Chapter 38

"Mr. Zimmer, can we meet? I'd like to talk to you," Simone said.

"Let's meet at the York Hotel, then," the voice replied enigmatically.

Simone didn't want to delay. She immediately drove to the York Hotel. Once there, she and Dustin took the elevator to the room Jack Zimmer had specified.

A young man sat on a couch in the room. Two bodyguards stood beside him, and the table in front of him was laden with food.

On their way to the hotel, Simone had told Dustin about Jack: the heir to the powerful Zimmer family of Rivenesco, burdened with running the family business from a young age. He was also the liaison between his company and Simone's regarding material supplies.

When he saw Simone, Jack smiled; but his expression darkened upon seeing Dustin.

"Sorry to keep you waiting, Mr. Zimmer," Simone apologized.

Jack scowled at Dustin. "Who is he?" he asked.

"He's my assistant," Simone replied hesitantly.

"Send him out. I want to talk to you alone," Jack demanded with an impatient wave.

"Mr. Zimmer, I trust him. There won't be any problems," Simone said hurriedly.

Jack's scowl deepened, then he smirked. "Then let him watch."

"Mr. Zimmer, we've already signed a contract about the supplies. Why did you suddenly terminate it? Did we do something wrong?" Simone asked tentatively.

Jack chuckled. "You did everything right. The reason is simple: we decided not to work with you anymore."

Simone's face froze. "Mr. Zimmer, are you dissatisfied with the agreed-upon conditions? We can discuss them."

Jack scanned Simone from head to toe with an undisguised predatory gaze. "I don't mind working with your company. I can even lower the price," he said enigmatically.

"What are your conditions?" Simone asked.

"It's simple," Jack said, his gaze fixed on her. "Spend a night with me."

Simone froze. Dustin's face turned cold.

Chapter 38 (continued)

"Simone, I have orders from my father to cease all business dealings with your family. If I provide you with materials, I'd be taking a huge risk. Spending one night with me is a very generous offer. Don't be ungrateful!" Jack said coldly. Simone remained silent. She would never agree, but she couldn't delay the material deliveries.

"Take a good look in the mirror. You're unworthy of touching Simone," Dustin retorted mockingly.

"What did you just say?" Jack's face darkened as he glared at Dustin. "You're just an assistant, and you dare speak to me like that?" He sneered. "Simone, is he being insubordinate, or are you being insolent?"

Simone felt anxious. "He didn't mean to be disrespectful, Mr. Zimmer. Please calm down. I'll make amends."

She whispered to Dustin, "Dustin, we can't afford to antagonize him. Don't provoke him."

"Make amends? Hmph! Fine! Then let my bodyguards slap him!" Jack said icily.