Dylan’s words sent a chill down Flora’s spine.
“I didn’t even break a sweat to make you fail,” he said, ice in his voice. “Get off your high horse. True wickedness is way beyond your wildest dreams.”
His eyes were locked on hers, but his gaze seemed to wander. Studying his face, Flora sensed a deep weight hidden behind his cynical facade.
Before she could dig deeper, Dylan snapped back. “Stick with me, and you’ll run into it sooner or later.”
Flora stood her ground. “That chapter of our lives is closed. I’ve moved on.”
His expression darkened, realizing what kind of woman he knew Flora to be from the very beginning—Fresh out of her sanctuary, she couldn’t wait to shove him away.
That made Dylan furious.
“The past is still the past,” he sneered. “Will you admit to him you’ve shared my bed?”
His repugnant tone was at odds with his flawless features.
Flora gasped, realizing she’d never find peace with Dylan around. What happened between them would be haunting her forever.
“Why can’t you just let me go?” Flora asked.
“Save your breath,” Dylan scoffed. “You and I both know why.”
Flora’s eyes blazed with anger, her glare screaming fury.
Dylan smirked. “If you nail the project, I’ll think about…letting you go.”
“Really?” Flora’s dimmed eyes lit up at the chance for a fresh start.
“I don’t lie,” Dylan said, leaning back in his office chair. “I seldom play dirty.”
Flora shot him a glare, knowing the man was far from being a stand-up guy.
“Sir, your appointment has arrived,” Kitty knocked softly from outside.
“Come in.” Dylan waved Flora off. “Go fill Lilian in.”
The door flew open. Kitty stepped in, saying, “Please.”
A statuesque woman trailed behind Kitty, her flowing locks and chic black satin dress only adding to her allure.
Her face was expertly made up, radiating charm at every angle. She could easily ensnare any man.
“Mr. Bowles.” Her voice matched her sultry looks.
Flora recognized her: the reigning queen of ads and films these days, Gloria Valdez.
One a regular girl, the other a star, they were about to cross paths.
“Flora,” Dylan cut in, as if struck by a thought, seizing the perfect moment. “Farnection’s our rival. Don’t mix business with pleasure, even with Justin. If he caves in competing for the project, you still lose.”
Flora didn’t look back, brushing off his words like a stray breeze. As she strode away, Gloria’s eyes followed. Suddenly, she recalled the conversation last night and thought to herself, “That’s the new love Justin is giving me up for?”
Gloria’s stunning face turned sour.
Back at the design department, Flora had to brush off her coworkers’ prying stares.
After passing Dylan’s message to Lilian, instead of getting upset, Lilian just smiled and agreed.
As she prepped in her office, Julie approached Flora. “Did the boss give you a hard time?”
“No, I’ll be discussing the project with Lilian later. There might be a chance to turn things around.”
“Flora…” Julie murmured hesitatingly, hinting at an unspoken rule. “This negotiation isn’t just about the design. Be careful, and avoid being alone with the client, alright?”
Flora caught the warning in her tone and nodded solemnly. “I’ll keep that in mind.”
The client meeting was set up at a swanky club.
Noticing Flora’s puzzled expression, Lilian simply smiled and said, “A little wining and dining goes a long way in business.”
When they entered the private room, three people were already seated. Lilian wasted no time greeting them. “Mr. Lewis, sorry to keep you waiting.”
“It’s fine, Miss Mayer.” Lewis stood up and shook her hand. After some small talk, he seemed reluctant to let go, his thumb subtly stroking the back of her hand.
Lilian stayed composed and smoothly changed the subject. “I believe this is Mr. Buffay from Farnection. Nice to meet you.”
She withdrew her hand and shook another man’s hand.
Farnection had sent four people here, two men, and two women. Flora glanced at the woman next to Buffay, who wore a flashy outfit. Her black lace stockings made her flawless legs even more enticing.
“Flora,” Lilian whispered while nudging her. “Stay with Mr. Lewis for now. I need to step out for a moment, but I’ll be right back.”
Buffay whispered to the woman beside him, and she picked up a wine glass from the table with a smile. “Lewis, let’s have a cup or two, shall we?”
“Alright,” Lewis’s lustful eyes narrowed, and he downed the wine in one go. “Buffay, I heard you can drink like a fish.”
Flora sat uncomfortably to the side. Noticing her distraction, Lewis put his hand on her shoulder and moved closer. “Miss Jones, have a drink too.”
His face was already wrinkled, and his chubby body nearly pushed Flora into the corner.
Flora averted her gaze, hiding her emotions, and try not to show annoyance. “Mr. Lewis, shal we start to discuss the Wonda cooperation plan?”
“Mr. Lewis, this is the red wine Buffay specially prepared. You have to try it,” the woman sitting next to Flora said. She wrapped her left arm around Lewis like a seductive snake, gently pulling him closer. Then she said, “No need to rush. We can lighten up while doing business, right?”
“Right, right…” Lewis, entranced by the beauty’s gentle breath and tender embrace, showed no signs of resistance. Buffay leaned back on the couch, and didn’t seemed willing to talk about the project at all.
Flora just sat there, feeling more and more on edge as she remembered Dylan’s words from earlier.
“Mr. Lewis, this one’s for you.” Flora took a deep breath, grabbed the wine glass on the table, and knocked back a swig of red wine.
Lewis’s focus shifted to Flora, his eyes fixed on the wine smudge near her lips.
A fire started to ignite within him. He said, “Miss Jones, you sure can handle your booze. Let me top you off.”
Before the last cup of wine even hit her stomach, he already pressed the glass to her lips.
Flora took the glass down in one gulp, her throat on fire and uncomfortable. After three glasses, her vision started to get fuzzy.
“Come on, let’s have another one…” Lewis yelled at the top of his lungs.
Aware of her own limit with alcohol, she knew better than to get wasted there. At some point, the two women and Buffray had already bounced.
Flora pushed Lewis’s wine glass away and said, “About the Wonda collaboration…”
“Ah, don’t be a buzzkill,” Lewis said, noticing her rosy cheeks and glazed eyes. He put his hand back on Flora’s shoulder, his round face close to her ear. “As long as there’s money to be made, we can work with anyone. The real question is whether I can have a good time.”
His implications were so blatant that Flora finally felt uneasy. She turned her head to look out of the private room, but Lilian was still MIA.
The guy gripped her shoulder, and, with liquid courage, he started making bolder moves.
Flora quickly sidestepped, stood up determinedly, and said, “Since you are not feeling it today, let’s talk another time.”
“Are you genuinely clueless or just playing dumb?” Lewis smirked. “If you serve me right tonight, I’ll hand the Wonda project over to you.”
Flora couldn’t believe he’d openly say such sleazy words. She didn’t waste any more time on him and made for the exit.
The guy wasn’t about to let her slip away. His face was red, and his gut heaved with pent-up anticipation.
Despite his portly frame, his steps were just as quick as anyone else’s. Flora reached the door and frantically twisted the knob.
“You’re not going anywhere tonight…” Lewis stood still behind her, sneering.
A chill ran down Flora’s spine as she tried to force the door open. But it didn’t budge; it was locked.
