Chapter 41

Chapter 41

I glanced at James from the corner of my eye without making it obvious.

He looked a bit nervous.

Seems like this project really is important.

My gaze fell on Mireille holding my hand, and warmth spread through my heart. My smile became even more sweet and obedient, "Don't worry, James treats me very well. I just didn't know when you two were coming back to the country."

"Didn't you also sneak back home yourself?"

When Mireille said this, there was no blame on her face, only deep affection, "I was going to have Ralph invite you to dinner, but you ran off without saying a word."

As she spoke, Mireille pretended to be angry and pinched my cheek.

Seeing the two elders, my heart felt sweet, and I immediately smiled sweetly, "It's my fault. I made you angry. You can hit me to feel better."

Ralph shook his head cheerfully, "How could she bear to hit you? After she found out you came back to the country, she did give me a beating though."

Hearing this, my eyes grew even softer.

I'm not stupid—I could tell they were backing me up with everything they said.

When I was abroad, they had taken good care of me.

Now that I suddenly came back and got married, they were naturally worried.

After chatting with Mireille and Ralph for quite a while, and after they confirmed again and again that I was really doing well, the old lady finally sighed.

I could see it clearly, but just smiled and didn't say much.

Back when I was abroad, Mireille had wanted to set me up with her grandson.

But I wasn't interested in him, and we always just stayed friends.

Ralph looked at James with sharp, assessing eyes and spoke slowly, "James, you don't mind me calling you that, do you?"

In Emerald City, if it were anyone else talking to James like this, James would probably have left with a dark expression already.

But James just showed a polite smile and nodded gently, "Since you two are Anna's elders, you're also my elders. As long as you're comfortable with it, you can call me whatever you like."

Ralph and Mireille exchanged glances, both showing appreciation in their eyes.

Ralph even nodded and said in a deep voice, "I know what today's meeting is about, so we wanted to see Anna first. After this charity project, we'll hand it over to Smith Corporation."

James smiled, "Rest assured, Smith Corporation definitely won't let you down."

"That's good. And don't let Anna down either!"

Mireille kept holding my hand, her eyes full of undisguised affection.

But my heart grew cold inch by inch at that moment.

So James didn't actually want to bring me to that charity gala—it was Ralph and Mireille who specifically asked to see me?

Then what did that generous three hundred thousand dollars mean?

A reward for helping him secure the partnership?

My heart ached terribly.

I used almost all my strength to control my emotions so I wouldn't break down in tears right there.

So while I was foolishly pleased thinking James cared about me, his heart was full of calculations.

I lowered my eyes, hiding my heartbroken sadness, then raised my head and forced myself through the rest of the dinner.

It wasn't until I held James's arm and watched Ralph and Mireille's car drive completely away that I coldly withdrew my hand.

"No wonder you were so generous, giving three hundred thousand dollars just like that. Turns out you needed me to do something."

I laughed at myself.

If James had clearly told me he needed me to attend, I could have accepted that.

But why did he have to use me like this?

James, you're so cruel, you really don't care about our past at all.

James's expression changed slightly, his tone still cold, "Weren't you the one looking for work? Since I'm paying you a salary, you should complete your job."

Every word was like a blade carving into my heart.

I couldn't stop the self-mocking curve at the corner of my lips, and nodded lightly, "Yes, after all, I couldn't find such a high-paying job anywhere else. Thank you for giving me this work opportunity."

Perhaps my attitude was too cold, because James clearly became irritated.

My nerves were tense. Not wanting to say anything more to him, I walked quickly toward the car in the parking lot.

Just as my hand touched the car door, James yanked my hand away.

"You're so capable, walk back yourself."

My whole body stiffened. I slowly looked up, meeting James's deep, emotionless eyes.

If I was still heartbroken just now, now my entire heart felt like it was drowning in the deep sea, making it hard to even breathe.

"Aren't you afraid I'll run away?"

My voice was very soft, as if still hoping for something.

James's smile was mocking, "As long as you still care about your mom in the hospital, you can't possibly run."

My heart ached again.

I forced my eyes wide open to keep the tears from falling.

James got in the car and left.

I bit my lower lip hard, watching helplessly as the luxury car disappeared from view.

I stood there alone, the night wind blowing past, so cold I was shivering all over.

So cold, and my heart even colder.

My phone rang. It was James calling.

His voice came through the phone, sounding somewhat distorted in my ears, cold yet exceptionally clear, "Don't forget what I said. Walk back. If you dare throw a tantrum, face the consequences."

I was so angry my chest felt tight. I hung up directly.

"James! You're a complete and utter bastard!"

I shouted in the direction James had left, drawing quite a few looks from people near the hotel.

I had no interest in being laughed at here. Angrily, I kicked off my high heels, picked them up, and walked out.

The ground was ice cold. Stepping on it barefoot, with the wind blowing, the chill instantly spread through my whole body.

On the way here, we'd sat in the car for at least forty minutes.

Walking back now, who knows how long it would take.

Maybe I should just stay at the hotel.

As I thought this, I fumbled through my bag.

Inside the bag, besides tissues and makeup for touch-ups, there was nothing.

No choice then. Tonight I either walk back or sleep on the street.

Following the road, with dim yellow light falling on the pavement, it wasn't that dark.

I played music on my phone and walked step by step toward the villa.

The soles of my feet hurt from the small stones, but I could only grit my teeth and bear it.

If I wore the high heels, I probably couldn't walk back at all.

After walking some distance, the hotel had disappeared from view.

Just then, a mocking laugh came from behind me, "Looks like we're in luck today! Running into such a catch here!"

My nerves tensed, my scalp tingling.

This is bad.

They say girls shouldn't walk alone at night—it's easy for something to happen.

Not only was I alone, but I'd also specially dressed up today.

I can't be so unlucky as to run into thugs, can I?

I swallowed hard and quickened my pace forward.

Even so, the men's laughing voices behind me kept getting closer.

I bit my lower lip hard, the taste of blood spreading in my mouth.

Can't worry about that now!

I grabbed my skirt and ran.

My feet hurt so much, but I didn't dare stop.

"We're talking to you, why are you running?"

Two men chased after me.

I was barefoot, and the long dress was in the way. I couldn't run fast at all and was quickly caught up.

The two blocked me front and back, their smiles sleazy and evil.

"Hey beautiful, out here all alone this late at night?"