Chapter 9 Don’t Make Me Sell You

• James didn’t think Cynthia would react so strongly, and his eyes were filled with astonishment.
• Right from the second they first met, this woman had been brazen and sturdy, so he thought she was a tough woman. That was exactly why he didn’t expect her to blush.
• It wasn’t until now that he finally took a good look at Cynthia.
• She had beautiful and exquisite features, which were a treat to the eyes. Her supple skin was like porcelain, and she had long eyelashes that fluttered elegantly, under which were lively eyes that radiated richly with vigor. She also had charming red lips that had a color of their own, irresistibly beckoning for attention.
• She still wore the same white dress, giving her a clean and neat impression, like an untainted rose. She was truly one in a million.
• The only feature that clashed with the entire image was her expression, especially her brows laced with unspeakable weariness.
• James frowned at that, and for some unknown reason, he leaned in to kiss Cynthia between her brows. Once again, Cynthia was dumbfounded.
• She didn’t expect this man to take advantage of her yet again, so she subconsciously raised a foot and threw a kick in his direction. James had good reflexes, so he managed to dodge her attack just in time. He even reached out and grabbed her ankle, laughing as he said, “You’re trying to sneak an attack on me with those skills?”
• “Let go of me.” Cynthia felt so awkward that she could only wish her glare would kill James.
• I’m in a dress, but this b*stard is holding my leg up. Does he have no regard for how this makes me look?
• It was a tragic moment, for the elevator had stopped. The doors slid open to reveal a crowd of people waiting for the elevator. The crowd was stunned to see the two in that position, and there were unspeakable looks in their eyes.
• “Ah, sorry for intruding on you two, but this is a public place, so it would be better to take it somewhere private, yes?”
• “Thank you for the suggestion; I was thinking the same thing,” James said nonchalantly, then bent down and picked Cynthia up on his shoulder, smiling. “Let’s get back to the room!”
• Cynthia shouted as she struggled, “No! Help! Put me down, you pervert!”
• “You can shout for help later,” James gave her a little slap on her behind as he said mischievously.
• “Shout my foot! You rogue—”
• Cynthia’s face went red as she gritted her teeth and pounded on James’ back. Her strength wasn’t something to be underestimated, and even a trained person like James was a little overwhelmed.
• After getting back to the room, he carelessly tossed Cynthia onto the bed and trapped her under him. Then, he threatened and warned her, “I’ll swallow you alive if you keep shouting!”
• Cynthia was shocked by the threat, and her eyes immediately watered. “I dare you!”
• Seeing how she stubbornly refused to give in, James dropped his attitude.
• My oh my! I’ve never seen such a stubborn woman before!
• He rolled over and got up. The action affected the spots on his body where Cynthia landed blows on earlier, and he seethed in pain.
• This woman really packs a punch!
• Seeing the man move away, Cynthia immediately sat up and backed into a corner so that there was a reasonably safe distance between them.
• “Don’t worry. I have better taste than this. I was just bluffing; do you really think I’d take an interest in you?” James sighed and glanced at her in disdain. Then, he removed his coat and walked to the wardrobe to fetch a change of clothes, and then he entered the bathroom.
• There were soon sounds of water coming from inside, and Cynthia’s tensed nerves began to relax.
• At that moment, her emotions were at their lowest point.
• She hadn’t even spent a full 24 hours back in her home country, but she had already met with such a disgusting incident. She felt so tired, and her whole body and soul felt like they were hollowed out. Her nose wrinkled as she felt an onset of tears, but she held off from crying almost instantly. No, no, no. Cynthia, this is not a time for you to cry. She took out her mother’s tablet and ran her thumb across it, sorrow and longing filling up her eyes.
• She thought that if her mother were still alive, she wouldn’t have to face such injustice, and there would at least be someone in this world who loved her.
• Perhaps tired out from the ordeal, she dozed off leaning against the corner.
• After getting out of the shower, James found the room in complete silence. He thought Cynthia would grab the opportunity to make a run for it, so he didn’t expect to see her curled up in the corner, asleep with her mother’s memorial tablet in her arms.
• Why, this is unexpected. For a second, I figure I’d seen everything the world has to offer, but this is my first time seeing someone hugging a memorial tablet to sleep.
• James was shocked at how insecure Cynthia was, and for the next minute, he stood and observed her silently, shaking his head out of sympathy.
• Never mind, then. I’ll let this poor girl sleep for now.
• …
• Cynthia was probably exhausted for real because her slumber was deep. By the time she woke up, it was already morning the next day. She looked around her, and she was instantly shocked when she realized where she was.
• Dang it, how could I have slept in a stranger’s room?
• She hastily checked her clothes. Phew! She was relieved to find that she was still wearing the clothes she wore yesterday, and she didn’t feel any discomfort. It was apparent that the man hadn’t taken advantage of her last night.
• Cynthia sighed in relief and was about to go wash up when her phone rang in her bag. It was an incoming call from an unknown number.
• As she looked at the screen, she hesitated for a few seconds before answering the call. A calm and courteous voice sounded from over the phone, saying, “Hello, is it Miss Wendy?”
• Cynthia was stunned for a second or two before a sudden chill ran down her spine. In this whole wide world, only those at Lewis Incorporated would call her Miss Wendy.
• She had lost the designs two days ago, and so many things happened yesterday that she almost forgot about her work. She dreaded the possibility of the company calling her up to ask for the designs.
• Cynthia gritted her teeth and replied, “Yes… Yes, it’s me!”
• “Good morning. I’m calling from Lewis Incorporated’s United States branch, and I’m the president’s assistant. Miss Wendy, we are glad that you accepted our invitation to attend the fashion exhibition in Lincoln Bay. Our president would like to welcome you in person, so may I know if you’re already in Lincoln Bay? And are you at the hotel we arranged for you?”
• “Huh? Your president wants to see me?”
• So they’re not here for the designs?
• Cynthia’s reaction was slightly delayed as she said feebly, “I’m sorry, um… I am in Lincoln Bay right now, but some issues came up, so I didn’t lodge in the room you arranged for me. I may not be able to make it to the meeting for now.”
• “I see. That’s a pity.”
• “Yes, so I guess we’ll have to meet at the exhibition.”
• Cynthia hung up after a few exchanges and hesitated for a while. She then rang up the main branch of Lewis Incorporated and explained to them that she had lost the designs, so she had to delay her submission for a few days.
• When they heard that, they said that it was fine.
• In Lewis Incorporated, Cynthia had special privileges as Miss Wendy. The company was also quite lenient toward her, so a few days’ delays in submission didn’t matter that much to them.
• After settling the matters, Cynthia gathered her things and left.
• Meanwhile, at the other end of the corridor lay the door to the presidential suite. Beyond that door, Charles stared suspiciously at the phone screen with its interface showing an ended call.
• “What’s the matter?” James asked, raising an eyebrow at him.
• Charles replied, “It was true that Miss Wendy didn’t check-in at our hotel, so we can’t see her for now. However, I felt that something was off. Her voice was strangely familiar… I think I’ve heard it somewhere before.”
• “Since we can’t see her now, we’ll have to meet her next time. Let’s get back to the company.”
• James had no interest in discussing Charles’ thoughts, so he turned away and left.