Chapter 114 Not Answering Your Call?
"Not at all."
Serena offered a polite smile.
Stuart moved toward her, his gaze shameless and appraising as it raked over her face. His smile turned sleazy. "By my count, it's been twelve years, hasn't it? Can't believe you're still as beautiful as you were back then... oh wait, I take that back. You're even more beautiful now."
The malice radiating from him was impossible to miss. Serena took a subtle step back, wariness flickering in her eyes while her brain kicked into overdrive. Stuart's father was currently the vice director of the city's construction bureau. Her sister needed to sell that land, which meant they'd inevitably have to go through Stuart's father. She couldn't afford to offend Stuart and create more problems for her sister.
But she could already sense his hostile intentions. In this situation, she couldn't just roll over and let Stuart think she was an easy target.
Her gaze turned cold as it met his eyes. "Sorry, I have things to take care of. Bye." She turned to leave.
Stuart immediately stepped in front of her, blocking her path. "What's the rush? I've heard about what's going on with the Rothwell family. You've been away from New Valley for over a decade, so you probably don't know much about how things work around here anymore. My dad happens to be the vice director of the construction bureau now. Whether the Rothwell family's land in the west district gets commercial zoning? That's just a matter of my dad saying the word."
He puffed out his chest, his gaze growing even more brazen. "So what do you say? For old times' sake, I wouldn't mind putting in a good word for you, but..."
He didn't finish the sentence, but his meaning was crystal clear. He wanted Serena to be with him.
A sharp laugh escaped her. "Is that so?"
Stuart assumed she was giving in. The thought that his teenage crush could now submit to him so easily sent a thrill through him. He adopted a pompous air, gazing at Serena with smug satisfaction. "Naturally. Serena, you know I've liked you since middle school. If you're with me, I'll treat you right. After all, the Rothwell family turning things around? That's just a matter of my dad saying the word."
Serena nodded slowly. "I believe your father can decide the Rothwell family's fate, but who decides his?"
Thank god Jessy had mentioned earlier that Stuart's father had been stuck in his position for years now, and if he didn't get promoted soon, he'd never move up. Which was why he'd been making frequent trips to the Locke family lately.
If Stuart had any sense and knew when to back off, this whole thing could end right here. Otherwise, she'd have no choice but to drop Adrian's name and use it to put Stuart in his place.
Stuart, who had been so smug just moments ago, clearly hadn't expected this. He was momentarily stunned, suspicion clouding his expression. "Are you saying you're close with the Locke family?"
A slight smile curved her lips. "I wouldn't say super close, but Adrian and I grew up together. So tell me, if he found out about what you're doing here, do you think he might mention it to his grandfather?"
"I don't believe you! If you were really that close with him, would the Rothwell family be in this situation? If you've got the guts, call him right now and prove it."
Irritation flared inside Serena. How stubborn could this guy be?
She definitely didn't dare actually call Adrian. What if she called Ethan instead? Ethan was technically Adrian's assistant, but everyone knew Adrian doted on his cousin. Calling Ethan would have the same effect, right? He'd help her out... hopefully. Either way, it was worth a shot.
She decisively dialed Ethan's number.
But the phone rang and rang with no answer.
A cruel smile spread across Stuart's face as he stepped toward her. "What's wrong? Mr. Locke not picking up?"
Serena instinctively backed away, panic flickering in her eyes. Just then, people started coming out of the other private rooms—mostly trust fund kids and society heirs. Seeing what was happening, no one stepped forward to help. Instead, they leaned against the railing, watching the drama unfold with interest.
Her brow furrowed sharply. With so many people watching, if she couldn't turn this around, her sister would face even more ridicule from these wealthy families in the future. She had to find a way to salvage this, and there was only one option left: Adrian.
Whatever. She'd just have to risk it and call him directly. Worst case, she'd deal with that demanding heir later. At least Adrian wasn't a sleazy creep. He wouldn't pull the kind of disgusting, coercive stunt Stuart was pulling.
The call connected.
"What is it?" Adrian's cool, deep voice came through the phone.
Serena quickly pressed it to her ear, doing her best to sound calm and gentle. "Where are you? I've been waiting forever."
Silence on the other end.
Stuart froze too, clearly not expecting the call to actually go through.
Serena seized the opportunity, rushing down the stairs while saying to Adrian, "Oh, you're at the entrance? I'll come get you now." As she descended, she accidentally twisted her ankle.
Stuart had been momentarily dazed, but quickly snapped out of it. If Serena really had that kind of connection with Adrian, why would she be running? Besides, if she was actually close with Adrian, would the Rothwell Group be in this mess? He immediately realized Serena had been bluffing and gave chase. "Serena, stop right there!"
Panic shot through her, and she instinctively looked back.
Just then, a man walked through the entrance on the first floor. Serena didn't see him and crashed straight into him. A cool, familiar scent washed over her as an arm reached out just in time, catching her slender waist.
Before she could see who it was, she spotted the watch on his wrist—the very one she'd designed that her sister had her deliver to Adrian yesterday. Hope sparked inside her as she looked up.
"Adrian?"