Chapter 3: Imani's Crisis

Words : 1963 Updated : Feb 19th, 2025

Noticing Adonis's hesitation, Imani mocked him, "What? You wanted to take responsibility, and now you're having second thoughts?" Adonis asked, "Are you going to pick someone up?" Imani closed her eyes. "What's with all the hesitation? Are you going or not?" Adonis hesitated, then gave in. "I can only drop you off at the airport entrance. I won't exit the car. You'll handle the rest yourself." Imani opened her eyes and quipped, "I've seen many drivers, but never one as audacious as you. Who's the client here?" Adonis ignored her jibe. "If you're not interested, then never mind. Anyway, I've already given you my contact information. Think it over and tell me how you want me to take responsibility. But there's one condition: you must delete the negative review." When Adonis started to unbuckle his seatbelt to get out, Imani took a deep breath. "Drive!" Adonis glanced at the rearview mirror and stopped talking. The car sped toward Fopton Airport, which was hosting a welcoming event. The atmosphere was tense and oppressive. Crowds of personnel and reporters surrounded the entrances, blocking them. All vehicles were stopped outside, and some luxury cars were checked for identity. After inspecting the documents Imani handed over, a security guard led the way, allowing Adonis to drive the car onto the tarmac. Rows of luxury cars were neatly parked. The people present were either wealthy or noble, a grand scene unprecedented for Imani, who felt unusually nervous. Turning her head, she noticed Adonis appeared unruffled. Imani flipped down the sunvisor mirror and asked, while touching up her makeup, "Do you know who they're waiting for?" Without waiting for Adonis to answer, Imani explained, "The eldest daughter of one of the four prominent families in the country, Ingrid Halenkamp, known as Queen Halenkamp. Everyone qualified to attend today is a top socialite in Eastvale." Adonis turned to Imani. "Are you here to pick her up too?" Imani paused, then mocked herself, "Me? Do I have that kind of qualification? The Thubron family in Eastvale is just a third-rank family. I'm not even worthy of carrying Queen Halenkamp's shoes." Adonis frowned. "Why tell me all of this?" Imani revealed her intention. "I'm here to pick up Brandon Quinny, the eldest grandson of the Quinny family. He's my fiancé, and the Quinny family is subordinate to the Halenkamp family. So you should weigh his status." Adonis nodded, a touch of irony in his voice. "Understood. A big shot a mere chauffeur like me can never afford to offend." Imani sighed and said, "As long as you understand that. Whatever happened last night, don't tell anyone. No matter who asks, don't admit to anything. Otherwise, you might not even know what hit you." Adonis sensed something unusual. "So, everything that happened last night was a scheme?" Imani sneered. "What else would you think? Even if I went crazy and wanted to indulge after drinking, why would I choose someone like you? Did you think a chauffeur could sleep with me? I may not be Queen Halenkamp, but I'm still the eldest daughter of the Thubron family, worth over a billion. You're not someone who can touch a finger of mine." "After today, I'll give you a million dollars in cash. The condition is you leave Eastvale, so I'll never see you again. But if you think you can blackmail me, I advise you to reconsider. Spreading rumors will ruin me, and it would be unbearable for a small figure like you." As they talked, the crowd in the distance suddenly moved closer. Imani lifted the mirror, her tone serious as instructed, "Stay in the car. If anyone asks, tell them you're my chauffeur." Before Imani could leave the car, Adonis said, "Wait!" Imani asked, "What is it?" Adonis turned to her. "I can tell you don't like Brandon. Since everything last night was a setup, more traps must be ahead. Rumors don't need evidence, even if I deny everything that happened last night. Especially in an event like today, any stir would cause a sensation in Eastvale. I'm a man, and it doesn't matter to me. But what about you? How will you hold your head high in the future?" Imani looked despondent. "What choice do I have?" Adonis spoke earnestly, "Leave here. Get away from this mess. They can't make a big deal if you don't show up today." Imani scoffed. "Idiot!" Adonis wasn't a pushover. His emotions suddenly flared. "Imani, don't be ungrateful. I'm not saying this for your money. I'm doing it for you." Imani retorted, "For my sake? Who do you think you are? Adonis, don't think you can boss me around because of a one-night stand. Today is the day my fiancé returns. I've waited for him for two whole years. Will the Quinny family still acknowledge my status if I don't attend? Without the protection of the Quinny family, where will the Thubron family stand in Eastvale?" Adonis picked up on the key point. "Your family is in trouble?" Imani smiled bitterly. "My brother offended the Halenkamp family. Forget it. Why am I explaining so much to a chauffeur? Just do as I say. I'll make sure you're rewarded afterward. I advise you to know your place and never harbor any illusions about me. Even if I can't become Brandon's wife, I won't settle for a chauffeur like you. Know your limits!" With that, Imani opened the car door. But before she could step out, a pair of rough hands grabbed her wrist from behind. Imani's expression changed drastically. The consequences were beyond what he could bear, and the Thubron family couldn't withstand it either. Seeing no one was paying attention, Imani lowered her voice in anger. "Adonis, are you crazy? Let go of me!" Adonis ignored her, his grip tightening. "Your brother offended the Halenkamp family, so you're using your status as Brandon's fiancée to plead for mercy from the Halenkamp family, right?" Imani shook him off. "None of your business!" Adonis seemed to have made a decision. "It wasn't my business before, but now it is." Imani thought she had misheard, a look of disbelief on her face. "What did you just say?" Adonis repeated. "I said I'd take responsibility for what happened last night. So, let me handle this. It's my way of making it up to you." Imani sneered. "Adonis, have you lost your mind? That's the Halenkamp family. Do you think you can handle this?" Adonis took a deep breath. "Yes, I do." Imani's gaze was sharp and piercing. "And how exactly do you plan to do that?" Adonis declared firmly, "Because you're my woman, Imani, and I'll stand by you."

Chapter 3: Imani's Crisis

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