6
361words
"Chloe,I never thought you'd be so vicious.I know I didn't help you last time,and you held a grudge against me.But how could you hurt April?She's not like you—she's innocent!"
I saw April's flushed face,labored breathing—exactly like me that night.
She had taken my glass!Damn,I hadn't seen it coming.
This man,whom I'd loved for years,knew I'd been at risk yet didn't help.Now,in front of everyone,he revealed a painful experience for me,then blamed me for what happened to another woman without proof.
My disappointment must've shown.Ethan faltered,realizing his mistake,but April's struggling had him mad at me again.He raised a hand to slap me:
"Chloe,I'll deal with you later."
I dodged.This couple loved slapping—did they think I was a pushover?
As Ethan stormed off,I couldn’t help but muttered:
"Idiot!"
Someone echoed me.Turning,I saw Lucas!
Meeting with him again,I ended up in Lucas's house again.Facing warm Mrs.Wren,I couldn't say that I was here only out of business.In his study,I feel kind of embarrassed by that night,he however acted unbothered:
"Why'd you leave without a word?I saved you—not even a thank you?"
Me,leave?I thought he'd bailed to avoid awkwardness!Seeing my silence,he shifted:
"Ethan's a fool.You wouldn't sabotage today even if you wanted to mess with April—it's your big networking chance.A scandal hurts your rep.And you'd never let it be so obvious.April's not just foolish—she's blind."
I knew why the usually meticulous Lucas was off today:
"Care clouds judgment.You've never loved,so you wouldn't get it."
Lucas was keen on my project.It was a win-win,plus it'd hit Ethan—irresistible for him.
"Miss Evans,it's not just profit,is it, that you chose me?You've crossed Ethan;he'll come for you.You need a backer.Who's better than me?"
He saw through me.But business is about mutual gain:
"Mr.Hayes,I don’t think it’s just profit for you either.As Ethan's ex,I hold Caldwell secrets.Don't you want to crush him through me?"
"Depends if Miss Evans is willing.Oh,a secret:April was the one behind your drugging last time.No resentment?"
I'd already investigated,so today I tested if Ethan knew,giving him one last chance.He failed my test.
Working with Lucas went smoothly,boosting my mood.Who doesn't love a lucrative path?Love died,but I had money.
