Chapter 143
Chapter Title: Unraveling Tensions
The low hum of Myra’s sleepy voice was a soothing melody to Tony’s ears, like a soft hand caressing his heart. The bustling view of New York’s streets, once vibrant and alive, faded into the background as his mind shifted entirely to her. He recalled the moment he saw her message after stepping off the plane, and an unexpected warmth settled in his chest.
Without a second thought, he discarded the half-smoked cigarette from his lips, pressing it out in the ashtray. His voice, warm and low, pierced the quiet. “Did you miss me?”
A soft shiver ran through Myra’s body, and she buried herself deeper under her blanket, her voice muffled. “Yes…”
Tony’s low chuckle vibrated through the phone, a sound that made her smile even though she couldn’t see him. She felt strangely weak whenever he was on her mind, but when they were together, awkwardness often crept in. She bit her lip, then asked, “Did you go back to handle the Hartwell Group?” Estelle had once mentioned that Tony was planning to move the company back to Bradfort City and merge it with the Hart Group.
Tony wasn’t at all surprised that Myra knew. Instead, he pulled out another cigarette, but this time, he discarded it just as quickly, tossing it into the car’s trash bin. He reclined in the seat, loosening his tie with a casual air, his indifference apparent. “Don’t worry. There will be some business events, but those women aren’t even close to my standards.”
Myra’s heart skipped a beat. A surge of warmth flooded her chest as she found herself smiling. “If those women don’t meet your standards, then who does?”
The question slipped from her lips before she could stop it, and she immediately regretted it. Still, a small part of her eagerly awaited his response. As expected, Tony chuckled again, and the deep, sexy sound made her cheeks flush. Her sleepiness melted away as she sat up straighter, trying to sound unaffected. “What are you laughing at?”
“You want me to confess, huh?” Tony’s voice was teasing, his lips curling into a faint smile. The driver, who had been quietly listening, glanced at Tony through the rear-view mirror in confusion. But when Tony’s eyes narrowed slightly, the driver quickly returned his focus to the road, trying to suppress his curiosity.
Myra’s face reddened as she heard Tony’s playful remark. Luckily, he couldn’t see her. She gripped the phone tighter, her voice firm. “It’s late. I’m tired. I’m going to bed.”
Tony wasn’t ready to end the conversation. “So, you don’t want to know who meets my standards?” He sounded almost disappointed.
Her frustration flared. “I don’t want to know!”
Tony sighed dramatically, his voice full of lazy amusement. “What a shame. I was going to tell you. But if you’re tired, go ahead and sleep.” He paused for a moment, his tone shifting to something more serious. “Tomorrow, Elliot will bring Meow to your place. The dog will keep you company while I’m not around.”
Myra’s mind wandered back to the conversation before Tony had left. His words echoed in her thoughts: When I’m away, don’t talk to any other men, and don’t get close to them.
Her heart fluttered with a mixture of sweetness and embarrassment. What a domineering man he was! Despite herself, she smiled and hissed playfully. “Fine.” She hadn’t seen the dog in so long; she missed Meow’s goofy antics.
The conversation lulled into silence, and despite the quiet, Myra felt a deep sense of satisfaction. But knowing Tony was busy, she softened. “I’ll let you go now. Talk to you later.”
“Hmm.” Tony’s voice was faint, distant.
Myra bit her lip, then whispered, “I’ll wait for you at home.” On a sudden impulse, she kissed the phone before hanging up quickly, embarrassed by the boldness of her actions.
Tony, still holding the phone, raised an eyebrow at the sudden end of the call. A faint smile crept across his lips.
When the call ended, his driver spoke up. “Director Hart, Director Walton mentioned that the Walton family has prepared a room for you. They’d like you to stay at the Walton residence tonight. The elders have been asking about you.”
Tony, his expression once again cold and impassive, put out his cigarette and responded without hesitation. “Go back to Bronx Street.”
The tone was light, but final. The driver nodded, acknowledging the command, and the car turned toward Bronx Street.
Just then, Tony’s phone rang again. He glanced at the number, answered it, and a familiar voice filled the air.
“Tony, you’re finally back! Did the driver pick you up? Did he pass on my brother’s message?” The woman’s voice was sweet and cheerful.
Tony lit another cigarette, his voice muffled but calm. “Hmm.”
“I’ve prepared a surprise for you tonight! It’s been too long since we last spoke. My brother said you’re moving the Hartwell Group back to Bradfort City. Is that true? Why would you do that? The company is doing well here. And if you move it… I’ll be so far away from you…” Her voice trailed off, a hint of something else underneath the words.
Tony, irritation creeping into his expression, ended the call abruptly. With a frustrated exhale, he blew out a plume of smoke. The sound of Myra’s kiss still lingered in his mind, the memory of it making him restless. She had an effect on him, one that no other woman ever had.
The following morning, Elliot arrived at Myra’s apartment with Meow, the dog now comfortably nestled under his arm. Myra found the scene amusing as she approached, noticing Elliot’s struggle to contain the energetic dog.
Elliot gave her a sheepish smile as Meow wiggled excitedly in his arms. “Tony asked me to bring Meow over. She’s a little more… temperamental when her master’s away,” he explained, though he seemed relieved when the dog darted from his arms and ran straight to Myra.
“Don’t worry about it,” Myra reassured him, taking the dog into her arms. “She’s just excited to see me.”
Elliot, clearly relieved, smiled back. “If you need anything, just call me.” He gave a casual wave as he made his way back to his stunning car, the golden Aston Martin Taraf gleaming in the sun.
As Myra watched him go, she couldn’t help but notice the familiarity of the car. She had seen it before, somewhere… in the underground parking of the Chase Group.