Chapter 67
“What? How is that possible?” Elliot exclaimed, his voice thick with disbelief.
He knew all too well how captivating Tony could be. Why would any woman be foolish enough to sleep with another man when she had a chance to be close to Tony?
“You think it’s impossible?” Tony’s voice was casual, almost dismissive.
Elliot swallowed hard, feeling the weight of the situation pressing down on him. “I didn’t say that. It’s just… it doesn’t make sense.”
“Even if it seems impossible, make it possible,” Tony snapped suddenly, his harsh tone sending a chill down Elliot’s spine.
“Tony, what do you mean?” Elliot’s confusion was palpable, but before he could get an answer, Tony hung up abruptly.
Elliot stood there, staring at his phone in frustration. Could it be that Myra had driven Tony to this point? The call had revealed something crucial—Tony’s determination to claim her for himself.
As soon as the call ended, a flicker of emotion passed over Tony’s face. He narrowed his eyes slightly, his thoughts turning inward. Without warning, he slammed his foot down on the pedal, sending the car speeding in a different direction, sharp and determined.
Meanwhile, Lyla had always dreamt of love, but she knew better than most how fleeting and fragile it could be compared to money. Love alone wouldn’t keep anyone grounded in society; in fact, it was often a hindrance.
The man she once loved was Sean. Even now, when she thought she had moved past him, her heart still fluttered when she crossed paths with him. But it didn’t matter. Sean was married now, and his mother… well, some things were better left in the past.
Her expression darkened for a moment before lifting again. A message had just arrived from the waitress. If everything went according to plan, tonight would be the night Lyla became Tony’s woman.
She dabbed on some perfume, checking her reflection in the mirror, making sure everything was perfect. She was ready.
Room 1024 was already reserved. If the man was here, he would enter directly.
Standing in front of the door, Lyla knocked softly.
“Come in,” came the low, husky voice from inside, a sound she was starting to recognize.
Lyla’s heart skipped as she slowly opened the door. Tony’s strikingly handsome face greeted her, his presence commanding the room.
Even if it weren’t for his wealth, his looks alone were enough to make anyone want to work hard to win him over.
Shaking off her initial reaction, Lyla composed herself and offered him a graceful smile. “Director Hart.”
Her posture was poised and dignified as she stepped into the room, quietly closing the door behind her.
Tony was seated on the couch, one arm casually resting at his side while the other held a cigarette. He flicked the ash, then brought it to his lips, his demeanor effortlessly cool and refined. His confidence, paired with his good looks, captivated Lyla instantly. His position, his success, all of it overshadowed everything Sean could ever offer.
As she walked closer, Tony didn’t even look up immediately. He picked up an envelope from the coffee table and tossed it toward the other end. “I forgot to give you your reward for playing at the banquet.”
Lyla’s expression stiffened for a moment. She raised her head, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear as she responded softly, “Director Hart, you’re too kind. It was my pleasure and honor to perform at Old Master Hart’s banquet. How could I take your money?”
“Didn’t you ask me over for the money?” Tony’s voice was indifferent, but his words hit hard. “Then what is your purpose?”
Lyla’s fists clenched slightly by her sides, but she masked her irritation with a soft sigh. “Director Hart, your words hurt me. Can’t I simply invite you for a chat and some tea because I admire you?”
She lowered her eyes, pretending to be hurt by his bluntness.
“A chat and some tea…” Tony exhaled a plume of smoke, his gaze fixed on her, lips twitching into a wry smile. “Miss Fisher, I believe you’ve met Director Chase before?”
Lyla was momentarily stunned. Tony’s striking features—sharp, almost European, yet undeniably Asian—held an intensity that could freeze anyone in their tracks. His eyes, cold and calculating, seemed to pierce right through her.
She blinked, a nervous laugh escaping her lips. “Director Hart…”
“It’s getting late. Let me cut to the chase,” Tony’s voice shifted, hardening as he glanced at his watch. He extinguished his cigarette with deliberate calm. “Miss Fisher, I know why you left Director Chase years ago, and I feel sorry for you both. This time, I’m willing to help you, if you wish. You know how the Chase Group is doing. In a few years, Sean Chase will rise to even greater heights. You could become Mrs. Chase, a story of lovers reuniting.”
Lyla’s mind whirled as Tony spoke. But his words made no sense. Was he offering to help her get back together with Sean? The confusion painted her face as she tried to make sense of his intentions.
“Director Hart,” she said, a dry laugh escaping her lips, “You are quite the character. I thought you understood why I invited you here…”
Tony interrupted her smoothly. “Miss Fisher, I believe you know exactly what I mean.”
He stood up, his expression unreadable, yet there was a hint of anger in his eyes that made Lyla’s stomach drop.
“Director Hart, if you feel uncomfortable about my past with Sean—”
Tony’s gaze hardened. “I will help you marry Sean,” he said flatly, the sound of his lighter clicking repeatedly filling the room.
Lyla froze. Her pulse quickened as she tried to grasp his meaning. Tony’s words were an offer, but an unsettling one. He wasn’t just offering assistance; he was pushing her into a corner.
“You’re a smart woman, Miss Fisher. You have the chance to get that man. Don’t let greed cloud your judgment. Give up on what you can’t have. If you accept my help…”
Lyla clenched her fists at her sides, her inner conflict evident. She had once truly loved Sean, but back then, Eve’s favoritism toward Myra had pushed her out of his life. She had been forced to leave for her own sake. But now? Now, she wasn’t sure if she still loved him—or if this was just another step in her struggle for power.
“I know you won’t help me without wanting something in return,” she said carefully, her voice steady but her mind racing. “What’s your price?”
Tony smirked, his thoughts turning inward. The pursuit of Myra was proving more difficult than he anticipated. If he could have someone else help him…
“You’ll know my price when the time comes.” With that, Tony grabbed his suit jacket and walked out, leaving Lyla alone in the room, her thoughts as unsettled as her heart.