field and his colleagues engaged in a hushed conversation while York served them coffee with a servile smile plastered across his face.
As York caught sight of Estelle’s return, his ingratiating expression swiftly transformed into one of displeasure and arrogance.
“Why did you two keep us waiting for so long? Don’t you realize that Mr. Field’s time is valuable? Estelle, settle the balance payment promptly, and then I will consider granting you a place on the board of directors,” York snapped, his words filled with impatience.
Estelle, without uttering a word, gently nudged Tim’s back, silently conveying her intention.
Tim understood the message and responded casually, wearing a smile. “I apologize, but I don’t have sufficient funds to assist you.”
York’s expression immediately changed upon hearing Tim’s response. “But you said you had enough money just moments ago,” he protested.
“I was too hasty in making that promise,” Tim explained, his gaze filled with disdain as he appraised Estelle. “Upon checking my bank account, I realized I don’t possess sufficient funds to settle your debt. Besides,” he continued, his tone condescending, “She is a divorced woman with two children and is no longer young. Numerous young and beautiful girls want to be with me. Why should I invest such a substantial amount of money on her?”
Upon hearing Tim’s derogatory remarks, Mr. Field rose from his seat and declared, “Given Mr. Roberts’ statement, there is no need for us to prolong our presence here. Mr. Grantham, you can expect to receive a court summons shortly. Let’s go.”
“Mr. Field, you...”
Without looking back, Mr. Field left with his colleagues quickly.
Witnessing the situation escalate, York loses his temper and scolds Estelle, “What is wrong with you? You claimed that you would handle it. What am I supposed to do now? They’re going to sue me!”
Fueled by rage, he raised his hand and forcefully slapped Estelle across the face.
Caught off guard, Estelle stumbled backward, colliding with the wall. Her right cheek immediately reddened and swollen from the impact.
As York prepared to strike her again, Tim swiftly intervened, gripping York’s hand firmly and issuing a cold rebuke, “How dare you lay a hand on her!”
“Estelle, I will spare you for now, given Mr. Roberts’ presence. But you will deeply regret it if you dare to deceive me again!” York declared before storming out of the meeting room, consumed by fury.
After York left, Tim strode to Estelle and gently took her arm. “Are you okay?”
“I’m alright,” Estelle reassured, gently retracting her arm from Tim’s grasp and straightening herself.
“How could he have slapped you so hard? Your face is red and swollen,” Tim remarked, concern evident in his voice.
Estelle lowered her head, gritted her teeth, and said, “He is a bastard.”
“It appears that your family’s affairs are quite intricate,” Tim remarked.
Enduring the burning pain on her face, Estelle composed herself and replied, “Mr. Roberts, let’s just disregard that message. It would be best if we avoid seeing each other in the future. I don’t want Mr. Mysterious to misinterpret our relationship.”
“Hah!” Tim scoffed, placing his arm on her shoulders. “I really want to know who he is. Am I somehow inferior to him? Is that why you chose him over me?”
“No, you are not inferior to him. In fact, you are much more fortunate than him. You have your brother, parents, and other family members, whereas he has nothing but me.”
“So, he is an orphan?” Tim inquired thoughtfully.
Upon hearing Tim’s response, Estelle lifted her head and gazed at him with a mixture of confusion and curiosity, uncertain of his intentions.
“I see. I will check the list of orphans in Hadale. Mr. Mysterious is approximately our age and has achieved success in his career. It is rare for an orphan to fulfill both of these criteria. Just wait and see. I will soon uncover his identity!” Tim declared seriously.
After saying that, Tim hurriedly walked out of the meeting room.
“Mr. Roberts!” Estelle was shocked, catching up with him and grabbing his sleeve quickly.
“Mr. Roberts, please don’t investigate Mr. Mysterious anymore. I beg you,” Estelle said sincerely.
“Since Mr. Mysterious is so good, why don’t you want others to know who he is? Estelle, when you were bullied by your Uncle and Mr. Field just now, where was Mr. Mysterious? You said he loves you, but why didn’t he show up when you were in trouble?” Tim said with a frown.
“He has his own business and is always busy,” Estelle explained quickly.
“You’re suggesting that I am a slacker?” Tim retorted, growing increasingly enraged. “When I received that message, I was engaged in a team-building activity with hundreds of my employees up in the mountains. Concerned about your well-being, I swiftly left the event and rode my motorcycle down the mountain just to be beside you. Yet, instead of showing appreciation for my efforts, you treated me indifferently. Estelle, it would be in your best interest not to disclose Mr. Mysterious’ identity to me, or else I will personally teach him a lesson when I come face-to-face with him.”
Estelle rubbed her temples, feeling upset.
Estelle found herself confronted with the challenging task of managing the company’s affairs while simultaneously grappling with her complicated relationship with Tim.
‘Rebecca’s earlier observations proved to be accurate. Tim exhibited traits of arrogance, stubbornness, and willfulness. During conflicts, he possessed a knack for silencing others with his sharp tongue.’ Estelle pondered her options, unsure of how to face her situation with Tim.
Suddenly, Estelle’s phone began to ring. Noticing that it was Mr. Mysterious calling, she swiftly answered the call. “Hello, Sir.”
“Estelle put Tim on the phone.”
“How did you know that Tim was here?” she asked in astonishment. “Did you make a guess?”
“No, I actually witnessed him entering the company with my own eyes.”
“What?” Estelle was stunned.
“Put him on the phone. I’ll have a word with him.” Mr. Mysterious said. His voice was still as calm and gentle as before. But from his tone, Estelle could feel that he was trying to contain his anger.
Fearing that things would be out of control, Estelle persuaded him, “Sir, I will talk with him. You know better than me that he came to me just because his family urged him to get married as soon as possible and he needed a marriage partner. He doesn’t like me at all...”
“Who said that I don’t like you?” Tim interrupted her, “Are you talking with Mr. Mysterious? Mr. Mysterious, listen carefully! I like Estelle, and I will marry her. If you love Estelle, come to see me and compete with me for her. Why do you always hide yourself? You coward!”