"Jess, I'm going to the restroom."Celia stood up.
In the private room, Nathaniel Fu took a slow drag on his cigarette, then lifted his eyes through the curling smoke to track Celia's slender figure as she walked away.
Beside him, He Xiaolian leaned in with delicate dependence. The campus beauty had a knack for coyness—her shoulder brushing lightly against his arm, her gaze pure yet suggestive."Mr. Fu, have a drink~"
Nathaniel Fu glanced at her, then leaned in.He Xiaolian's heartbeat quickened, expecting a kiss.
But Nathaniel paused at her ear and whispered, low and sharp, "Who sent you here?"He Xiaolian froze.
······
Celia splashed cold water on her face before stepping back into the hallway. That was when she saw him—Nathaniel Fu, dressed in a fitted black shirt and trousers, handsome and refined, yet radiating a chilling dominance that kept everyone at a distance.
His tall frame blocked her path. His narrow, abyss-deep eyes locked on her, his voice low and cold."Celia, what do you mean by this?"
She looked up. "Mr. Fu, I don't understand you."
"Did you send He Xiaolian to seduce me?"
Celia instantly realized He Xiaolian must have been sent by Zhou Jin, despite her telling him not to.
Nathaniel's large hand gripped her jaw, tilting her face toward him. "A college girl, dressed like you. You thought I was drawn to your type, didn't you? That's why you refused me—only to send me a bargain version of yourself? Do you think I, Nathaniel Fu, take just anyone to bed?"
Pain lanced through her cheeks from his grip. "Mr. Fu, I'm sorry. There won't be a next time."
The dangerous light in his eyes flared hotter. "You still haven't explained. I want to hear it from you—why send her?"
"I… I—" Celia faltered. She couldn't tell him she was after the jade pendant.
"Why so quiet? Is it because you want to leave me for Zhou Jin? So you shove another woman at me to cut ties?"
That's what he thought?
Her silence only stoked his fury. Nathaniel yanked open a door, pushing her inside.
The room was dark. Her back hit the wall. Before she could react, his solid frame pressed against her from behind.
"Nathaniel Fu, what are you—"
He kissed the curve of her pale ear, burying his face in her hair."Didn't you just apologize? I'll use you to apologize to you."
Celia bit the palm of his hand hard.
······
When Nathaniel returned to the private room, Wen Shaoqian eyed him."You were gone a while. Did you ask Celia?"
Nathaniel's expression was unreadable as he downed his liquor. Wen Shaoqian noticed the faint bite mark on his palm, along with the bloodshot heat still lingering in his gaze. He smirked."Looked like you were enjoying yourself—until you saw another man around her, huh?"
Nathaniel's phone buzzed. A WeChat from Celia.
He opened it.Celia:Nathaniel Fu, I don't want to be with you anymore. Let's end it.