A crucial government bidding dinner in Baybridge became the newest battlefield between Jonathan and Adrian–seen by many as Adrian’s final chance to turn the tables.
The banquet hall glittered with chandeliers and the clinking of crystal glasses. When Jonathan entered with Clara, all eyes shifted. He, in a perfectly cut black suit, radiated poise; she, in a royal blue velvet gown, gleamed with cool elegance, her hand resting lightly on his arm.
Almost at once, Adrian appeared with Vanessa. She had drowned herself in silver sequins and jewels, striving to outshine, her gaze immediately locking on Clara with smug defiance. Adrian’s expression soured the moment he saw the natural intimacy between Jonathan and Clara, jealousy twisting in his chest. Masking his agitation, he raised his glass and sneered:
“Mr. Hale is in fine spirits tonight. Even brought along your… companion for a bidding dinner? You must be very confident in this project.”
His smile hardened, voice cutting like a blade. “But I, Adrian, am determined to win. Take my advice–leave now, before you embarrass yourself.”
Jonathan regarded him as one might a barking dog, swirling his wine lazily. “Mr. Cole, I’d be more concerned about whether your stock survives tomorrow’s opening. As for leaving…” His lips curved into a cool smirk. “It won’t be me.“”
Adrian’s face blanched. Before he could snap back, Jonathan turned away with Clara, greeting other guests with ease, leaving Vanessa seething yet powerless.
As the banquet wore on, Clara quietly excused herself for the restroom. But as she stepped inside, the door slammed open. Vanessa blocked her path with two tall men at her side, malice written plain across her face.
“Long time no see, Clara,” she taunted, voice dripping venom. “Still acting so proud, stealing the spotlight with Jonathan. Who do you think you are?”
Before Clara could answer, Vanessa snapped to the men. “Lock her in the storage room. Let’s see if Jonathan can bid without his precious ornament.”
They seized Clara, ignoring her struggle, and shoved her into a narrow utility room reeking of chemicals. Her ankle twisted painfully as she stumbled to the ground. Dust stained her velvet gown, her pounding fists against the locked door met only silence. Hugging herself against the suffocating dark, she fought panic and prayed Jonathan would notice.
Back in the hall, Jonathan did. Glancing at his side, unease stabbed through him. He called her phone–switched off. His face darkened. “Find Miss Winter. Now,” he barked to his assistant. “Every restroom, every room.“”
The commotion caught Adrian’s attention. Spotting Jonathan’s agitation, he sneered, “What’s this? Your companion missing already? Some trouble you’ve picked up.”
Jonathan’s gaze snapped to him, sharp as an arrow. “Adrian. Was it you? Did you kidnap her for this project?” His voice was lethal, fury radiating off him.
“Ridiculous! Adrian roared, face flushing. “I may be ruthless, but I’d never stoop to kidnapping a woman.”
Jonathan grabbed him by the collar, eyes burning. “She’s unfamiliar here, her health is fragile. If anything happens, I’ll drag your entire Cole family down with her.“7
Adrian struggled against Jonathan’s bodyguards, shaking with rage. “Let me go! Don’t you dare slander me!“N
But Jonathan’s icy gaze had already shifted to Vanessa. “It was you, wasn’t it?“}
Her face drained. She shrieked weakly, “Nonsense! I never left Adrian’s side–I wouldn’t dare…” She clung to Adrian’s arm, eyes brimming with false tears. “Adrian, he’s accusing me. You know me–I’m too timid for such things.“N
Despite his unease, Adrian instinctively shielded her, “Enough, Jonathan! Vanessa is kind and innocent. Don’t frame her like a mad dog“%
Jonathan almost laughed at the absurdity, though his eyes only grew colder. He signaled his men. “Bring her here. If she doesn’t confess, I’ll break her arm myself.”
“Adrian, save me! Vanessa screamed, cowering.
The standoff broke when Jonathan’s assistant rushed back. “Mr. Hale–we’ve found her. Miss Winter was locked in the second–floor utility room. She’s badly shaken and her leg seems injured.”
Jonathan’s heart clenched. Without sparing another glance at Adrian or Vanessa, he sprinted upstairs.N
Later, when Clara stirred awake, she saw him by her bedside, clutching her hand. His voice was hoarse but gentle. “Clara…. you’re awake? How do you feel?“}
She tried to speak, but her throat was too dry. He leaned closer, eyes full of worry, as if afraid she might break anale “
8:36 AM
