Chapter 324
After a chaotic night, Zola was left with scars on her body. She couldn’t fathom how sex could be so terrifying.
Maybe Kian had a fetish?
As Kian approached her, Zola felt a wave of panic.
“Zola, are you afraid of me?” Kian asked, placing a bowl of soup in front of her. “You’re so wonderful, and I couldn’t control myself. I won’t do it again. Please don’t be angry with me.”
Zola was still thinking about Kian’s fetish.
She knew there were people with fetishes for certain things, but she had never expected Kian to fall into that repulsive category.
Forcing a smile, she replied, “Then you must never do that again. I’m not hungry; let’s go, Mr. Walsh.”
A cold glint flashed in Kian’s eyes. “Have some soup first. I’ve arranged for Mr. Walsh to come here. You need to eat to gain the strength to discuss business with him.”
“He’s coming here?” Zola was surprised. She quickly accepted the bowl and took a few sips.
“Yes. This place is more private.” Kian stood upright, watching her. “Do you like the soup? I cooked it myself.”
Zola nodded quickly, understanding the implication of privacy. She believed Kian was probably worried that Eileen would find out and cause trouble. She quickly finished the soup and looked at Kian. “You’re very thoughtful.”
Kian took the empty bowl and turned to leave. Zola asked, “Kian, where are my clothes?”
“You don’t need them.” Kian’s fading voice reached her as he headed downstairs.
Before Zola could realize what was happening, the fake Leland entered, his gaze predatory as he moved slowly toward her.
“You… How did you get up here?” Zola asked in panic.
“Don’t you understand?” The fake Leland smirked. “Mr. Warren sent me up here, and you also invited me.”
Zola’s heart sank. She hadn’t expected Kian’s idea of ‘helping’ her to lead to this!
Did she have to sleep with Leland to secure the project?
She tried to struggle but soon realized she had no strength, even though her mind remained clear.
“Don’t waste time. I’ve been waiting for this for a long time.” The fake Leland quickly took off his clothes, revealing his obese form, causing Zola to feel a wave of nausea.
Then he crawled into Zola’s bed, pulled back the thin blanket, and forced himself on top of her.
“Get off of me! Leland Walsh, I’ll make you pay! Although I didn’t win last time, I assure you, this time I will! If you continue like this, the other shareholders of Walsh Group will notice.”
Zola suddenly screamed, tears of humiliation streaming down her face.
What added to her despair were the fake Leland’s words: “Go ahead and scream. I’m not the president of Walsh Group, just an ordinary guy. Mr. Warren brought me here because you’ve hurt his sister. You’re so beautiful, but why is your heart so cruel? Look at what he did to you, to your body. I don’t care about your filth, and you shouldn’t think I’m disgusting. Come on!”
Zola’s mouth was soon covered, her cries muffled.
At two o’clock in the afternoon, Eileen had a meeting with Leland to sign the contract. The meeting was broadcast live by the media.
Leland briefly outlined the project’s details and highlighted the advantages of the Ferguson Group’s plan.
“Ms. Curtis, you are a young and accomplished figure, a role model for women. I look forward to a fruitful collaboration,” Leland said as he stood to shake hands with Eileen.
Eileen politely shook hands with him, but when she attempted to withdraw her hand, Leland insisted on maintaining the handshake for the photographers.
There were whispers about Leland’s reputation for lechery, a fact Eileen was aware of. Yet in public, she had to endure the situation.
Leland was aware of his boundaries; Eileen was someone he knew he couldn’t cross. He only dared to take advantage of holding her hand.
After the photo session, Leland released Eileen’s hand and signed the contract.
With the ceremony concluded, reporters dispersed, rushing to Apex Group for insights on Bryan or Zola.
Unable to find Zola, the reporters approached Bryan just as he was leaving his company, risking everything to intercept his car.
Raymond had no choice but to stop the car, turning back at Bryan.
“Mr. Dawson, what should we do?”
“Let’s step out,” Bryan replied. Raymond complied, opening the door and stepping out.
The reporters soon stepped back, maintaining their distance, their cameras capturing Bryan’s usual confident demeanor. Even with the rumors of his idleness and Apex Group’s supposed jeopardy, Bryan appeared unaffected.
“Mr. Dawson, what are your thoughts on Ms. Curtis signing the project with Walsh Group?” one reporter asked.
“She’s exceptional; I admire her. You’ll report good things about her in the future,” Bryan replied, leaning against the car. On closer inspection, he seemed somewhat less decisive than usual.
He projected an air of nonchalance and detachment, but still, his presence was hard to ignore.
“And what are your plans for Apex Group? There are reports suggesting that Ferguson Group’s repeated success in snatching Apex Group’s projects points to a possible mole within Apex Group. Do you intend to pursue legal action against Ferguson Group for unfair competition?”
Bryan raised an eyebrow slightly. “Apex Group isn’t under my control, so my opinion doesn’t carry weight. The future of Apex Group will be deliberated at a shareholders’ meeting tomorrow, and I’ll address the issue then.”
He spoke openly, firmly informing the reporters that he wouldn’t conceal Apex Group’s situation.
With that, the reporters left.
“It’s rumored that Ferguson Group is hosting a celebration tonight. Since Ms. Curtis took charge, Ferguson Group has soared to new heights. She’s quite impressive…”
“Yes, she used to be part of Mr. Dawson’s team.”
