The Stand–In Bride He Holds On To
Chapter 11 An Unexpected Kiss
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Clara remained downcast for an entire week. Her emotions seemed far from recovered, although her grandmother’s funeral had been fully arranged. She was clearly distracted even while administering acupuncture treatment to Michael.
A sudden muffled groan brought Clara back to her senses. She realized she had placed the needle incorrectly and quickly pulled it out.
“No more. My leg will be crippled for sure if you keep this up. Wait until you’ve stabilized your emotions before treating me again.” Michael stood up from his chair, letting his rolled–up pant leg fall back down just as his phone rang.
He glanced at the caller ID, and it was Jade.
Over the past week, Eric had reported that Jade had gone to the hospital for a check–up and had arranged for Michael to meet her.
However, he found himself increasingly resistant to the idea. His reluctance grew with each conversation, so he asked Eric to delay the meeting.
The familiar ringtone made it hard for her to ignore it. She buried her head and continued with her tasks when she saw Jade’s name on the screen, carefully storing the needles in a small medicine box, all while noticing that Michael hadn’t answered the call.
“Answer it. She’s pregnant, after all.”
Every day, Jade called and would bombard Michael with text messages if he didn’t pick up, making it difficult for Clara to feign ignorance about the situation.
He finally answered the call just as the ringtone was about to end and moved toward the window.
“Hello?”
“I haven’t had an appetite today. I keep vomiting, and I’ve lost a lot of weight. When will you come to see me? I really miss you.” Emma, on the other end, poured out her grievances to him.
Michael’s brows furrowed tightly. The servant taking care of Jade reported to Eric daily, and she didn’t mention any nausea. She had been eating well, sleeping soundly, and even gained weight.
Now, Michael had regretted his involvement with this woman. However, it was because of her that he had escaped danger.
“I’ve been busy lately, but I’ll come see you. Just tell the servant if you need anything,” said
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Chapter 11 An Unexpected Kiss
Michael, then hung up.
:
On the other end, Emma was so angry that she almost threw her phone.
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Clara finally asked the question that had been on her mind for a while, seeing that the call had ended.
“Your woman is pregnant. Why didn’t you marry her instead of me?”
“I didn’t know she was pregnant until after we were married.” Michael loosened the tie around his neck, preparing to head to the office.
For some reason, Clara felt a mix of emotions as she looked at him.
“I won’t interfere with the two of you. I’ll treat your illness, and you’ll help me reclaim the Bennett Enterprise. That’s our deal. You can bring her here if you want; there’s no need to keep her elsewhere.”
They would part ways once he recovered and she regained control of the Bennett Enterprise and divorced with no further ties between them.
“Let’s talk about it later.” Michael’s tone was filled with impatience.
She thought she might have overstepped by asking about his personal matters and quickly changed the subject.
“I’ve already started treating your illness. When will you help me reclaim the Bennett Enterprise?”
During this time, Michael had thoroughly investigated Clara’s background.
The Bennett Enterprise had originally belonged to her parents, but they were killed in a car accident orchestrated by her uncle’s family, who then took over the company. He knew how urgently she wanted it back.
Recalling that the Bennett Enterprise was looking for collaboration partners, he said, “Although I gave Bennett Enterprise five million to resolve its immediate crisis, they still need continuous partnerships to grow. Tonight, Dylan will be seeking a deal with Mr. Harris.”
“Mr. Harris?” A figure flashed in her mind. It was the man who had been with Emily. “What kind of deal?”
“Dylan has his eye on Mr. Harris‘ jewelry project. It seems Emily had a hand in it, and Mr. Harris has agreed to sign the contract.”
Clara was certain he was the same man involved with Emily when Michael mentioned this.
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“Can I use your company’s name to secure this project? We can split the profits equally.” She looked at him carnestly, her tone tinged with urgency.
It would be even harder to take it back if the Bennett Enterprise grew stronger.
“You’ve got quite the scheme.” He pinched her chin, staring into her eyes as a smirk appeared on his lips.
“You wouldn’t even need to meet with Mr. Harris if you’re using my company’s name. One phone call, and he’d be on his knees begging to sign a contract with us. Splitting the profits evenly? Do you think you can take half of the profits from me?”
Only after hearing this did Clara realize her oversight.
The reputation of Michael’s company was so prominent that many people would be eager to collaborate. However…
Her eyes twinkled as she quickly came up with an idea.
“I won’t use your company’s name to negotiate, but I have one condition. You’ll temporarily manage the jewelry project under your company and cover the initial funding if I can secure the deal. However, all the profits from this jewelry project will be mine. I’ll manage it myself, and I’ll move the project elsewhere when the Bennett Enterprise is back in my hands.”
“Why should I provide the start–up funds? And why should I let this project stay in my company?”
He released her chin and started putting on his watch, clearly planning to leave.
She didn’t want to miss this golden opportunity, so she quickly blocked his path.
“You promised me. I treat your illness, and you help me reclaim the Bennett Enterprise. This is part of that process. Besides, we’re married, aren’t we? You could be a little kinder and help me
out.”
For some reason, her words stirred something in Michael. He eventually muttered and left.
Clara wasn’t sure if it meant he agreed or not and ran after him, seeing him leave. However, she lost her footing and tumbled just as she was descending the last few steps.
She was about to hit the ground when she felt no pain. Instead, her lips landed on something soft. Unconsciously, she nibbled on it and found herself face–to–face with a greatly magnified face when she opened her eyes.
This unexpected kiss immediately reminded Michael of that night. It felt so familiar, yet the person with the jade pendant had been Jade.
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Chapter 11 An Unexpected Kiss
Blushing furiously, Clara quickly scrambled off him.
“I’ll take it as a yes.” With that, she dashed away, slamming the door behind her.
Her heart was still pounding wildly.
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