Chapter 204 Two–Timing
Why does Caroline look for Linden today?
Linden shot Blake a few hostile glances before grabbing Caroline by the wrist. “Enough with the chit–chat. Didn’t you say you had something important to discuss? Let’s talk inside.”
He tried to lead her toward the lobby.
Caroline awkwardly pulled her hand free, her gaze drifting back to Blake, almost involuntarily.
Blake was watching her too, his eyes as deep and cold as a winter lake.
Caroline’s face grew warm under his stare, and she quickly looked away.
Why does it feel like Blake is upset?
“You said you wanted to talk, right? It’ll be quieter in a room–let’s get one and sit down,” Linden chirped beside her.
Caroline forced herself to focus. “There are quiet places besides hotel rooms. Let’s go up to the rooftop. It’s peaceful there, and we can enjoy the view.”
Seeing the determination on her face, Linden didn’t argue. He led her toward the rooftop, curious to see what she wanted to say.
Not far away, a pair of eyes followed their retreating figures with burning intensity.
Blake had overheard the entire exchange.
He couldn’t understand what business Caroline could possibly have with Linden–and what infuriated him even more was Linden’s obvious attempt to get a room.
As a man, how could he not know exactly what Linden was after?
He immediately called his assistant. “Tell them to postpone the meeting by half an hour…”
Meanwhile…
As soon as Caroline and Linden reached the hotel rooftop, she got straight to the point. “Why did you send people to mess up my restaurant?”
She knew perfectly well Helen had put him up to it, but she needed to hear it from him.
“Mess up your restaurant?” Linden looked utterly confused. It took him a moment to remember that yesterday, Helen had complained about being bullied by a restaurant owner, and he’d told his assistant to deal with that restaurant.
Wait–is that Caroline’s place?
That can’t be right. Helen had said the owner was some old man.
“That’s right. This afternoon, some thugs came to my restaurant and made a scene. I overheard them saying they were doing it for you, and that tonight they’d be back to smash up the place.” Caroline’s tone was cold and demanding. “Linden, I have no grudge against you. Why would you do this to me?”
Chapter 204 Two–Timing
Linden was still recling. “I… I didn’t know it was your restaurant.
He wasn’t the type to bully a woman. If he’d known it was Caroline’s place, he never would have let anyone touch it. What was Helen playing at? Why had she lied to him?
“It doesn’t matter whose restaurant it is–you shouldn’t throw your weight around like this. Sure, a small restaurant might mean nothing to you, but to regular people like me, it’s everything. I poured all savings into that place. I’m asking you to have a little compassion, a little decency. You’re a well–known man, Mr. Grayson. If people found out you were behind this, it wouldn’t end well for you.”
my
Caroline wasn’t just standing up for herself–she hoped Linden would think twice before abusing his power in the future.
The truth was, Linden wasn’t a bad guy at heart. He’d just gotten mixed up with someone as rotten as Helen, and it was clouding his judgment.
Linden’s lips curled into a playful grin. “Are you worried about me?”
Caroline ignored his attempt to deflect and continued, “I came here today to ask you–don’t let those people wreck my restaurant.”
If they really did smash up her place, she wasn’t afraid. This was a country of laws–if she had evidence, she could make her case.
But that would be a hassle, and she’d still suffer losses. It was better to stop it before it happened.
Linden arched an eyebrow, his grin turning sly. “Sure. If you agree to marry me, I promise your restaurant will be safe. More than that, I’ll help you attract customers–your place will be packed every day.”
Caroline was exasperated. “Give me a break. You’re the one who sent those thugs to my place and ruined my reputation, and now you want to make deals? Just because you have money?”
“Exactly. I’m rich. Do you think you’ll ever meet anyone richer than me?” Linden leaned in, pulling her into his arms. “I’m your best option. Since you’re here already, why not stay with me tonight? I assure you, your restaurant will be just fine.”
“Let go of me … ” Caroline struggled to escape his grasp, but the more she resisted, the tighter he held her.
“Linden, you really are shameless. Stringing along your girlfriend while chasing after other women. Aren’t you afraid she’ll find out you’re two–timing her and leave you?”
Linden breathed in the scent of her hair, looking utterly pleased with himself. “As long as I can have you, the rest can leave for all I care.”
Send Gifts
