Chapter 4 Dare You To Lay A Finger On Her
Janelle thought there was something wrong with her eyes. As she gazed at the man’s face, which was so close to her own, her heart began to race…
The next moment, the man naturally became aware of her presence.
In the instant their eyes met, it felt as if the air around them was about to freeze…
His gaze, deep and inscrutable, was fixed on her face as if he were staring at some peculiar creature. For a moment, he seemed somewhat entranced.
“Dray!” Wallace was there to greet him in an instant, his face beaming with a welcoming smile. “Come on over and take a seat. My apologies, we just had a slight hiccup at home. I thought you’d arrive a bit later. Please, sit down!”
After speaking, Wallace leaned in closer to Janelle, his voice low and ominous. “This is Abigail’s fiancé, a distinguished guest in our house. Stop making a scene and leave immediately!” he warned.
Fiancé?
At that, Janelle’s body stiffened, her incredulous gaze once again fixed on the man.
Meanwhile, Rubina approached with an apologetic charm. “Dray, I’m really sorry about earlier… It’s unfortunate that your first visit to my home had to be in such a chaotic situation. I apologize if it seemed a bit ridiculous!”
“This girl is the daughter of Mr. Hayward’s ex-wife. She’s used to acting high and mighty, often causing trouble at home.”
Rubina was worried that Janelle’s delinquent image might jeopardize the marriage alliance between the Hayward and Quiller families. She was quick to distance herself, assuring, “But don’t worry, she doesn’t live with us. Mr. Hayward and I will handle this privately.”
Upon hearing this, Drayton remained silent, merely casting a cold glance at Janelle before shifting his gaze away.
The disdain and indifference in his gaze clearly conveyed his disregard for her.
Indeed, after spending a year with her, her reckless demeanor, selfish worldliness, and money-minded nature had long since taken root in his heart. Not to mention, he had just witnessed her “malicious” act of slapping an elder.
“Janelle, why is it that every time you come home, there’s always such a commotion?”
Abigail moved closer to her, feigning gentleness as she brushed her hair. In a victim-like manner, she said, “Janelle, if my mom said anything that upset you, can I apologize to you now? You can treat me however you want, but please don’t take it out on my mom in the future. She has a weak heart.”
“Go away.” Janelle’s voice was cold, her loathing clear as she swatted Abigail’s hand away. She despised anyone touching her hair, especially this overly innocent-looking girl pretending to play nice.
As the sharp words left her lips, she gave Abigail a slight shove.
Abigail stumbled backward, her footing unsteady. Just as she was about to fall, Drayton appeared, catching her with precision. His arm wrapped protectively around her, his eyes immediately locking onto Janelle with an intensity that could cut steel.
“Touch her again,” he said, his voice low and dangerous, “I dare you.”
The threat momentarily stunned Janelle.
She froze, her eyes flickering to Drayton and the woman cradled in his arms. The possessive way he held Abigail, his expression filled with protective rage, made something inside Janelle twist. It hit her then—he was going to marry this woman.
“Fine,” Janelle spat through gritted teeth, her laugh sharp and bitter. She had never tolerated threats, and she wasn’t about to start now.
Without a second thought, she turned, grabbed the glass of water the housekeeper had just brought over, and flung it straight into Abigail’s face.
After splashing the contents and tossing the cup into the nearby trash bin, she picked up her bag nonchalantly and headed toward the door.
Yet, she had only taken a few steps when her arm was suddenly seized by a robust hand.
Looking up, she once again met with Drayton’s eyes, dark as the ocean and seemingly on the verge of spitting fire.
Janelle tried to pull away from his grip, but she felt his strength intensify, almost as if he intended to crush her arm.
She couldn’t be bothered to resist anymore, she retorted flippantly, “What’s a big guy like you doing touching me, trying to force yourself on me?”
