Chapter 19


    Without a second thought, ra blurted out, “Anything but that, I can agree to.”


    n, I know you think I had an ulterior motive when I got close to you, but I’ve taken good care of


    you for the past three years. I don’t owe you anything, and you have no right to keep me from


    leaving.”


    He scooped ra onto hisp in one swift motion, his chin resting on her shoulder, his voice husky,


    “Then tell me, how exactly have you been taking care of me?”


    His deep, resonant voice sent shivers through ra’s scalp, and his wandering hand slipped


    shamelessly inside her shirt.


    Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDra/ma.O(r)g!


    ra tried to wriggle free, butn’s grip was irond. In a moment of desperation, she leaned down


    and bit into his shoulder. She poured all her frustration and grievances into that bite. Only when the


    taste of blood filled her mouth did she finally let go.


    Tears welled up in ra’s eyes, her voice trembling, n, don’t push me too far.” With that, she


    pushedn away and left with a face full of sorrow.


    When Dawson got back to the car, he caught sight ofn taking a photo of his shoulder with his


    phone. Through the rearview mirror, he spotted the bloody bite mark on Mr. Hayes‘ shoulder.


    Tsk.n has riled ra up again.


    With a touch of sympathy, he asked, “Mr. Hayes, need some ointment?”


    ‘It’s not about being delicate, Dawson thought, ‘you’re probably keeping that as evidence to settle


    the score with Ms. rater.’


    Dawson looked down, hesitating before finally saying. “Your mother.”


    “Why didn’t anyone tell me?”


    “She ordered us not to speak of it.”


    “Dawson, are you my assistant or hers?”


    Dawson immediately replied, “Mr. Hayes, she seems to have uncovered your rtionship with Ms.


    ra. She’s had someone investigate all of Ms. ra’sings and goings over the past three


    years and the dealings between Bell International and Hayes Corporation. It looks like she’s out for


    blood this time.”


    The moment the call connected, a woman’s icy voice came through. “If you’re calling to plead for


    the Bell family, save it. I won’t back down!”


    Leonora let out a scoff, “That is exactly why I’m targeting her. Did you know her mother once tried to


    seduce your father? If a woman wed her way into a man’s bed with no scruples, what makes you


    think her daughter is any better?”


    14.08


    n, the Hayes family will never allow such a woman to enter our home. You won’t find happiness


    with her!


    “And you think you and Dad are happy? You’ve been at each other’s throats since I was a kid,


    constantly fighting, on and off for decades. You made me fear marriage and made my sister doubt


    love to the point that she’s still single in her thirties. Haven’t you reflected on that at all, or do you


    want to push us to a breaking point?”


    He leaned back in his seat, his fingers gently rubbing his temples. Every time he thought of those


    days, a fierce headache would ensue.