Chapter 179
“Tony, are you leaving?” Elliot’s voice was tinged with excitement at the prospect of something to do again. However, Tony’s actions quickly made him fall silent.
Tony had always been the type to stick around with his friends until the early hours, chatting and having fun. But now, with his new routine, he seemed like a family man—arriving late and leaving early. Elliot couldn’t help but wonder if Myra had imposed some sort of curfew on him.
“Myra’s still at the company,” Tony said coolly, putting out his cigarette before heading for the door, leaving the three men behind, unable to keep up with the sudden shift in his personality.
The coolness of early autumn wrapped around him as Tony stepped out of the Zion Club. As he made his way to the entrance, the valet already had his car ready. Tony took the keys without a word and was about to leave when his eyes caught something in his peripheral vision. His gaze sharpened, and a thought crossed his mind. Instead of getting into his car, he made his way toward the corner next to the club.
Zion Club was a vintage-style building nestled in the suburbs, surrounded by hot springs. Even flowers out of season seemed to bloom effortlessly here. Tony stopped by a cluster of delicate Bengal Roses, his presence as imposing as the flowers’ beauty. He pulled out a cigarette and lit it, the smoke curling around him like a veil, hiding his sharp features but never dulling his noble aura.
From a distance, Kris spotted him, her heart racing. Tony Hart was indeed one of the most exceptional men in Bradfort City. If she let him slip away now, she was sure she wouldn’t find another man with his perfect combination of status, wealth, and allure. Determined, she clenched her fists and got out of her car. After a brief moment of hesitation, she composed herself, put on a gentle smile, and walked toward him.
As soon as she stood next to him, Tony placed the cigarette between his lips, looking every bit the picture of effortless elegance. With a smooth motion, he reached out and plucked a Bengal Rose from the shrub in front of him.
“You followed me all the way here. Aren’t you tired, Miss Stark?” His voice was deep, cold, and with a hint of knowing. It was clear he had long sensed her presence.
Kris flinched at his words but quickly recovered. She studied his face, searching for any sign of hostility. When she didn’t find any, her shoulders relaxed, and she smiled more tenderly. “You may have misunderstood me, Director Hart. I was just here to visit Zion Club, and when I saw you, I thought I was imagining things.”
“Is that so?” Tony plucked another rose. “Since you’re so sure, Miss Stark, you may leave now.”
The sudden dismissal caught Kris off guard. She didn’t want to leave just like that. Hastily, she tried to change the subject, seizing the opportunity to try again. “Director Hart, you seem like you’ve had a drink. Do you… need a ride?”
As she spoke, she couldn’t hide the thrill in her voice. She had noticed the faint smell of alcohol on him earlier, and she was secretly delighted by the prospect of taking advantage of his state. She imagined that if they spent the night together, Myra would be completely out of the picture.
Her gaze, much like Myra’s, was filled with an almost pitiful, needy look. She made sure to focus all her attention on Tony, hoping to appeal to him with her vulnerability.
But Tony merely plucked another flower, his eyes indifferent. “Do you often offer rides to men, Miss Stark?”
Her expression faltered for a moment. “Are you joking, Director Hart? You’re the only one I’ve ever offered such a thing to.”
She quickly added, “Don’t worry. Apart from you, no one else has ever caught my eye. You’re the only one I’m willing to approach.” She took a step closer, her eyes sparkling with sincerity as she tried to look as if she had never regretted falling for him.
Tony’s fingers halted in midair, his hand still holding the two Bengal Roses. His gaze turned cold as he tapped the cigarette, the smoke obscuring his eyes. A low chuckle escaped his lips, but it held no warmth. “If that’s the case, does that mean you have feelings for me?”
If any other man had said those words, Kris would have found them arrogant and repulsive. But when Tony said it, she felt her heart melt. She bit her lip and blushed, her heart racing. Without looking directly at him, she answered softly, “Yes.”
Tony didn’t seem phased. He took a drag from his cigarette, his eyes narrowing slightly as he looked at her. “What can you offer me, then, Miss Stark?”
Kris’ heart pounded. She knew she had to offer something of value if she were to win him over. “Of course, I have something to offer,” she replied, her voice filled with newfound confidence.
She took a deep breath, her smile widening. “In the future, the Stark Group will be mine. If I offer you the entire company, would that show you my sincerity?”
Tony raised an eyebrow, his lips curling into a half-smile. “Is that the only thing you can offer me?”
Kris hesitated, realizing the Stark Group was nothing compared to the Hart Group. But she pushed forward, eager to impress him. “Have you heard of Hilliville, Director Hart? I may own nearly forty percent of the land there, and fifty percent of the Ritz Carlton once I inherit the company.”
“Okay. That sounds good.” Tony stubbed out the cigarette and plucked another flower. He turned around slowly, a sneer tugging at his lips. “But you’re not the only young lady of the Stark family, right? Not to mention…” He paused for effect, watching Kris’ eyes widen in panic.
“As far as I know, your mother is about to give birth to a boy. If that’s the case, can I assume that what you just said was all just to entertain me, Miss Stark?” His tone was flat, but his words hit Kris like a slap.
Kris froze, panic washing over her. She reached out, grabbing his arm impulsively.
Tony jerked away, his expression darkening. He slapped her hand away with such force that Kris stumbled backward. Her heel slipped off, and she stepped into the thorny Bengal Rose bush, the pain shooting through her foot. Her face turned pale, but as she saw Tony making to leave, she rushed to stop him.
“Director Hart, what I said is true! You have to believe me! The Stark Group will be mine in the future!” She cried out desperately.
Tony paused, glancing back at her. “What about your brother?”
Kris bit her lip, anxiety gripping her. “Believe me, the Stark Group will only be mine in the future.”
Tony gave no response. He turned away from her, his expression unreadable, and walked to his car. Kris was left standing there, confusion and frustration flooding her as she watched him drive off.
She ran after him, stumbling with her injured foot, but it was no use. Tony’s car sped off, leaving her behind.
A waiter appeared behind her, calling out softly, “Miss, your shoe…”
But Kris didn’t hear him. She could only watch as Tony’s car disappeared into the night, feeling a deep sense of helplessness settling in her chest.