Chapter 10 His Teasing
To be honest, Scarlett's thoughts were a mess right now. Wesley had backed out of their agreement, and she hadn't figured out how to handle it yet. Now Ambrose was here pressuring her.
At this critical moment, she couldn't spare the mental energy to deal with Wesley until she sorted things out with Ambrose first.
Besides, if Ambrose terminated their contract, it would fulfill the threat she'd made earlier, sending a warning message. Wesley would think twice before making any future moves.
Ambrose looked down at her coldly, his thin lips barely moving. "You were willing to offend me to secure this contract, and now you're suddenly giving up. What are you plotting?"
Scarlett's heart skipped a beat. Was he human or some kind of mind-reader to see through her so easily?
She maintained her composure and replied calmly after a few seconds, "Mr. Boleyn, you're overthinking this. No matter how bold I might be, I wouldn't dare scheme against you again. I simply can't accept the terms you proposed last time, so I think it's better to cancel the contract."
Ambrose's eyes suddenly darkened as he replied without any courtesy, "You can't just offend me and then pretend nothing happened by canceling the contract. That's not how this works."
Scarlett felt a chill run up from the soles of her feet. She faltered for a moment before steadying herself and meeting his gaze.
Ambrose looked down, absently touching his ring. "Scarlett, Aurora College architecture graduate, mentored by Finn Johnson. You won international awards during your studies. Though you haven't had any major achievements in recent years, the projects you've handled have been rather impressive..."
Hearing this, Scarlett couldn't figure out his intentions. Was he investigating her background to blacklist her?
Was he trying to coerce her just because she refused to sleep with him?
Seeing Scarlett's confusion, Ambrose didn't keep her guessing and got straight to the point.
"A new international art museum is being built in the development district. I need to secure this project, but I lack expertise in this area. If you can win it for me, we can put our past issues behind us."
Hearing this, Scarlett felt the tension inside her unwind. So he wasn't trying to force her into his bed after all—he wanted her to help him win a project.
But wasn't he overestimating her limited reputation?
After a long silence, Scarlett finally said, "Mr. Boleyn, I appreciate your confidence in me, but I've never handled major projects before. Wouldn't it be too risky to entrust an international art museum to someone like me?"
She paused, then added, "There are many more renowned architects in Silverlight City."
Ambrose frowned, his tone cold. "So you're refusing?"
Scarlett lowered her head, fidgeting with her hands, her voice soft.
"Actually, your offer is very tempting, but there are two reasons I can't accept it right away."
She looked up, her gaze clear as water. "First: To work on the art museum project, I'd need to join your company, but my contract with the Ross Group can't be terminated so quickly. Second, I have zero experience with this type of project."
Ambrose turned away casually, walking to the table to pour himself a glass of water, his gaze intense as he studied her.
"Your contract isn't an issue. As for experience, you have award-winning work, and though your recent projects have been commercial buildings, they don't lack artistic talent."
At this point, Ambrose suddenly raised his glass and asked, "Would you like some water?"
Scarlett was startled for a second before recovering. "Thank you, I'll get it myself." She walked over to pour her own water.
Ambrose stepped a few paces away, watching her as he drank.
"An international art museum requires unique creative ability. Older designers can't match the creativity of younger ones. After looking around, considering reputation and other factors, you seem the most suitable candidate."
After pouring her water, Scarlett listened to his analysis with mixed feelings.
What seemed like pressure from him was actually a once-in-a-decade opportunity for her.
Was he making things difficult for her, or was he helping her?
She took a sip of water, lowering her eyes in thought. Ambrose, still watching her, added another point.
"Master Finn is retired now, and you're his final and most important disciple. That adds weight to your reputation."
She looked at Ambrose, her doubts fading somewhat.
Since Finn's retirement, many business people had sought his collaboration, but he'd refused them all due to health reasons.
One reason Ambrose was approaching Scarlett was because of Finn's name.
But her divorce wasn't settled yet, and she didn't know how long it would drag on. If she accepted Ambrose's project, Wesley would be even less likely to agree to a quick divorce.
"When does this project start?" She asked after thinking for a while.
"The 15th of next month."
Just over a month away. If she could finalize her divorce before then, she could take on this project—it was truly a rare opportunity for her.
But judging by Wesley's attitude, he intended to drag things out.
"You can think it over before giving me your answer. If you have any concerns, feel free to raise them."
Scarlett looked at Ambrose again, questioning the rumors she'd heard about him.
"Alright, I'll let you know after I've considered it." Scarlett finished her water, hoping it would help with her hunger.
Tossing the disposable cup in the nearby trash, Scarlett said goodbye. At the door, she suddenly remembered the hotel incident and turned back.
"Mr. Boleyn, I was quite drunk that night at the Four Seasons Hotel. If I offended you, please don't take it to heart."
Ambrose's face remained calm, his gaze intense. "You tried to seduce me. Can you forget that?"
Scarlett pressed her lips together, unsure how to respond. Truthfully, that night was a combination of the atmosphere and alcohol that led to her behavior.
Ambrose smirked. "Are you that lonely in your marriage?"
Scarlett's face flushed with embarrassment as she stammered, "I was just drunk and behaved inappropriately."
Ambrose smiled without saying anything, his expression making it clear he didn't believe her.
Whatever. Let him think what he wanted. She turned toward the door, and as she touched the handle, she heard his deep, meaningful comment.
"People who are unhappy tend to drink themselves into oblivion."
She paused, knowing Ambrose had deliberately said this for her to hear. But what could he possibly know?
She turned back, her face calm as she smiled lightly.
"Sounds like you speak from experience, Mr. Boleyn."
Ambrose slowly walked toward her, his voice ominous. "You've got quite a sharp tongue. Do you think I won't do anything to you?"
Seeing this, Scarlett panicked and ran for the door, pulling it open and rushing out as if being chased by a predator.
He certainly knew how to hold a grudge.
Outside, Scarlett sighed with relief. Seeing Chase at the entrance, she quickly composed herself, nodded politely, and walked away.
After a few steps, she took out her phone. There was a message from Briar.
[Wesley went to the Four Seasons Hotel with the Powell Group's daughter. Looks like they're getting a room together. This might be your perfect opportunity.]