Chapter 316


    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 ss 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 ourpany andid out all


    the perks that woulde 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 ck 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 weathertely, 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 y 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 particr 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 yed?” Russel cracked a small smile.


    “I saw this daying. 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 ss of wine. He raised his ss to me. “Hmm, maybe I


    should take it easy too. How about we justugh it off?”


    I wasn’t sure if I could trust Russel, but he did look sincere and frank at that moment. If he could ept


    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 ss. ‘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 ck.


    I quickly sat back down. My vision started toe 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 wasid 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 bing


    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 werepletely


    inconsistent with the image he projected.


    Just as my clothes were about toe 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, yetpletely 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.


    Belonging ? N?velDram/a.Org.


    Outside, it was dead quiet. My emotions were all over the ce. 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 nkly and asked, “He came with Bonnie, so why am I the


    one you hate?”