Chapter 149
Chapter 149:
After the charity gala, Rylan was eager to meet with Dorian again and finalize the deal without delay. Despite several rebuffs, Dorian eventually agreed to meet him at a bar.
Rylan, not wanting to miss his chance, arrived thirty minutes early. With Dorian yet to show, Rylan passed the time by surveying the bar. His gaze landed on a woman sitting alone. Her attire— a crisp white shirt paired with black slacks— enhanced her distinctive appearance. With narrowed eyes, Rylan moved toward her and asked, “Care for a drink p>
Though his voice was polite, he pressed the glass toward her lips with assertiveness.
Valeria, caught off guard, instinctively wanted to strike him. However, upon recognizing Rylan, she quickly opted for a different approach. Aware of the trouble he had caused Helena, Valeria saw an opportunity for revenge.
“Mr. Wilson, right?” she said, masking her disgust as she accepted the glass. “What a privilege to receive your drink p>
“Why don’t you drink with me?” she suggested, her tone almost sweet.
Rylan, intrigued, grabbed another glass and moved closer to Valeria, his enthusiasm apparent. However, as he inhaled her perfume, Valeria glared coldly at him. In a swift motion, she kicked him between the legs.
“Ugh!” A stifled groan escaped Rylan as pain overwhelmed him. Valeria showed no mercy and kicked him again.
Without another word, she quickly turned and left him writhing in pain. Enraged, Rylan shouted for his security.
A few guards attempted to pursue Valeria, while others questioned the bar owner about her identity. Outnumbered, Valeria was forcefully brought back before Rylan, though she resisted fiercely, her expression defiant.
Rylan, still in pain, was about to strike her in retaliation when—
“Mr. Wilson, must you really escalate this so dramatically?” Dorian’s nonchalant voice interrupted, causing Rylan to halt abruptly. Valeria, too, was taken aback, her eyes wide as she looked at Dorian.
Their eyes met briefly before Dorian shifted his attention back to Rylan. Under Dorian’s watchful eye, Rylan restrained himself from further aggression. Instead, he attempted to smooth things over. “Mr. Morrison, glad you could make it! I have drinks prepared—perhaps we could discuss matters over there p>
Dorian started walking with Rylan but paused to glance back at Valeria. “What about Valeria p>
Lɑτєѕτ cнαρτєrs 𝑖n
Rylan was caught off guard. “Do you know her, Mr. Morrison p>
“He doesn’t!” Valeria interjected sharply before Dorian could respond. “Anyone who associates with someone as cruel as you must lack integrity! I want nothing to do with you or him p>
Her heart had skipped a beat when Dorian first intervened, but her spirits sank as she realized Dorian might be friends with Rylan.
Rylan, observing their interaction, realized they must have some history.
Concerned that the altercation might jeopardize the contract, Rylan opened his mouth to smooth things over, but Dorian’s tone grew stern. “Valeria, please differentiate personal grievances from business. My dealings with Rylan are purely professional. If you can’t separate the two, I suggest you hold your peace p>
Rylan let out a quiet sigh of relief and escorted Dorian to a secluded room he had arranged beforehand, ensuring his guards brought Valeria along.
As they settled in, Rylan began to charm Dorian. “Mr. Morrison, your influence is remarkable—women seem to fall at your feet p>
He then swiftly produced the contract, pressing Dorian to finalize the deal immediately.
Dorian, however, lounged on the sofa, chuckling lightly. “Let’s enjoy our evening first, shall we p>
With no room to argue, Rylan quickly called for a round of drinks. He had tampered with one of the drinks and deliberately set it before Valeria. “Finish this, and you’re free to leave. If you refuse…” Rylan whispered a threat that only Valeria could hear. “Then tonight, your brother will have to settle his debts in full, by any means necessary p>
Valeria’s brother was in deep trouble due to gambling debts, and he was currently detained at the bar. That was the real reason for her presence tonight.
Upon hearing Rylan’s threat, Valeria stiffened, her resolve momentarily wavering in her eyes.
In the heavy silence that followed, Rylan noticed, out of the corner of his eye, that Dorian had nonchalantly picked up the spiked drink and downed it without hesitation…