Chapter 334

Jennifer’s face turned pale instantly. She forced a bitter smile. “Easton, I didn’t put my hand in on purpose. Didn’t you hear me calling you? How can you say that about me?”

Easton noticed the hurt in her expression, but his gaze stayed cold, devoid of any emotion. He said lightly, “I really didn’t hear you. What’s the matter?”

“Easton, I called you earlier, but you didn’t answer. I missed you and wanted to have dinner together,” Jennifer said with a gentle smile. Her loving eyes rested on Easton’s profile, its sharp, chiseled lines radiating a cold detachment. His demeanor, undeniably, outshone that of any man. Yet she had seen his ruthlessness, and it left her both in awe and in fear.

Easton chuckled faintly. “Jennifer, I might not have noticed your little tricks before, but now I do. Aren’t you awkward?”

“I-” Jennifer began.

“I am,” Easton cut in, his lips curving into a mocking smile.

Jennifer’s smile froze. She realized he had been toying with her and said, “Easton, you don’t trust me? I haven’t done anything underhanded. I didn’t try to deceive you. I just want you to fulfill your promise. You said you’d marry me?”

Easton’s smile deepened, dark and unfathomable. “Jennifer, I’ve already answered that question once before. I won’t answer it again. Now, leave. I’m not in a particularly good mood today.”

Jennifer was taken aback. “Easton, are you really going to leave me?”

Leaning back gracefully, Easton gazed at the snowstorm outside the window as he said, “Jennifer, men’s promises don’t always hold up. Just like your promise to me back then. You said you’d never leave me, but the moment I got into a car accident and lost my sight, you abandoned me. Let’s call it even.”

“I… Easton, I didn’t abandon you.” Jennifer was flustered. The Easton before her now was unpredictable, almost sinister, and she couldn’t read him at all.

She continued, “Easton, but what about my hand? It hurts so much. I’m planning a piano recital in a few days. My professors will all be there. Easton, why don’t you come too?”

Easton studied her for a long moment before nodding. “Alright.”

Jennifer hesitated before adding, “Easton, my parents are divorced now, and I’ve moved. I’m staying in the apartment you bought me.”

“Oh, that apartment?” Easton said with mild interest. “I bought that with my own money. It’s still under my name. You’d better make sure Natalie doesn’t find out, or you’ll really be seen as a homewrecker.”

Easton was never a good person. He had his own reasons for holding Jennifer accountable–she had deceived him first.

“What?” Jennifer’s expression twisted. “Easton, that apartment is mine! You gave it to me. You’re not going to take it back, are you?”

“No, I’m not,” Easton said casually. “I’m just saying that if Natalie finds out, she might not let the issue drop. It wouldn’t be good for your reputation. You can either return it or move out."

Jennifer, how is Easton lately? Still treating you the same?” the person on the other end of the phone asked.

Jennifer’s eyes flashed with coldness. “Yeah. I just saw him. I feel like I can’t control him anymore.”

“Then stick to the plan,” the person said. “I’ve arranged everything. Or, in two months, find the right time to drug him. As long as the two of you are…”

“Enough,” Jennifer cut him off irritably. “Do you really not care if I’m with Easton? Do you actually love me, or are you just using me?”

She took a deep breath, the cold air biting at her lungs. Her heart felt empty. Despite having everything she thought she wanted, she still felt as though she had nothing. The emptiness gnawed at her, filling her with unease.

She thought: Is it because I have lost Easton’s protection? Over the years, I’ve grown accustomed to his care, and his sudden indifference leaves me unsettled.

She then said, “Sometimes, when you ask me to be with other men, I really want to ask if you really love me.”