Chapter 316
“Mr. Foster.” I greeted Ethan Foster with a hint of a formal smile and shook his hand.
He had made a name for himself in politics and was the top dog at FarHorizon Group.
Ethan Foster smiled back, exuding an aura that made me feel a tad intimidated.
*Please, have a seat. I’m expecting another friend shortly. His voice was gentle, but I could sense a bit of coldness in it.
“Sure thing.” I plopped myself on the couch, casually setting my bag to the side.
Ethan Foster wasn’t much of a chatterbox. He had a chill demeanor, didn’t put on airs, and even poured me a glass of wine himself. When he spoke, his pace was slow and steady
Every time I thought about the harm this guy had caused my father, a fire of anger burned within me, but there was no way to vent it out.
Ethan Foster made it clear that FarHorizon Group wanted to partner with our company and laid out all the perks that would come with it. If it weren’t for Neil telling me the truth earlier, I would have been totally swayed by him.
In the midst of our chitchat, the door to the room was nudged open, and who should walk in but Russel.
“Dr. Russel, you’ve arrived.” Ethan Foster greeted Russel with even more warmth.
Russel was decked out in a black sweater and a brown jacket. His gaze swept over me, and his usually expressionless face revealing a hint of surprise.
I could do nothing but look away.
“Ms. Finch, I’m quite close with Dr. Russel’s father. I’ve been feeling a bit under the weather lately, so he’s agreed to give me some medical advice. You don’t mind, do you?” Ethan Foster started to get a bit chatty, all the while maintaining his friendly smile..
“No, I don’t mind.” I replied, just to play along.
Russel kept quiet and took a seat between Ethan Foster and me.
I was puzzled as to why Ethan Foster would call Russel here for a consultation in the middle of the night. It was just odd.
After a few exchanges, Ethan Foster took a call and stepped out.
The room was left in silence, with just Russel and me.
A few minutes passed, and he was the one to break the silence. ‘Neil’s back with Bonnie. What’s your take on that?”
“I don’t have any particular thoughts. All I want to do now is focus on my work” I didn’t meet Russel’s eyes and just replied calmly.
“You’re not angry or upset? Aren’t you feeling like you’ve been played?” Russel cracked a small smile.
“I saw this day coming. Neil is a long-time friend of yours; don’t you know the kind of guy he is? I knew he couldn’t stand being dumped by me, so he kept bugging me, just to dump me once he got me.” I picked up my cup and took a leisurely sip, my tone icy.
Russel stared at me for a moment before asking, “Is that so?”
I gave a faint smile. “Think whatever you want, Russel. As long as you stop making me feel awkward.”
“Heh.” Russel chuckled and poured himself a glass of wine. He raised his glass to me. “Hmm, maybe I should take it easy too. How about we just laugh it off?”
I wasn’t sure if I could trust Russel, but he did look sincere and frank at that moment. If he could accept it and live a good life with Chloe Reynolds without meddling in the affairs between Neil and me, that wouldn’t be so bad.
I raised my glass. ‘Deal
After a few drinks, Ethan Foster still hadn’t returned, which was odd. I wanted to get up and use the restroom and maybe check on him outside, but as soon as I stood up, everything went black.
I quickly sat back down. My vision started to come back a bit, but everything was blurry. I felt a throbbing pain in my temples and felt dizzy.
Russel noticed something was off and furrowed his brows. “What’s wrong?”
“I’m not sure, but I feel dizzy and weak…” I couldn’t muster the strength to finish my sentence.
At that moment, the door to the room opened, and Ethan Foster walked in. I heard him say, “Dr. Russel, I think Ms. Finch might not be feeling well. Let’s get a room here so you can look after her.”
I was annoyed but couldn’t utter a word.
Russel’s voice rang out. “I can take her home.”
“A man should fight for the woman he loves, don’t you think, Dr. Russel?” Ethan Foster’s words were subtle, but it was clear he knew
about my history with Russel and was hinting at Russel to do something drastic.
Russel didn’t respond. The next thing I knew, I was lifted up and carried outside.
I had no idea where Russel was carrying me to. I had no strength left in my body, but it didn’t seem to react in any other way. It was just pure weakness.
After what felt like an eternity, I was laid down on soft bed. I strained to open my eyes and saw Russel in a blur.
He had taken off his jacket and was sitting on the bed in his sweater. He gently touched my face, his voice low and menacing. “Rena,
what should I do?”
“Russel…” I managed to say, but my voice was barely audible.
“Why can’t I measure up to Neil in your eyes? Where do I fall short?” Russel’s voice was becoming increasingly disturbing. I started to feel scared.
His hand moved to my chest and began to unbutton my clothes. I couldn’t resist, and I felt like my heart was about to explode.
This must be Ethan Foster’s doing. He must have spiked my drink. His actions were completely inconsistent with the image he projected.
Just as my clothes were about to come off, Bonnie’s voice came from outside the door. “Godfather, didn’t you say that you had two friends here too? Where are they?”
“Haha, those two friends of mine are a bit busy in the room. Let’s not disturb them.”
Ethan Foster’s response clearly had a deeper meaning.
Then he went on. “Mr. Whitmore popped in today as well. Come to think of it, you probably know those two buddies of mine.”
“Oh? I do?” Neil’s voice chimed in, giving me a startle.
Russel also paused his movements. It felt like deja vu, yet completely different.
My breaths came out ragged. I was scared to even imagine what I’d do if Russel really had the guts to do certain things.
“Your good pal, Russel, and your Ms. Finch.” Ethan Foster’s words were crystal clear, as if there were a loudspeaker installed on the door.
Outside, it was dead quiet. My emotions were all over the place. I hoped Neil could burst in and save me, but I was also afraid his appearance might arouse Ethan Foster’s suspicion.
Russel lowered his gaze at me and leaned in. “Tell me, what should I do?”
“I hate you…” I barely managed to get the words out, my eyes glued to Russel.
All the emotions in my heart could only be expressed through my eyes. I couldn’t help but tear up.
Russel was taken aback. He stared at me blankly and asked, “He came with Bonnie, so why am I the one you hate?”
