Chapter 144
Chapter Title: Tony’s Cold Response
Myra’s mind raced with thoughts of Elliot. Had he been inside the car when it left? Just as the car’s engine roared to life and it sped off, Myra shook her head, dismissing the thought. She went back to playing with Meow before bringing the cat home with her.
The schedule had been hectic lately. After a business dinner, one of the men suggested visiting a nightclub, a usual end to their evenings. As Tony stood up, he casually grabbed his suit jacket and loosened his tie slightly, his face devoid of emotion. Beside him stood another tall, handsome man who gave a low chuckle.
“My sister called you last night,” the man said, his tone both playful and dark. “When you didn’t pick up, she was so furious that she smashed the new desk lamp we bought. You’re the only one who can get her this worked up.”
Tony’s expression didn’t change. He simply put out his cigarette and looked at the man. “Our previous partnership was purely business.”
The man raised an eyebrow. “Just business, huh? Look at you now. We’ve just divided up the company, and already you’re eager to cut ties with the Walton family? If I didn’t know you better, I’d think you can’t stand us.”
Tony didn’t respond. Instead, he slipped into his jacket and made his way toward the door. “I won’t be joining you later. Make sure the others have a good time.”
His calm voice betrayed nothing of the inner workings of his mind. He was a man who dealt with tough business transactions with ease. That was why Gideon Walton had chosen him as a partner. Of course, the Hart family’s influence behind him hadn’t escaped Gideon’s notice. But despite the delicate balance of business, Gideon’s sister had been encouraged to pursue Tony—not just for the business, but for something more personal.
Gideon, with a slight grin, thought about Tony’s refusal and couldn’t help but test him. “You’ve never had a woman by your side, but you’ve always been around when there’s a big deal. Has Young Master Tony finally changed his tune?”
Tony ignored him, the room falling silent for a moment before his figure disappeared through the door. Gideon’s smile faltered, his eyes clouded with something darker. After a moment, he pulled out his phone and dialed a number.
“Gemma, you need to hurry,” he said, his voice dripping with malice. “If you fall behind, you’ll lose him.”
On the other end, Gemma Walton was driving when she heard her brother’s words. “What do you mean, lose him?”
“Tony’s already left me with only ten percent of the company shares,” Gideon snapped. “He’s planning to head back to the States. You’ve let him stay in Bradfort City far too long. Don’t think he’s joking about the company split. If you don’t act fast, you’ll lose everything.”
“What?!” Gemma’s voice was a mix of shock and fear. “If he goes back to the States, does that mean he’ll never come back?”
“Congratulations,” Gideon’s tone turned cold. “You’re finally facing reality. Tony’s done with us. He’ll be in the States for two more days. And if you don’t do something, you’ll have nothing left.”
Gemma’s grip on the steering wheel tightened, her mind racing. “I heard rumors about him and some woman in Bradfort City. What’s going on?”
“Don’t be so naive,” Gideon replied with irritation. “No matter what, you need to make him marry you. The Walton Group will give you twenty percent of the shares as your dowry, as a token of goodwill toward the Hart family.”
Gemma’s voice softened, the weight of her brother’s words sinking in. “Really?”
“Of course,” he said, his smile returning, “but only if you convince him to marry you.”
When the call ended, Gemma’s eyes narrowed with resolve. She had chased after Tony for years. No woman had ever managed to keep his attention for long. But now, she was determined to make him hers—no matter the cost.
Meanwhile, Myra was listening to Estelle’s teasing about Tony, which only made her feel more self-conscious. “How was he?” Estelle asked, her voice dripping with mischief. “Was he particularly excited that night?”
Myra’s face turned beet red. “Stop it, Estelle!” she scolded, trying to change the subject.
But Estelle wasn’t done. “Oh, come on! Look at your complexion. You’ve been pampered, haven’t you?” She grinned. “So, what about that box of things?”
“Estelle!” Myra’s face was burning now. “If you bring this up again, I swear I’ll kick you out!”
But Estelle wasn’t backing down. “I just opened your drawer a little. How could I miss those black boxer briefs? They were so eye-catching!”
Myra groaned in defeat. “You went through my drawer?” she asked, exasperated.
“I didn’t mean to! They were just so… noticeable,” Estelle teased. “So, did you and Tony, you know… use the stuff in the box?”
Myra slapped her hand away, her face crimson. “No!” she shot back quickly.
When she left to go buy ingredients, Myra’s phone buzzed in her pocket. She hesitated, knowing the function Tony was at was likely filled with women. But something about him made her trust him. If he really wanted to be with someone else, he would’ve been with them long before now.
Still, doubts crept in. She’d seen the way he had looked at a woman in the video interview. Was there someone else in his life? She couldn’t help but check on him.
After a few moments of hesitation, she dialed his number. Her heart pounded as the call connected. On the other side, Tony had just reached the door of his villa, his tie loose and a cigarette in hand. The moment he saw her name on the screen, a softness appeared on his face.
“Hm?” His voice was low, warm, and familiar, sending a rush of heat through Myra’s chest.
“Are you at a function? Did I interrupt?” she asked, trying to keep her voice steady.
Tony chuckled softly. “Checking up on me, Myra? No, the function’s over. I’m standing outside my house.”
Just then, a woman’s voice called out. “Tony, I’ve been waiting for you so long. You’re finally back.”
Myra’s heart skipped a beat. That voice… it sounded like it was coming from the other side of the phone.
Tony was equally surprised by the voice. He turned to see Gemma Walton standing in his garden, waiting for him.
“Tony,” Gemma said, her voice sweet and eager. “I heard from my brother you’re coming back today. I drove here to see you.”
Tony frowned, his face darkening. The cigarette in his hand burned out as he tossed it aside. He looked at her coldly. “Do you need me to call your brother to come pick you up?”
Gemma hesitated, hurt flashing in her eyes. “I don’t want to go home. I… I heard you’ll be leaving soon. I don’t want you to leave, Tony…”
She stepped toward him, but Tony’s expression hardened. He backed away sharply. “It’s late. I won’t see you off.”
“Tony Hart!” Gemma cried out in frustration. She rushed to stand in front of him, her eyes pleading. “I know you care about me. You just don’t realize it yet. Give me a chance, Tony. I’ve grown up, and I’m more mature now…” She moved closer, her seductive outfit emphasizing her figure.
Tony’s face was stone. He pulled out another cigarette and lit it. “You think I treat you differently?”
“Isn’t that true?” Gemma’s voice softened, her hope rising as she took another step toward him.
But Tony abruptly stepped aside, causing Gemma to stumble into a nearby tree.
“Gemma Walton,” he said, his voice like ice. “I’ve tolerated you for your brother’s sake. I don’t like strangers in my space. If you do this again, I won’t be so kind.”