Chapter 30
James grabbed Seraphina around the waist, his alcohol–soaked breath hitting her face. “Seraphina, don’t run. Don’t you want that contract? Just come upstairs with me, and we’ll get a room there. Once we’re done, I’ll sign it on the spot. You’ll be making thousands of dollars in commission…” As he spoke, he leaned in, aiming for her lips.
“Let go of me.” Seraphina twisted her head away and struggled fiercely. “I’ll scream for help.
“Scream all you want, but no one’s going to help you here. This is the VIP section. No one gives a damn.” James, fully revealing his sleazy intentions, pushed Seraphina up against the wall and trapped her.
Seraphina’s stomach churned with disgust. She fought back with all her strength and screamed for help.
“Yell all you want, but it won’t make a difference. Why not just give in? You’ll get your contract and thousands of dollars in commission. Isn’t that worth it?” James insisted.
James‘ face was just inches from hers, about to force a kiss, when suddenly, he let out a sharp cry and staggered backward.
A tall, cold–looking man wearing sunglasses grabbed James by the collar and yanked him away from Seraphina. After putting some distance between them, the man delivered a solid punch to James‘ face.
James screamed as he hit the ground, writhing in pain. The man didn’t stop there. Punches and kicks followed, leaving James rolling on the floor, unable to defend himself.
Hearing the commotion, some people from the private room opened the door and peeked out. Seeing James getting beaten, one of them tried to intervene, “Hey, what do you think you’re–ah!” Before the guy could finish, the man in sunglasses slapped him hard across the face, sending blood streaming from his nose.
The rest of the group froze, stunned into silence. The man continued to pummel James, but no one dared to say another word.
Seraphina still stood there in shock, watching James get beaten to a pulp. Her heart was still racing, and she barely registered the soft voice that called her name, “Ms. Johnson.”
She turned to see Randy standing there with his usual charming smile on his face. He gestured gracefully toward the exit and said, “Ms. Johnson, let’s get out of here before things get any messier.”
“That guy in sunglasses… Is he one of Randy’s men?‘ Seraphina thought in confusion.
*****
Still shaken, Seraphina followed Randy, and they came to Clarence’s villa. From outside, the villa looked just as pristine as it was five years ago, with vines now creeping up the walls, giving it an air of mystery and life.
Seraphina never expected that she’d come back to Clarence’s villa someday.
Randy walked with Seraphina along the garden path, where soft ground lights cast a faint glow among the flowers. The gentle scent of blossoms drifted in the night breeze.
A swimming pool was surrounded by lush greenery not far away Illuminated by the lamplight, Clarence swam with ease, his black swim trunks clinging to his body as he moved gracefully through the water like a fish.
Suddenly, Seraphina stopped in her tracks.
Sensing she was no longer following, Randy turned back and called with a soft smile, “Ms. Johnson?”
Seraphina’s hands, hanging by her sides, tightened slightly. She took a deep breath and murmured, “I don’t think…there’s any need to see him.”
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Chapter 30
Randy’s smile remained, and he added, “Whether it’s necessary or not, only Mr. Vanderbilt can decide that.”
5
Seraphina thought, ‘His assistant’s tone is this bold, let alone what his boss is like! It was clear that Randy’s confidence came from the power of his employer. In Angoria, even the most powerful figures treated Randy with respect–simply because he was Clarence’s right–hand man.
“Ms. Johnson,” Randy said again, his tone now more sincere, almost heartfelt. “The only woman Mr. Vanderbilt has ever given more than one chance to….is you. I hope you understand just how rare and enviable this opportunity is. Don’t take for granted what others could only dream of…”
Seraphina froze for a moment. Randy’s words stirred something deep inside her, causing her heart to tremble just a little.
The sound of soft footsteps reached Clarence’s ears, and he emerged from the water, walking toward them. He took off his goggles, revealing a face so striking that even under the moonlight, it seemed to take every girl’s breath away.
He brushed the water from his face and pushed back his hair–though one stubborn lock fell forward onto his forehead, adding a hint of mischief to his already impossibly handsome features.
Clarence’s gaze locked onto Seraphina, who seemed a bit uncomfortable under his scrutiny. He carried the familiar, barely- there smile on his face.
“Mr. Vanderbilt, I’ll leave you to it,” Randy said, taking his leave with a knowing glance. His job was done, and he had no intention of overstaying his welcome.
As he turned, he gave Seraphina a small nod, his eyes carrying a silent plea, hoping she would stay. Seraphina’s hands, now clasped in front of her, tightened again, betraying her nerves.
She was wearing a delicate red floral dress, the hem brushing just below her knees, showing off her long legs. The night breeze lifted the fabric slightly, causing the skirt to flutter and occasionally reveal a glimpse of her soft skin beneath. She looked like a tempting siren somehow.
Clarence’s gaze never left her, his face unreadable, his eyes cold and detached, making it impossible to discern his thoughts Yet, despite the calmness, his stare carried a weight that made it hard to ignore.
Seraphina glanced at him briefly before lowering her eyes. The confidence she once had when she defiantly said goodbye to him was long gone. He was still the man who commanded both fear and respect.
She had no idea why Clarence told Randy to bring her here. Her fingers twisted nervously, betraying her anxiety. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw the water ripple, and Clarence was swimming toward her.
Her fingers locked together, her nerves so taut that she could barely move. Soon, Clarence swam
right un
up
herfeet.
Seraphina was wearing elegant pointed–toe sandals, the kind that made her feet look graceful and del he smooth skin
around her slender ankle seemed to stir something alluring. Without warning, Clarence reached out and grabbed her ankle.
Seraphina gasped in shock, but before she could react, her world flipped upside down, and with a splash, she was pulled into the pool. She sank for a moment, but almost immediately, his strong arms encircled her, lifting her back above the surface.
Clarence spun her around, pressing her up against the wall of the pool.
Her thin dress clung to her soaked body, and Seraphina’s heart raced wildly as she stared at the man now just inches away from her, his chiseled face close enough to take her breath away. Her chest rose and fell in quick, shallow breaths.
“You…” she stammered, trying to find her voice.
But Clarence interrupted her, his tone dark and teasing. “Are you trying to seduce me, huh?”
‘Seduce you? Seraphina thought. ‘I am not.
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Chapter 30
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But then, she noticed her own heavy breathing. No wonder he would think that. She tried to steady her breath, forcing her chest to rise and fall less noticeably.
Her face was wet, and her hair clung messily to her cheeks. She swallo trying to do?”
“You,” Clarence answered without hesitation, his voice low and intense
‘He’s so brazen.’ Seraphina cursed silently, her face instantly flushing.
+5
hard and finally managed to speak. “What are you
She reached out to push him away, but as soon as her hand touched the ba Yet it was too late–Clarence grabbed her wrist, forcing her palm against hie fire through her, igniting something deep inside.
skin of his chest, she jerked it back in surprise.
rm chest. The heat of his skin sent a wave of
His gaze darkened with a wicked glint as he stared down at her. “Does it feel the same as it did five years ago?”
SEND GIFT
