The Pursuit of Passion

Self-Interest Under a False Facade

The private room had its restroom, but she didn't use it; instead, she walked out after closing the door.

After shutting the door, Mia took a deep breath and felt the air clearing. She leaned against the railing, watching the somewhat noisy scene below, but her mind was still filled with images of Ethan Blue.

Her encounter with Ethan came from a clichéd romance novel—a billionaire CEO and a damsel in distress. A year and a half ago, she went to a bar to drown her sorrows over her career troubles, and Ethan sat beside her. What did he say back then?

He had smiled and said to her, "Want to get drunk? It's hard to get drunk alone. Let's drink together."

She had then inexplicably picked up her glass and clinked it with his. He didn't ask her why she was drinking alone, but he refilled her glass whenever it was empty.

After she had drunk enough, the bar's waitress had escorted her upstairs to a hotel room, and Ethan had said that the bill was on him.

Supported by the waitress, she hadn't realized that Ethan had merely accompanied her for a drink, but she had shamefully thought that he had tried to get her drunk with ulterior motives.

At that time, she might have been under the influence of alcohol when she unexpectedly reached out and held the back of his neck, whispering seductively in his ear, "I want you to take me upstairs."

Ethan had slightly turned his head, eyes locked onto hers, his voice clear, "Are you sure?"

"What's the matter, scared?" Mia taunted with a light laugh.

Afterwards, she had seen him set down his glass of wine, elegantly stand up, and then hold her waist, leading her upstairs.

Once in the room, he had pinned her against the door, looking into her eyes and asking, "Have you thought this through? Once it starts, there's no turning back. You still have a chance to say no."

How had she responded at that time?

Mia furrowed her brow as she tried to recall.

Right, she had gazed at him with her slightly intoxicated eyes and used her fingers to trace from his lips to his throat, his collarbone, all the way down until she reached his belt buckle.

Ethan's breathing had already become unsteady, and his dangerous black eyes grew deeper as she attempted to undo his belt. He had then grabbed her hand and held it high against the door, keeping his intense gaze on her.

She had tiptoed and tried to kiss him provocatively, landing her lips on his. His dangerous eyes had darkened completely, and his passionate kiss had followed.

She only remembered that grape-like kiss accompanied by the faint scent of wine. She couldn't recall the details that had followed.

The next day, she had prepared to sneak away while he was still asleep. Ethan had suggested a long-term arrangement, but she had only thought about work and promotion. Besides, she had never intended to turn their fling into a serious relationship. So when he proposed dating, she refused and even blocked his contact information.

However, after her decisive words half a year ago, they had met again.

The cooperation they discussed significantly impacted her potential promotion to store manager tonight.

Mia realized that one would eventually have to pay the piper.

"What are you thinking about?"

Suddenly, a warmth enveloped her from behind—Ethan's unique aura.

He opened his hands and placed them on the railing, enclosing her between his chest and the railing.

Ethan's lips brushed against the sensitive spot behind Mia's ear, causing her to shudder.

She bit her lip, trying to resist.

She grabbed onto the railing, bent over, and attempted to move away from him, but he sensed her intention and pulled her waist, turning her around to face him.

When their eyes met his deep, dangerous gaze, Mia's first instinct was to avert her eyes, but he caught her chin and turned her back to him.

"What are you afraid of now?" Ethan asked gently as if nothing had happened.

"You, let go first," Mia whispered.

"What if I don't?"

"Do you want to give others a free show?"

Ethan's eyes moved away from her, looking downstairs, where several pairs of eyes were already staring in their direction.

Without another word, he took Mia's hand and led her to a safe passage.

As soon as they entered, he pressed her against the wall, and there was a sense of settling old scores in the air.

Mia knew he was about to bring up the last incident six months ago.

At that time, she had left him after saying those decisive words, and he had wanted to chase after her but was hindered because he hadn't had time to get dressed, allowing her to escape quickly.

"Now that there's no one around, let's talk," Ethan said, changing his tone from the earlier gentleness to a hint of coldness.

Mia knew he would say something she didn't want to hear but still responded, "It's not the right time now, and tonight I only want to discuss work."

Her avoidance made Ethan feel uncomfortable, and after a moment, he sneered, "Alright, let's talk about work. Besides, this time, you can't run away anymore."

Mia suddenly looked up at him, and he chuckled softly. Then, in the same sophisticated manner as before, he said, "Let's go inside; you've been out for quite some time."

"Okay," she said; just as she was about to breathe a sigh of relief, she heard him continue, "By the way, your lipstick is smudged a bit."

Mia subconsciously covered her mouth, glaring at him, and

turned to escape. She quickly stopped to check herself in the mirror as she passed the restroom. Indeed, her lipstick had smudged a bit. She retrieved lipstick and touched her lips before returning to the private room.

As soon as she sat down, Lauren Bright leaned over with a furrowed brow and asked, "What's going on? You seem to be losing your edge at a critical moment."

The affair between Mia and Ethan Blue was known only to the two of them, and at the moment, Mia had no intention of sharing it with Lauren. She came up with an excuse to deflect the question, "I didn't sleep well last night, and my focus is a bit off."

"Hang in there. You can rest early after the dinner meeting," Lauren said, patting her hand.

"Okay."

Before they could exchange more words, Ethan returned.

Lauren raised her head and noticed the faint red mark on the collar of his white shirt. She then looked at Mia's lips, showing signs of freshly reapplied. Her eyes narrowed slightly in suspicion.

After Ethan sat down, he picked up the teacup before him and sipped. He looked at Lauren and asked, "Didn't Manager Bright say that Manager would discuss the cooperation with me?"

Lauren instantly became alert. She had a feeling that Ethan's following words wouldn't be what she wanted to hear, but she still responded, "Yes."

"In that case, Manager Bright, please choose another representative to negotiate with Wisdom," Ethan suggested.

Not only Lauren but even Mia wore a look of shock and disbelief. Mia clutched the tablecloth's corner hanging down and gazed at Ethan with a questioning tone, "Why?"

"Why?" Ethan lowered his head and chuckled softly. "Doesn't Wisdom have the right to decide whether they want the Manager to be the one negotiating?"

"Furthermore, those who wish to collaborate with Wisdom aren't limited to your company alone."

Ethan's words were a blow to Mia's pride.

And Mia knew that he was prioritizing his agenda over professionalism.