Chapter 5
Amber rose and approached Mr. Holbrook, bending slightly to pour him a drink.
Holbrook’s gaze lingered on her face as he reached to place his hand on her waist, but she deftly avoided him by offering the glass. “Mr. Holbrook, here’s to
you.”
Looking slightly embarrassed, Holbrook didn’t push further and downed his drink.
Amber retreated to Zach’s side, resuming her obedient demeanor.
The middle-aged men finally got down to business, discussing the evening’s agenda.
After concluding, someone mentioned, “I just saw Blake Westwood in the lobby downstairs. His presence is so commanding. Are the Westwoods planning to make him their heir despite being the second son? Is the eldest Westwood okay with that?”
In truly wealthy families, the rivalry between brothers could be fierce.
“The eldest Westwood has that refined elegance, completely different from Blake’s self-made roughness. Blake’s methods are ruthless-even other family members fear him. I’ve heard the eldest is quite indulgent toward him, though who knows if it’s genuine or just an act.”
“Ha! All these elite family dynamics-how would ordinary folks like us understand? I tried giving Blake my business card once, and he didn’t even glance at it.”
“You approached the wrong person. I saw him at a gala once-when I complimented Miss Victoria Reed beside him, he immediately accepted my card.”
Zach glanced at Amber with something like pity in his eyes.
Amber, long accustomed to such talk, listened quietly.
“Blake truly adores Victoria. He’s taken her to every social event these past few years. I heard they nearly married until some low-class woman drugged him.”
“Speaking of which, has anyone actually seen what his wife looks like?”
The group began boldly speculating about Blake’s relationship with his wife-whether he despised her, or perhaps had already “ground her bones to dust” like
trash.
At this point, Zach let out a soft laugh. “Assistant Chase would know best about this. Why don’t you tell us, Amber? Has Blake Westwood ground his wife’s bones to dust yet?”
Amber’s eyelashes trembled slightly as her gaze swept across the gossip-hungry faces. She said softly, “We do live in a society with laws.”
Everyone burst into laughter, calling her witty.
Zach laughed along, though the amusement never reached his eyes.
Having worked as a Westwood executive, he was different from the others present.
Amber forced a smile, then excused herself to the restroom.
Standing before the mirror, she stared at her pale reflection. Her forehead pulsed with dizziness, and she felt nauseated.
She splashed water on her face to clear her head. As she exited, she saw Blake leaning against the wall nearby.
Why would he come down to the fifth floor with its ordinary dining rooms?
But for Amber, that wasn’t important.
“Blake.”
She called his name and asked, “Weren’t you supposed to be away on business? Will you be free tomorrow?”
His gaze roamed over her face. “Tomorrow’s Saturday. The registry office is closed. With that brain of yours, perhaps staying home as a trophy wife is all you’re
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good for.
Amber was used to his sarcasm and showed no reaction. Glancing toward Zach’s private room, she said, “Then I’ll contact Devon on Monday.”
She used to call Blake directly, but he never answered, so she’d grown accustomed to contacting Devon instead.
Blake scoffed coldly. “Whatever.”
Amber didn’t say anything more and turned to return to the private room when she heard him say, “Being stay at home wife is still better than being here, getting sized up by a bunch of greasy middle-aged men. Amber, I remember when you used to have some self-respect.”
in three years of marriage, she could count his visits home on one hand.
All her self-respect had been drained away during her depression.
I had taken her years and many methods to recover even this much.
Blake, I feel more dignity here than I ever did by your side.”
lake’s entire demeanor went ice-cold, something terrifying flickering in his eyes.
le strode forward, grabbing her wrist. “What did you say? Say that again!”
umber’s chin hurt from his grip, but she merely pressed her lips together, regarding him calmly.
Blake’s eyes were dangerously dark, black as night.
After several seconds, he slowly released her, casually slipping his hands into his pockets. “Fine. Keep entertaining these men. Don’t come back to me. Amber, ve should have separated long ago.”
I know.”
Imber nodded sincerely, with a small smile. “I won’t come back to you.”
et years ago, she had clutched his hand, promising she would find him no matter where he went.
Blake left without another glance.
Amber wouldn’t be narcissistic enough to think he’d come to this floor just to see her. She pushed open the private room door and went back inside.
‘ach was wrapping up his conversations, preparing to leave.
Holbrook had exchanged meaningful glances with Zach while Amber was gone, suggesting she escort him home.
fis intentions were obvious to everyone present.
These men, strictly controlled by their wives, dared not openly hire female assistants but kept mistresses on the side.
Yet no mistress was as beautiful as Amber.
One night with her would be heavenly.
Zach gave Amber a gentle push, though not actually toward Holbrook. “Assistant Chase, look how you’ve captivated Mr. Holbrook.”
Amber smoothly played along. “That’s my fault. I’ll treat Mr. Holbrook to drinks another time. May I have your card, Mr. Holbrook?”
Holbrook, satisfied, handed over his business card.
Amber accepted it carefully, her demure manner pleasing Holbrook further. He immediately agreed to partner with Zach.
Zach promptly produced the prepared contract and handed it to Amber.
Chapter 3
Looking uncertain, Amber hesitated. Holbrook, not wanting to see the beautiful woman troubled, quickly signed the contract and patted her shoulder.
“Remember to call me. Assistant Chase. Young people like you still have much to learn.”
Amber smiled. “Absolutely, I will.”
By now they had reached the hotel lobby, just as Blake and his group exited another elevator.
Beside Blake stood his two closest friends-Jackson Lloyd, a doctor, and Marcus Shaw.
None of them had ever shown her any warmth.
During these years of marriage, she’d never attended a single social function.
She didn’t approach them, but Jackson spotted her and raised an eyebrow. “Isn’t that Amber Chase?”
Everyone turned to look. At that moment, Holbrook’s hand still rested on Amber’s shoulder, obviously taking liberties.
Noticing Blake’s group. Holbrook’s demeanor instantly changed. He hurried over.
“Mr. Westwood, Mr. Shaw, it’s an honor! Mr. Westwood, do you remember me? I once offered you my business card.”
He bowed deeply, practically ready to kneel and lick their shoes.
Blake’s gaze drifted past him to Amber.
She wasn’t looking at him, engaged in conversation with Zach.
Nearly forty, Zach was well-preserved for his age. He met Blake’s stare with a smiling face.
Amber stood nearby, her expression blank.
Blake couldn’t remember when she had stopped smiling. The last time he’d seen her smile with any spirit had been years ago.
His Adam’s apple moved silently as his gaze fell on Holbrook.
“Get lost.”
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