Chapter 176 Too Free to Cage
Finished
I was well aware that the age of traffic–driven success was arriving fast. Seizing this wave of momentum would be a huge advantage for the hotel. During the meeting, Shawn only asked, “Who developed these strategies?”
The presenter pointed at me. “Ms. Mayfield proposed all of them
Shawn gave me a look–one laced with complicated doubt. He clearly didn’t believe I could come up with such creative ideas.
Amy always had that easygoing, sweet smile that made her seem unshakably confident. But when she found out that I was behind the marketing push that suddenly made the hotel a hit, the way she looked at me sharpened noticeably.
I had planted a few eyes in the company. As for the detective I’d previously hired–he didn’t continue the investigation. We hadn’t settled the accounts either. He claimed that finding out about Queena’s pregnancy had already been dangerously risky. I was speechless. Still, for the sake of possible future cooperation, 1 let it slide. Maybe out of guilt for taking so much money. they offered to assign someone to keep an eye on Shawn’s movements.
Meanwhile, my informants in the company kept me updated on Shawn’s interactions–especially with women. The findings were always the same: strictly work–related, nothing inappropriate. But there was one girl from the business department who was actively looking for chances to get close to him.
I knew who she was–Hazel’s best friend. Relying on that connection, she’d taken a few rides in Shawn’s car. Still, knowing him, I could tell that just being pretty wouldn’t impress him. He would never take that kind of risk for someone superficial. Unless it was someone like Queena–someone who could assist in his career, someone who stirred a deep emotional chord.
Amy was married, yet even she couldn’t quite keep her gaze clean regarding Shawn.
After the meeting, Shawn came straight to my office. I was packing up and getting ready to head to the temporary office near the hotel when he asked out of nowhere. “That ‘she‘ Ethan mentioned… Who is it?”
I looked up, stunned. How did he even know what Ethan said in that interview? Wait–did he actually go look it up? Watch the whole thing? Wow. Someone has too much time on their hands.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” I replied, playing dumb.
He thought I really hadn’t seen the interview, so he pulled out his phone and played the clip for me.
“Shouldn’t you be giving me an explanation?” he said, his voice tight. “You must’ve promised him something–otherwise, he’d never have the guts to say that kind of thing on national television. His company’s about to go public. Every word he says is under scrutiny. He wouldn’t say it unless he was confident.” He looked like he’d just been betrayed, his face dark and brooding -as if I’d gifted him an entire field of green grass to wear on his head.
Funny how life works. Once, I was the one tormented by jealousy. Now, it was his turn.
“I’ve met with him less than five times. You probably don’t know this, but Melanie’s boyfriend works for him. We never even met alone. I left a lot unsaid. But my conscience was clear, and that was enough.
Shawn blinked. “Melanie’s boyfriend works with Ethan?”
I nodded. “Yep. A really impressive guy
Shawn’s face turned red–livid with rage. “I knew it. That must be Ethan’s way of getting close to you. He’s so calculating- using even his subordinates like that?
I neither confirmed nor denied it. Melanie and Richard were
genuinely drawn to each other’s talent.
“Tiffany, don’t just believe every guy you meet, okay?” He had no leverage left over me–not my decisions or feelings. He couldn’t control anything anymore.
11:26 AM –
Chapter 176 Too Free to Cage.
Finished
I raised an eyebrow, smirking. “And what makes you so sure I’m not the one playing around with him? He’s the one who wants something serious–I’m the one keeping it casual. I’m worried he’ll catch feelings and cause a scene.
“You–Tiffany, you…” He looked like he was about to choke on his own rage. Yes, he’d had his fling with Queena, but Shawn was still very traditional deep down. My kind of unrepentant rebellion–it crossed a line for him.
“What? Who say’s divorced women aren’t allowed to date?” I looked him in the eye, calm and collected. “I’m not some saint. I have desires, too. If someone’s worth loving, I’ll go for it. And you–well, you can do the same.”
With that. I brushed past him, hand grazing his shoulder as I opened the door and walked out.
Bit by bit, I was tearing down the walls Shawn had built around his heart. And with every step, I was smashing the illusion of being a ‘good wife‘ or a ‘virtuous woman‘
I didn’t need anyone locking me in their narrative. I didn’t need a label. I just wanted to be a little fish swimming freely, a bird flying as high as it pleased.
When I arrived at the temporary office, I saw Jace wearing a safety helmet, helping the renovation crew move things in front of the hotel. He was quick and efficient, sweat pouring down his face. But in the curve of his smile and the brightness in his eyes, there was nothing but pure, youthful energy–not a trace of worry to be found.
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