Chapter 7: Relentless Pressure

Words : 1901 Updated : Feb 19th, 2025

The slap was forceful. When Laura raised her head again, her cheek was instantly red and swollen. Her hair was disheveled, and blood trickled from the corner of her mouth. Her eyes radiated hatred. "You low-class chauffeur! How dare you hit me!" Before she could finish, Adonis swung another slap with the back of his hand, followed by a swift kick. The kick landed squarely on her abdomen with such force that Laura was sent flying. He showed no mercy, treating her as if she were nothing without an ounce of hesitation. His actions were swift and decisive. Before anyone could react, Laura was already on the ground, her condition uncertain. The unexpected turn of events left everyone stunned, including Imani. She had never imagined Adonis would dare to hit someone and that someone being Laura. Even though the Duffus family wasn't particularly influential, they still had several million-dollar assets. Brandon could easily dismiss them, but Adonis was just a chauffeur struggling to make ends meet. What gave him the audacity to do such a thing? What was his confidence? Had he lost his mind? Imani couldn't understand. Even if Adonis wanted to help, all he had to do was deny everything earlier, and who could do anything to him? Would Brandon force Adonis to admit to such a scandal? Yet Adonis chose the most domineering and unreasonable way to end this farce entirely. The discussions stopped, and everything came to an abrupt halt. Imani's heart was far from calm. Her pride, carefully guarded for over twenty years, felt violated by the audacity of Adonis. As Adonis became the center of attention, Brandon felt his spotlight stolen and sneered, quickly reclaiming the initiative. "Send Laura back to the Duffus family and relay my message. Also, tell the head of the Duffus family to come to the Quinny residence and apologize before nightfall." His subordinates left with the order, and the crowd began to disperse. With the situation calming down, Brandon walked slowly to Imani's side. When his gaze fell on Adonis, he declared his dominance by wrapping an arm around Imani's slender waist. Imani frowned. Though she was strong-willed, deep down, she was still a very conservative woman. Since getting engaged to Brandon, she hadn't allowed such intimacy, not even letting him hold her hand. It was precisely because Brandon had intentionally neglected her, leaving her in Eastvale for two whole years and delaying the marriage. Feeling Brandon's encroachment, Imani instinctively wanted to struggle. But upon catching a glimpse of Adonis' somber expression, she forced herself to remain calm. As if to remind Adonis of her status, she reflexively wrapped her arms around Brandon, displaying a close demeanor. Adonis clenched his fists, then let out a self-deprecating laugh. Indeed, once the crisis was over, Imani was no longer the cautious woman but the high-and-mighty CEO of a wealthy family. With her fiancé's status, why would she need a chauffeur to worry about her situation? He wanted to take responsibility, but did she need him to be? She probably wished to cut ties with him immediately. Not wanting to stay and be an eyesore, Adonis exhaled heavily, his resolve clear as he walked away without a backward glance. "Ms. Thubron, I'll take the car back now. If there's no issue, please remember to give me a good review." Just as Adonis turned away, Imani discreetly broke free from Brandon's embrace. She understood Adonis' underlying message—erase the bad review and call it even. But for some reason, an unfamiliar emptiness engulfed her instead of feeling relieved, as if a part of her had gone missing. Brandon's gaze was icy, and his voice chilled as he commanded, "Wait!" After speaking, he turned to give orders. "I'll ride Ms. Thubron's car. Follow us in the other cars!" Not giving Imani a chance to refuse, Brandon smiled gently. "Imani, are you okay with that?" Imani bit her lip. For reasons unknown, she first glanced at Adonis' expression. Seeing no objection from him, she breathed a sigh of relief and agreed. Brandon noticed the subtle detail, a hint of madness hidden in his smile that was imperceptible to others. On the way back, Imani's Porsche led the way, followed by several black Mercedes from the Quinny family, forming a sleek convoy. Other vehicles on the road made way for them. The car's atmosphere was silent and somewhat eerie. Adonis drove steadily, trying not to look in the rearview mirror. "Ms. Thubron, where are we heading to?" Before Imani could respond, Brandon's lips curled, and his tone deepened. "Number six, Seaview Villa, the Quinny residence." Imani frowned. "Brandon, I left in a hurry today. It might not be appropriate to visit unannounced. How about..." Brandon smiled casually. "Don't worry. There's hardly anyone at home today. Besides, there's a banquet tonight. Ms. Halenkamp specifically requested I bring you along so we can go together." Imani forced a smile. "Since she invited me, I should go back and prepare. Otherwise, it might be abrupt." Brandon left no room for her to escape. "No problem. I'll have someone fetch what you need from the Thubron residence. It won't take much time." Before Imani could speak again, Brandon suddenly turned, his gaze turning cold, his tone chilling a few degrees. "Imani, you're my fiancée. I shouldn't have to remind you, right?" Imani took a deep breath, "Brandon, what do you mean by that?" Brandon lit a cigarette and crossed his legs, exuding confidence. "Playing dumb? You wouldn't let me touch you two years ago, and two years later, you still won't. Are you pretending to be pure or playing hard to get?" Imani turned her head. "I don't understand what you're saying." Brandon didn't shy away from Adonis being present, addressing the topic directly. "Don't understand? Fine, let me be clear. I took a long flight and want to relieve some stress. You're my fiancée. Isn't it reasonable to expect this?" Though strong-willed, Imani felt a natural disadvantage as a woman in this situation. "I think you misunderstand. My family is strictly traditional, and I'm not the kind of woman you imagine." Brandon shrugged, a smirk on his lips. "I don't mind. There's no shortage of women. If you don't cooperate, I'll just call another woman. They'd clean themselves up with one phone call and wait for me at a hotel." Imani's face showed undisguised disgust, but Brandon was unfazed. Blowing a smoke ring at Imani, he pressed, "But what about your brother? He had offended the Halenkamp family. If I don't help, do you think they'll let him go?" Imani bit her lip hard, feeling the overwhelming pressure crash over her like a tidal wave.

Chapter 7: Relentless Pressure

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