Chapter 147
I stood on the sidewalk, unmoving. Bob urged me in a low voice, “Ms. Sawyer, you should get in the car. There are so many people watching. It doesn’t look good…”
“Since you know that,” I retorted, staring him in the eye, “why are you blocking the road like this? You guys go ahead. I’m not going back tonight.”
Out of the corner of my eye, I saw the man in the back seat pause, but he remained silent. He didn't look up, calmly flipping through documents before setting them down.
Bob, clearly caught in the middle, steeled himself and repeated, “Ms. Sawyer, please just get in the car.” He then lowered his voice and leaned closer. “Don’t upset Mr. Ford any further. After what happened back at the party…”
“What happened?” I cut him off, smiling.
Ever since my suicide attempt, Bob had constantly jabbed at me, mocking me subtly. He never said anything directly, but the condescension in his tone was unmistakable. He’d either ask me to behave or to avoid causing trouble for Jonathan. But he was just an assistant. Who gave him the right to speak to me that way? He should focus on his job. Since when was managing Jonathan’s personal life his responsibility? Was I his subordinate? What gave him the right to order me around?
I locked eyes with him. “Go on, tell me. What exactly did I do to make Jonathan so angry?”
Bob instantly clamped his mouth shut, clearly caught off guard by my directness. He looked awkward, as if he hadn't expected me to be so difficult.
After a moment, I calmed myself, took a deep breath, and said, “Tell him I’m not going back. You all go ahead.”
The investors nearby were visibly uncomfortable. One politely said, “Ms. Sawyer, if you’re busy, we can go over things with Mr. Guzman for now…”
“It’s fine,” I replied, shaking my head and looking at him apologetically. “I’m sorry for letting my personal issues spill over. But rest assured, I’ll remain completely professional throughout our partnership. I’m very grateful for this opportunity.”
Ignoring Bob, I followed Frederick, leading the investors to the nearby hotel. But they didn't move. They’d recognized the Cullinan and knew who was inside. No one in Harthville’s business world could ignore Jonathan. Their hesitation was understandable.
Frederick gave me a serious look. I understood. If we didn't handle this properly, it could impact the business deal. I couldn't let this mess affect him.
I thought about it, took a deep breath, and had just stepped toward the curb when he grabbed my arm. He frowned and asked, “Where do you think you’re going?”
“Me?” I blinked innocently. “Aren’t you expecting me to smooth things over with Jonathan?”
He pinched the bridge of his nose, looking exasperated. “When did I say that?”
“I just assumed…”
“Forget it,” he cut me off. “You stay here and take care of the investors. I’ll go talk to him.” He turned and walked toward the Cullinan.
I watched him, a little worried, but his steps were steady and confident. I turned back to the investors. I’d just finished explaining something when the roar of an engine sounded behind me. The car door slammed shut. All I saw was Jonathan’s ice-cold profile as he ordered the driver to pull away.