Chapter 393

It sounded simple—she'd said she was going on a three-day business trip, telling him to focus on work and not worry. There was nothing wrong with her words. Yet, precisely because there was nothing wrong, it felt like something was wrong. Natalie no longer clung to him and seemed to need his company less and less.

He lit another cigarette and searched for "Austin" online. Years ago, he'd heard Natalie liked a celebrity named Austin, but hadn't paid much attention. Celebrity crushes were common among young girls. But now, she was working as Austin's assistant, interacting with him closely and frequently.

He suddenly thought of his recent encounters with Annabelle. He looked down at Austin's profile: a triple-award-winning actor, unsullied by scandal, with critically acclaimed shows and over 300 million fans. He was outstanding. Any young girl would find him attractive.

When Annabelle emerged from the bathroom, she found Jeremy lost in thought, staring at his phone, looking different than moments before. He seemed intimidating and distant, pushing her away. This made Annabelle nervous. She immediately hugged him.

"What are you looking at?"

Annabelle froze when she saw Jeremy viewing Austin's profile.

"Mr. Hughes, are you going to take me to see his movie? I heard his latest film grossed over five billion dollars, and his acting is superb. I've always wanted to see it, but going alone is so boring. Can we go now?"

Annabelle smelled wonderful, fresh from her bath.

Jeremy's expression turned cold; he ruthlessly pushed her away. He couldn't understand himself. He didn't like Annabelle. Sometimes he wanted to avoid her, yet he often couldn't resist sleeping with her. This conflict made him question himself. Did he just need something new? If Natalie found out, she'd never forgive him.

"Mr. Hughes, you're so heartless. You were so eager and controlling just now. My back still hurts," Annabelle said, not angrily, but coyly.

He often treated her coldly after their encounters. No matter how passionate their times together, he remained indifferent. However, she looked down at her slightly bulging, barely noticeable abdomen with pride and anticipation. Just wait. When the time came, she would become Mrs. Hughes, and Natalie would be replaced.

"Put on your clothes and leave the hotel," Jeremy said coldly.

Annabelle's face stiffened. "It's so late, I…"

Jeremy extinguished his cigarette, stood up, and looked down at her. "Do you know the consequences of disobedience?"

Annabelle said nothing more. She quickly dressed and left.

After she left, Jeremy called Natalie, but she didn't answer. He wondered if she was on the plane. Looking out the hotel window toward home, he decided Natalie no longer needed her job.

After dinner, as they left the restaurant, Joe received a call. After hanging up, he said, "There's a situation with Rowan. I need to check on him."

"Okay, be careful. I'll head home first."

Joe watched Skylar drive away and then got into his car. A few minutes later, he arrived at Rowan's apartment. The floor was littered with empty bottles. This was Rowan's usual residence.

"What's going on?" Joe asked, glancing at the unshaven Rowan.

Rowan glared at Joe. "I wish you weren't my friend."

Chapter 394