“I heard she established an educational institution during her absence, which has garnered praise as well.”
The reporters conversed among themselves as Bryan, one hand in his pocket, watched them with dark eyes as they dispersed.
After a while, Bryan turned and entered the car, the venue in mind as he ordered Raymond to drive.
Tomorrow, Brandon and the others would commence the shareholders’ meeting. Raymond knew Bryan had won the bet, but Brandon still had a trick up his sleeve.
Besides, Apex Group had endured significant losses and was in a precarious state. How could Bryan revive it?
Why did Bryan show no signs of concern?
Glancing at Bryan in the rearview mirror, Raymond hesitated before speaking. “Mr. Dawson, you shouldn’t drink tonight. If you overindulge, you might struggle to wake up for tomorrow morning’s important meeting.”
“I won’t drink much, just making an appearance there,” Bryan replied without raising his gaze.
At the celebration, alongside Eileen and Benjamin, high-ranking executives from Ferguson Group were also in attendance.
Although Julio had dismissed Kaysen’s people upon assuming his position, Kaysen had wielded control over Ferguson Group for decades.
Consequently, among the later-promoted high-level executives, there were still people aligned with Kaysen.
Some people here were not loyal to Kaysen but also did not fully respect Eileen, viewing her ascent skeptically since she was a woman.
If not for Eileen, any one of them could have been the one chosen as general manager.
So, the atmosphere was tinged with hostility.
“Ms. Curtis, since you’re in such high spirits, you must join for a drink,” one person said, eyeing the glass of juice beside Eileen with a hint of mockery. “What’s the matter? Too good to drink with us men?”
Julio and Benjamin both directed sharp looks at the man, but this was a challenge Eileen needed to face on her own. They couldn’t protect her forever. She needed to stand up for herself.
Eileen glanced calmly at the man. “What did you just call me?” she asked.
“Ms. Curtis,” the man replied, a bit confused.
“Since you addressed me as Ms. Curtis, then you must know my position is above yours,” Eileen said coolly. “You can’t dictate whether I drink or not, but I can decide whether you remain at Ferguson Group. Watch your place and choose your words wisely.”
Eileen sat upright, unruffled by his provocation.
“I’ve been occupied with the Walsh Group’s project lately and haven’t had much time to interact with all of you. From now on, you’ll all be under my supervision. I have a short fuse, so please bear with me.”
Suddenly, someone slammed a wine glass on the table. “Ms. Curtis, you certainly have a temper. You’re eager to flex your authority, huh? Why are you getting upset with your own team?”
“That’s right! How are we supposed to respect such a leader?”
The man said, “I just think on such a joyful occasion we should raise a toast. Why is Ms. Curtis upset by that?”
“You’re not wrong; it’s just that women tend to be sensitive and troublesome. They’re not fit for high positions.”
Suddenly, a flurry of disparaging remarks was directed at Eileen.
Eileen was prepared for this confrontation. Just as she was about to respond, the door to the private room swung open abruptly.
Bryan entered with a smile, making his way around half the table to Eileen.
“That’s a coincidence. I happened to be dining here and heard Ferguson Group was celebrating, so I came to congratulate Ms. Curtis,” Bryan said.
Bryan placed his hands on Eileen’s chair, prompting her to tilt her head and look up at him.
Coincidence? Eileen didn’t believe him.
Bryan’s sharp gaze was fixed on the group of executives. He was clearly here to…
Eileen quickly looked away and said, “Thank you, Mr. Dawson.”
“What are you all waiting for?” Julio gestured to those beside Eileen. “Make space for Mr. Dawson.”
Immediately, everyone in the room shifted their positions, creating space for Bryan.
Bryan sat down without hesitation, adjusting his chair closer to Eileen. “A bit crowded here,” he remarked.
Why did he come to their celebration party? The executives who had made harsh remarks to Eileen earlier fell silent; they couldn’t afford to make a scene now that Bryan was here.
Their expressions darkened slightly, though they maintained polite smiles and engaged in small talk.
Eileen leaned slightly toward Bryan and whispered, “What are you doing here?”
Internal affairs at Ferguson Group were messy now, with Kaysen’s people keeping a close watch on her.
Anyone associated with her could get in trouble.
“Just passing by,” Bryan replied earnestly, looking at her. “If my presence bothers you, I’ll leave right away.”
Leave?
The words “you can leave” almost slipped out of Eileen’s mouth, but she was stopped by the sincerity in Bryan’s deep eyes.
She couldn’t explain why, but she found herself unable to say that.
“What’s this? I overheard talk about making Ms. Curtis drink. That’s my fault,” Bryan said, addressing everyone. “I taught her skills back then, but not how to drink. It’s hardly appropriate for a group of men to pressure a woman into drinking during business dealings. If drinking is what you want, count me in.”
Everyone was taken aback. Even the famous bosses in the business world wouldn’t dare pressure Bryan to drink, let alone the executives of Ferguson Group.
Given the uncertainty surrounding Apex Group, everyone was cautious, so who wouldn’t show Bryan some respect?
But Eileen didn’t care about that. She saw Bryan down a glass of red wine. Frowning, she said, “Stop drinking! No one asked you to. Why are you doing it anyway?”
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