Chapter 360
It was supposed to be a secret, transactional relationship.
But his words painted her as a heartless monster. The accusations hit Elissa hard, leaving a bitter taste in her mouth. She leaned back, her body now half-sitting on the desk, and looked down in silence. After a long moment, she finally met his gaze-the gaze of a man demanding an explanation.
Elissa took a deep breath to ease the tightness in her chest. “Rowan,” she said, her voice devoid of emotion, “the person who decides to leave only needs to be cruel enough to do it p>
“Isn’t that what you taught me p>
The love and trust she once had for him far exceeded what he now felt for her. And yet, he had thrown her away like trash.
One discard each. It seemed fair.
Besides, Elissa didn’t feel she was in the wrong. It was his family, his grandmother, who had killed her parents.
*Isn’t it p>
The question struck Rowan like a physical blow. His eyelids fluttered, and he quickly looked away. The hand on the desk trembled from the force of his grip. When he looked back at her, his usual arrogant and cold demeanor had returned. Aside from the redness in his eyes, there was no sign of his inner turmoil. Even his voice was forceful. “Fine. Then how do you plan to pay the penalty fee p>
“Since you’re so eager to get back with Frank, I’m sure he’d be happy to front you the three billion, right?” he pressed, his words sharp. “I’ll call him right now and have him wire the money p>
When he actually reached for his phone, Elissa grabbed his arm. “Rowan p>
“What?” he sneered, looking down at her. “So afraid your precious beloved will find out about us p>
Watching the color drain from her
face, Rowan felt a strange satisfaction: Even if it was mutual destruction, it was better than the
cold indifferent she’d shown hirf
yesterday. He was a ruthless predator, backing her into a corner, trying every trick to break her resolve and, hopefully, force her back to his side.
Though her face was pale, Elissa lifted her chin defiantly. “Yes. I’m terrified p>
Her words made his temples throb. “Then how do you plan on paying?” he gritted out.
Elissa didn’t even blink. “In installments p>
Hearing those two words fall so calmly from her lips, Rowan nearly exploded. “So you’re dead set on getting back with him, is that it?” he demanded, his voice dangerously low.
Just like three years ago, when she would have rather jumped out of a moving car than give up on marrying that idiot Frank.
Damn it all.
Elissa stared straight at him, about to confirm it, when he suddenly grabbed her chin and silenced her with a kiss. It was aggressive and desperate, giving her no chance to speak. The only sound in the vast silent office was the press of their lips.
met
Elissa struggled frantically. In her movements, she brushed against the bruise on his cheekbone. He sucked in a sharp breath, and she instinctively eased her resistarfee. It was already a losing battle, and now she was like a fish on a chopping block.
When she felt his hand move under her blouse, tracing the lines of her body, she tensed. She couldn’t escape his grasp. Panicked, her eyes grew red as words tumbled out between kisses. “We’re-we’re at the office p>
If he kept this up, she’d never be able to walk out of this room again. For a fleeting
moment, she wished she had learned karate with him all those years ago.