hapter 82


    Xena ended the call, her eyes going cold.


    Once Liz became a public enemy, she was certain Zac wouldn’t have any feelings left for her.


    Across town, Victoria set her phone down and nced at the manicurist working on her nails.


    “Hurry up. I’m meeting Mr. Ster, and if you make mete, I won’t let it slide.”


    The manicurist, long ustomed to Victoria’smanding tone, kept her head down and replied softly, “Yes, Ms. Harris.”


    By the time her nails were finished, more than half an hour had passed.


    Victoria admired the fresh polish, picked up her bag, and drove straight to the restaurant where she had arranged to meet Jack.


    The server led her to a private dining room. Jack was already inside, waiting.


    The moment she saw him, Victoria’s face lit up. She walked toward him eagerly, but when she tried -to sit beside him, he frowned.


    “Ms. Harris,” he said coldly, “I don’t like sitting that close to people I’m not familiar with. Please give me some space.


    Her body went rigid. Forcing a smile, she asked, “Mr. Stone, you invited me here today… wasn’t it to make things official between us?”


    After that night, she had been waiting for him to reach out. He finally had—but his attitude was as


    cold as ever.


    Jack’s gaze was icier than the winter wind outside. Ms. Harris, I think you’ve misunderstood. I asked you here to discuss how we’re going to handle what happened that night.”


    Her smile wavered. “And how exactly do you want to handle it?”


    He didn’t waste words. “I hear the Harris Corporation is currentlypeting with the Stone Corporation for a project, I can make sure yourpany wins it. In exchange, I want you to act as if that night never happened.”


    Victoria let out a coldugh. “Mr. Stone, do you think I’m some kind of prostitute? I don’t want that project. I want you. If you won’t agree, then I’ll take this matter to your father and let him handle it for me<i>.</i><i>” </i>


    Jack stood up and looked at her without expression Ms. Harris, since you won’t ept my offer, there’s no point in continuing this conversation. As for who you want to tell, that’s your choice. But I will never marry you.”


    With that, he turned to leave without another nce


    Victoria hadn’t expected him to just walk away. She rushed after him and caught up before he could get into his car.


    “Jack Stone, if you refuse to marry me, I’ll use you


    One way or another, she was determined to marry int


    Jack looked at her coldly, enunciating each word. “Th


    Victoria stood frozen until his car disappeared froms


    Of course she didn’t dare go to the police. She hadn’t filed a report, she risked exposing what she had reall


    After leaving the office, Zac drove to Liz’s apartment


    He shut off the engine and stared up at her floor, lost there. Ever since their breakup, his emotions had be


    While he was still brooding, a ck G–Wagon pulled


    The passenger door opened, and Liz stepped out. Fre the back, and pulled out tworge bags filled with fr headed toward the building’s entrance.


    Zac’s expression darkened. Acting on impulse, he pi them.


    “Liz,” he demanded, “who is this man?”


    T