Chapter 38
Sasha’s gaze was far from subtle. It burned with affection, yet there was a vulnerability to it, a quietness that betrayed her youth. Myra, despite her own confusion, couldn’t miss the obvious signs. She thought to herself, Looks like she’s fond of Tony. But it’s no surprise. It’s hard for any woman to resist a man like him.
A swirl of mixed emotions stirred inside Myra. She turned to Sasha and gave an awkward smile. “Oh.”
Sasha didn’t seem to notice Myra’s discomfort. She quickly turned back to Tony, engaging in their conversation as if nothing had changed.
Myra, feeling a sense of boredom, noticed a can of coconut juice in front of her. It seemed out of place amidst the wine glasses that adorned everyone else’s table. Why do I have coconut juice while everyone else has wine? she wondered.
Without thinking too much about it, she reached for the can, trying to open it. Her hands, still a bit clammy from earlier, made it difficult, and she found herself unable to twist the cap.
Frustration built within her, and she felt beads of sweat form on her forehead.
Out of nowhere, a hand appeared next to her. Tony’s hand, holding a cigarette between his fingers. Without missing a beat, he took the coconut juice from her hand, his movements effortlessly graceful. With his other hand, he opened the can with a quick twist. The sharp click of the can opening seemed to echo in Myra’s mind.
She couldn’t help but think of that night when his hands had gently held hers, his lips pressing against hers, and the way his fingers had felt on her skin. A flush immediately crept up her neck.
Tony, with his usual nonchalance, handed the open can back to her, his cigarette now between his lips. He gave her a casual look, though his eyes never betrayed any emotion.
Myra, her face still burning, took the can from him, trying to keep her composure. She lowered her eyes, taking a small sip, trying to mask the turmoil she was feeling inside.
Leo and Logan, who had been watching the interaction from across the table, exchanged a quiet glance, amusement flickering in their eyes.
Sasha, on the other hand, had been observing the scene with a growing sense of impatience. I can’t wait any longer, she thought, her mind racing with her plans.
After dinner, everyone returned to their rooms, needing to pack for their departure the following day. Myra had already packed, but her thoughts were far from organized.
Try to calm down. The deadline for the Sunny Bay Project is just around the corner. I can’t let this distract me. She tried to reassure herself, but as the hours passed, she found it impossible to sleep.
It was almost 11:00 PM, and still, sleep eluded her. Frustrated, she decided to go for a walk. As she was about to change into her shoes by the door, she suddenly heard a knock from next door.
She knew exactly who was staying next door, and though it was late, she couldn’t help but wonder, Does Mr. Clark still need to report something?
As she stood there, confused, the door next to hers opened, and a soft, shy voice filtered through the thin walls.
“Mr. Hart, since we’re leaving tomorrow, I wanted to thank you for everything you’ve done for the Hay Group. This is a bottle of red wine my father’s kept for over ten years. I don’t know if you’re free tonight, but… would you like to have a drink with me?”
The voice belonged to Sasha, and as soon as Myra heard it, she froze. She knew exactly what was happening. A woman going to a man’s room late at night with the intention of drinking wine… it’s clear what her motives are.
Curious, and unable to ignore the situation, Myra quietly opened her door, just enough to see through the gap. Her eyes immediately fixed on the scene outside Tony’s room.
Sasha stood in front of the door, looking carefully composed. She wore a figure-hugging pink dress that revealed just enough of her body. Her delicate frame was accentuated by the dress’s design, and her hair cascaded loosely around her shoulders. The subtle makeup enhanced her features, making her look even more alluring. She held a tray with one hand, while the other supported it, balancing a bottle of red wine and two wine glasses.
The sight confirmed everything Myra had suspected. Sasha’s intentions were clear. Myra’s brow furrowed in frustration, feeling the weight of the situation.
Sasha had known Tony for a long time, and her feelings for him had only grown since then. Her desire to collaborate with the Hart Group was not just about business—it was about getting closer to him, about securing a place in his life. But now, seeing the way Tony treated Myra, Sasha’s impatience had reached its peak. She knew she needed to act before Myra became a greater threat to her plans.
Sasha walked up to the door, and when Tony appeared, his gaze swept over her from head to toe. His eyes narrowed slightly, a smirk playing on his lips as he leaned casually against the door frame, his posture exuding an effortless confidence.
Sasha’s breath caught in her throat. She had hoped for a subtle reaction, but instead, Tony’s icy demeanor left her feeling exposed.
“Mr. Hart,” she began, her voice trembling slightly.
“I’m free tonight,” Tony said, his voice cold and detached, “but I don’t want to waste it on red wine.”
Sasha blinked, stunned for a moment, before she forced a smile. He’s taking the bait, she thought. He’s proactive after all.
“Do you want to talk or do something else?” she asked, stepping forward, trying to close the distance between them.
But before she could reach him, Tony stepped aside, causing her to stumble and crash into the door frame. She winced, a sharp pain shooting through her jaw, and instinctively grasped the tray to steady herself.
“Miss Hay,” Tony said, his tone dripping with mockery, “looks like you’re doing business on the side.”
Sasha’s face froze, but she quickly recovered, her smile growing softer. “Mr. Hart, are you joking with me? How could people like us ever travel by bus?”
Tony’s lips twitched in a half-smile, but his eyes were filled with coldness. “You’re right. A bus is dirty and messy. But I wonder how much better you are than that?”
Sasha’s smile faltered as she understood the meaning behind his words. Her face paled. Is he comparing me to a bus? she thought, humiliation flooding through her.
It was clear now—Tony wasn’t fooled by her charms. And with that, Sasha’s confidence began to crack.