Chapter 36 You’re Not Allowed to Lay a Hand on Him
Chloe arrived at the shooting range Brian had mentioned.
This kind of high–end, members–only shooting range wasn’t a place just anyone could walk into. William was already waiting outside. The moment he saw Chloe, he stepped forward immediately. “Mr. Steele asked me to bring you in, Ms. Quall.”
“Thank you,” Chloe said politely.
“Not at all.” William’s voice carried a trace of deference.
As Brian’s secretary, he’d never shown such respect to many of Coverssia’s wealthy second- or third-
generation heirs.
Chloe wasn’t some high–society socialite of Corvessia, but she was someone Brian clearly valued.
In all the years William had been by Brian’s side, this was the first time he had ever seen his boss take an
interest in a woman!
Even if that woman happened to be married.
But whether she was married or not probably didn’t matter to Brian. If it were someone he wanted, then even if she were a princess of another country, he would have ways of getting her.
“Ms. Quall, this way, please.” William led Chloe forward.
Because the shooting range was outdoors, the sound of gunfire occasionally rang through the air.
Chloe’s expression remained steady. She was very familiar with gunshots.
Back in the military, shooting practice had been part of her daily training.
Chloe finally saw Brian. He was dressed in sleek, simple black, wearing earmuffs, and holding a gun with one hand, aiming steadily at the bullseye.
Gunshots cracked through the air, but his body didn’t waver at all.
It was clear he was an experienced shooter. His stance was impeccable, almost like a painting, and his scores were high.
When the round finished, Brian lowered the gun, removed his earmuffs, and looked at Chloe. “You’re here. You came faster than I expected.”
“These are the clothes you lent me last time, Mr. Steele.” Chloe stepped forward and handed over the freshly dry–cleaned and folded clothes.
Brian gave the items a cursory glance, and William quickly stepped up to take them.
“I’ll get going then. I won’t disturb you further,” Chloe said as she turned to leave.
Chapter 36 You’re Not Allowed to Lay a Hand on Him
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But Brian suddenly spoke. “Since you’re here, why not shoot a few rounds? Consider it your way of thanking me for lending you the clothes.”
Chloe pressed her lips together. “How many rounds?”
“Five rounds. Ten shots each,” he replied.
A staff member came over and placed a gun, bullets, and earmuffs in front of Chloe.
She lowered her gaze to the weapon, and a familiar feeling washed over her. Her hands moved smoothly, checking the pistol, loading the bullets, and then slipping on the earmuffs.
Even though she hadn’t touched a gun since leaving the military, the movements were etched into her very bones. She carried them out with flawless ease.
Chloe lifted the pistol, aiming at the distant target. She aimed and fired.
A sharp crack echoed. Her eyes were locked on the target, her expression steady, and her presence edged with danger.
It was the edge that belonged to a soldier. Even though she was retired, that presence still clung to her. Brian stared at the woman beside him, momentarily dazzled.
It reminded him of long ago, when he’d just been a little boy. In a foreign land torn apart by war, he’d been separated from his parents. He’d thought he would die there.
But then, a small hand had struggled to move the rubble pressing down on him, pulling him out from the
ruins.
Back then, too, he had felt this same dazzling light.
Soon, one round was complete.
Then, the second and third followed…
Chloe and Brian took turns shooting. Their scores were nearly identical.
When all five rounds were over, Chloe set the gun down and exhaled deeply. Though she’d only done it to humor Brian, the five rounds had helped her find a long–lost, exhilarating sense of release.
“You’re the best shooter I’ve ever seen among women,” Brian said.
“Thank you,” she replied politely. “But there are many women who shoot better than I do in the military. I can’t claim to be the best.”
“I can’t help but wonder why a woman like you would have chosen Curtis back then,” he prompted.
Her face darkened slightly. “That’s my personal business. I don’t think I need to explain it.”
“If I don’t like Curtis and decide to make a move against him, what would you do?” Brian pressed.
“Who you target is your choice. I won’t do anything,” she replied coolly.
“So, you don’t care about Curtis anymore?” His eyes bore into her.
Chloe didn’t answer. She only turned and started to leave.
But after just two steps, Brian’s voice rang behind her. “You don’t care about Curtis anymore, but what
about Ethan?”
She froze.
Ethan… How did Brian know she knew him?
“If I were to make a move against him, what would you do? I’m really curious.” His smooth voice was
laced with provocation.
Chloe’s fists clenched tightly. In the next instant, she spun around and closed the distance in a heartbeat. Grabbing Brian by the collar, she glared at him, her eyes blazing with fury.
“Don’t you dare touch Ethan!”
It was a warning–no, a threat.
William paled in shock. No one in Corvessia would dare grab Brian by the collar. If they did, they were practically begging to have their hands cut off.
He started forward to intervene, but Brian’s cold glance made him stop in his tracks.
He was warning William against interfering.
Brian’s gaze stayed fixed on Chloe. Her gentle eyes now blazed with fury, like the burning sun.
And yet, that scorching fire was for another man.
It was unbearably irritating.
“Do you hear me? Don’t go after Ethan! He’s not your plaything!” Chloe sounded beyond enraged.
Brian narrowed his eyes slightly, his mood darkening even further. “Then, what about you? Can you stay by my side and keep me company for a while?” he asked.
Chloe blinked, caught off guard. “What do you mean?”
“If I don’t go after Ethan, then you stay with me. How about it?” he said. If that happened, maybe his
interest in her would fade.
It was an outrageous thing to say, but he said it calmly, as though it were the most ordinary thing in the
world.
Chloe’s anger only intensified. What did Brian take her for?
Just as she was about to speak, a voice suddenly rang out behind her. “It seems like I came at just the right time. If you want to come at me, then go ahead. But as for Clo staying with you, keep dreaming!” V
