Chapter 185
Anna’s POV:
“This could be a great opportunity for you, Anna. A real shortcut to success, the director leaned closer, his perfume overwhelming my senses. These people specifically asked for you.”
I forced a polite smile while taking a subtle step back.
Shortcuts in life? I’d never believed in them. Every ‘shortcut” I’d ever encountered came with strings attached–usually strings that turned into chains.
Still, the director had helped me during that TV station incident. And after everything that had happened lately, I needed all the allies I could get.
‘Fine, I’ll go,” I said, following him into the bar.
The moment we stepped inside, the thick smoke and alcohol fumes hit my lungs, making me cough.
The director kept inching closer as we walked, his shoulder repeatedly brushing against mine. I maintained my distance, speaking only when necessary.
He suddenly grabbed my arm, his fingers digging into my skin. “Listen, the three bosses of Boston’s premier entertainment company are waiting for you. They don’t do this for just anyone.”
Entertainment company? That sounded like one of Price family’s subsidiaries.
Seth had been president of that company and had heavily promoted that rising starlet Samantha.
My tension eased slightly. I’d have to call that troublemaker later to thank him.
I paused by a mirror to check my appearance. The black evening gown looked elegant beneath my cashmere coat. I removed the coat, smoothed down the fabric, and adjusted my posture.
“Now that’s more like it,‘ the director nodded approvingly. “Much better than those dreary office outfits you usually wear.”
I bit back a retort. This was actually my comfort zone–where I’d spent most of my life before meeting Blake. I took a deep breath, determined to stay sharp. I didn’t want to embarrass Seth.
Standing before the private room, I plastered on a relaxed smile and pushed open the door. The silence inside caught me off guard.
Despite the massive table, only three men occupied the space. At the head sat Maxwell with two men flanking him.
The atmosphere felt hostile, more like an ambush than a business meeting.
“Mr. Price, may I present Anna Wright, the director practically bowed as he introduced me, his tone disgustingly flattering. “Stunning, isn’t she?”
He grabbed my hand and tried to pass it to Maxwell like I was merchandise. “You two should get better acquainted.”
I yanked my hand back, my demeanor instantly cooling/“There’s nothing to discuss. We’re already acquainted.”
The director’s eyes widened. “You know each other? That’s wonderful! Then I’ll leave you two to talk.” He bent at the waist like some royal servant, never fully straightening.
Regret washed over me. This wasn’t about opportunity–Maxwell had no intention of helping me.
“Actually, I should be the one leaving,” I called to the director. “And don’t contact me again We won’t be working together.”
I glanced at Maxwell and turned to exit, but his hand shot out, gripping my wrist.
He pulled me against him, his fake smile sickeningly sweet. “Darling Anna, leaving without even saying hello?”
1/2
Chapter 185
The director misinterpreted our interaction, a sleazy grin spreading across his face before he hurried out, closing the door behind him.
Maxwell immediately released me, shoving me backward. He brushed at his clothes with disgust, sniffing his jacket before peeling it off and tossing it is
the trash.
“Don’t like how I smell but insist on getting that close?” I said coldly. ‘Seems like you brought this on yourself.
He looked up, his eyes piercing and dangerous. Blake’s gaze could be cold, but Maxwell’s eyes reminded me of a wolf ready to tear its prey apart.
“Where did you go yesterday?” he asked, his voice deceptively calm.
“That’s none of your business!
“Perhaps not, but I know you went to see my brother. No one disregards my requests like this. I just found you, and you’re already making mistakes.
One of Maxwell’s men stood up. “Mr. Price, why waste time talking with this woman? When it comes to training women, my brother and I are experts. Just leave her to us–`
Without hesitation, I grabbed a glass and smashed it against his forehead. Glass shattered, and blood trickled down his face.
“I’m so sorry, but no one has ever spoken to me like that,” I said, my voice dripping with sarcasm. “Shutting people up happens to be my specialty.”
The man clutched his bleeding head, cursing loudly.
I ignored him and turned back to Maxwell. “If the Price family is full of men like this, I’d rather Seth stay away. I’d hate for this toxic atmosphere to contaminate his air.”
Maxwell’s smile–never faltered. “I’m beginning to understand what Seth sees in you. It’s useless, though. Be obedient, and you can still have my support. But since you insist on involving Seth, don’t blame me for being ruthless.”
His voice hardened. ‘I can’t let my foolish brother pick up Blake’s discarded wife.”
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