Chapter 4: Love Seized By Force

Words : 1848 Updated : Feb 19th, 2025

Adonis' fleeting display of dominance and authority quickly vanished. Imani snapped back to reality at the exact moment. "Madman!" Adonis calmly replied, "I'm not mad." Imani countered, "Do you even understand what the Halenkamp family represents in Eastvale? They're a business powerhouse. It's not just about money and power. If it weren't for my connection with Brandon, the Halenkamp family would have already caused trouble. Do you think you can handle it? If you were truly so capable, why were you fired from your company over a bad review?" Seeing Adonis at a loss for words, Imani didn't gloat. Instead, her tone grew sharper. "Also, if you don't want to get yourself killed, you'd better not let the Quinny family hear what you just said. I told you not to have any illusions about me. I'm less likely to become your woman." Adonis asked again, "Even if the troubles of the Thubron family are resolved, it's still impossible?" Imani laughed, her gaze piercing. "You want me to be your woman? Fine, even if the Thubron family's troubles are solved, even if I lose my mind to date you, how will you support me? With the meager earnings from your job?" Adonis held his ground. "First, I don't think being a chauffeur is shameful. Secondly, I'm not as useless as you think. If you give me some time, I'll find a way to resolve the current difficulties." Imani laughed. "Why do you think I would abandon Brandon to gamble my future with you, a penniless man?" Adonis replied earnestly, "Since what happened last night has already occurred, do you have any other way out? I can't promise much, but if you stay with me, you won't have to bow to anyone. You can live freely and won't have to follow anyone's instructions." Imani bit her lip. "What guarantee do you have?" Adonis looked straight into her eyes. "With my life. Is that enough?" Imani was initially taken aback, then slowly approached him, whispering, "Adonis, did you fall in love with me at first sight?" Adonis took a deep breath. "Not at first sight. I've seen women before. It's just that I am responsible for what happened last night. I'm a man. I can't let you, a woman, bear it alone." Imani suddenly lifted her head. "Should I thank you, then?" Before Adonis could respond, she stomped hard and gritted her teeth. "Adonis, listen to me. Many men fancy me. Even if I were blind, I wouldn't choose you! Want to take responsibility for me? You might want to take a long, hard look in the mirror first! One last reminder: you're just a chauffeur. In the eyes of others, you're nothing but a lackey. If you dare speak to me like this in front of Brandon later, I can guarantee you won't see the sunrise tomorrow!" Imani quickly turned and disappeared into the crowd without looking back. Adonis was in such pain that he could hardly stand straight. His face flushed, and after a while, he cursed with a smile, "That woman is damn tough!" Adonis returned to the car. When he got out, he wore a jacket and held half a pack of Marlboro cigarettes. The words "Tuxton Chauffeur" on his back stood out among the surrounding black-suited bodyguards, drawing frequent glances from passersby. Adonis paid no mind to the curious stares, pulling out a crumpled cigarette and placing it in his mouth. The wind at the airport was strong, and the cheap flint lighter was not windproof. He struggled to light the cigarette. As he smoked, the sparks flickered, and smoke rose. Adonis rubbed his stubbled chin, his gaze drifting to the crowd. Imani stood out in a striking red dress, her exceptional demeanor making her the center of attention. Yet, for some reason, her seemingly strong but slender back filled Adonis with inexplicable heartache. Imani ignored the whispers behind her, focusing on the plane slowly descending from the sky. Soon, someone approached her. It was a woman speaking gently but broaching a sensitive topic. "Imani, the man you brought is interesting. How was it last night? Did you enjoy your time with him?" Imani sneered. "You're revealing your true colors so soon?" The woman sighed as if relieved of a burden. "Yes, I've laid it all out. I've waited for years for today. Watching as I finally trample you underfoot, I can't wait another second." Imani turned her head for the first time. "Laura Duffus, I considered you my best friend. Why are you doing this?" Laura shrugged. "Maybe because I no longer want to be your sidekick. Don't you know? As long as you are better than me, no one ever spares me a second glance." Imani frowned, her gaze attempting to pierce through Laura. "You're talking about Brandon? If you truly like him, I can step back. Why resort to such tactics?" Laura laughed bitterly. "Step back? See, that's what's annoying about you. If it's something I like, I'll fight for it myself. Why should you give it up? Or do you think I can't compete with you?" Imani's smile faded. "If you want it, I can let you have it for our friendship. But if you try to snatch it from me without a word, do you think I'm weak? Laura, it's not that I look down on you. If I don't want it, do you think you're worthy to snatch away what's mine?" Laura smiled brightly, looking at Imani. "You're right. I can't compete with you. But now, having offended the Halenkamp family and betrayed the Quinny family, what gives you the confidence to say that?" Before Imani could respond, Laura seemed to remember something. "Oh, I forgot to tell you. The reason your idiot brother offended the Halenkamp family was actually because I incited him." Imani lowered her head, her fists clenching. "Why?" Laura was nearly hysterical. "Why? How can the Duffus family shine if I don't trample the Thubron family underfoot? I've envied you since childhood. Everything you easily have is things I've struggled for and never obtained. Since you don't cherish them, don't blame me for taking them!" Imani slowly raised her head, her tone serious. "For the sake of our friendship, let me tell you something." As Imani spoke, the plane landed. Laura turned from the plane, asking, "What?" Imani's eyes narrowed slightly, her tone deliberate. "Some things, even if I don't care to hold onto them, will never be for a backstabber like you to touch." With those words, a slap echoed across the scene.

Chapter 4: Love Seized By Force

Comments (0)