Chapter 28 Ouch, It Hurts
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“What kind of bet could make you risk your life like that?” Michael’s voice was laced with anger, barely containing his frustration. He was so furious that he nearly lost control.
“I…” Clara felt intimidated by his intensity but managed to respond softly, “He promised that if I played this game, he would help me get Bennett Enterprise back.”
She hadn’t wanted to involve Michael because he had another woman expecting his child. Getting Bennett Enterprise back on her own would mean she could leave him sooner, which would be better for both of them. But now, she realized she had bitten off more than she could chew.
“Ah… Ouch, it hurts…” she whimpered as he gripped her chin tightly, forcing her to meet his fierce gaze.
“I told you I’d help you. Don’t you trust me? Or do you trust a stranger with your life more than me?” Michael’s voice was thick with jealousy, though he didn’t seem to realize it himself.
Tears welled up in Clara’s eyes. Her wet hair and tear–streaked face softened some of the anger burning inside him, and he released her chin.
“I just thought that he was as capable as you,” Clara said quietly, rubbing her sore jaw. “Getting Bennett Enterprise back isn’t a big deal for him, and it would mean not bothering you anymore. We could end this arrangement sooner, and you could marry Jade, right?”
Her words struck a nerve.
“Are you so eager to leave me?” he asked, his voice hardening.
“Isn’t that the agreement between us?” Clara replied, puzzled by his reaction. “What’s wrong with me wanting to leave?”
Michael’s expression grew darker, his mood even colder.
Eric, the assistant, caught the tense exchange in the rearview mirror and tried to lighten the mood. “Mrs. Goodman, Mr. Howard and Mr. Goodman have a long–standing rivalry, Going directly to Howard might have been… a bit inappropriate?”
He stopped himself from saying more when he noticed Michael’s sharp glare in the mirror, signaling him to keep quiet. It was clear now that Mrs. Goodman was off–limits, even when it
came to enemies.
Michael picked up his suit jacket from the seat and tossed it at her. “Put this on.”
Clara hesitated but then awkwardly slipped on the jacket, buttoning it up carefully, aware that
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Chapter 28 Ouch, It Hurts
Eric was still in the car and could see her.
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When they arrived at the villa, Clara got out of the car but suddenly felt a sharp pain in her calf, a cramp from earlier that still lingered. She nearly fell but was caught by a strong hand- Michael’s, as she quickly realized.
She gave him a weak smile, trying to downplay it. “It’s okay, I’m fine. My leg just cramped up in the water earlier, and it still hurts a bit.”
She didn’t want to make him any angrier. Today had already been a disaster–meeting with his rival, provoking his anger. She knew where that could lead.
Before she could protest, Michael scooped her up effortlessly. Startled, Clara instinctively wrapped her arms around his neck as he carried her to the bedroom and then set her down in the bathroom. “Take a shower,” he ordered before leaving the room.
Meanwhile, Eric waited in the study, knowing Michael would have further instructions. When Michael finally entered, his face still cold, Eric reported, “Mr. Goodman, the lady approached Howard about a cooperation deal. She wants the tourism development project he’s handling.”
Michael’s frown deepened. So, this was the tricky project she had mentioned.
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