Chapter 44 Jonathan’s Desire to Keep Her
+15 BONUS
After a moment of hesitation, Jonathan gestured to Finley to leave before answering the call. The caller seemed surprised at first.
Then, her gentle voice came through, “Jonathan, I never thought you’d pick up my call. How have your been these years?”
Jonathan remained silent for a long time.
Anastasia then continued, “I know you probably still resent me. But, I truly had no choice back then… Can’t we let the past be the past? At the very least, the Finches and the Youngs are prestigious. And we used to…
Jonathan coldly interrupted her as he said, “What are you up to?”
It seemed like he didn’t want to indulge in reminiscing. Anastasia forced a bitter smile. She took a deep breath before getting to the point.
“My grandfather wants me to participate as one of the organizers for the National Jewelry Design Award. I’d like to invite you as a special judge. You can rest assured, that you’ll only need to appear during the finals. It won’t take up much of your time.”
Jonathan was about to refuse, but she beat him to it and said, “You can think about it. There’s no need to give me an answer right away.”
Without waiting for his response, she quickly hung up the phone. It seemed she was afraid to receive his refusal. Jonathan furrowed his brows. Meanwhile, Finley had already conveyed his orders.
At noon, Rose had viewed a house that she was very satisfied with. She was about to sign the lease when the real estate agent received a phone call.
After answering the call, the agent told her, “I’m sorry, Ms. Shaffer. The landlord has decided at the last minute not to rent this house. What do you think…”
Rose replied, “It’s okay. Please recommend another place for me.”
The agent looked troubled.
“This ….
“Could it be that I won’t be able to rent any other houses either?”
Rose felt a sense of unease creeping in the situation now was somehow familiar.
“I’m truly sorry. I can’t do anything about it. Have you offended someone?”
As Rose looked kind and generous, the agent stated his consideration. Rose’s mind recalled the image of that man with a black mask.
“I think I know who I’ve offended.”
It had to be that so–called Mr. Finch!
They had only crossed paths that night at Lane residence. She admitted that she had indeed tried to
harm his manhood under extreme circumstances even though she didn’t succeed.
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However, how could that have led him to pester her relentlessly? She was seething with anger. After leaving the house, she decided to see the so–called Mr. Finch to ask for a clear explanation.
Half an hour later, she arrived at Finch Building.
After waiting for half an hour and not seeing her target, she went to the front desk to reques
with Mr. Finch.
a meeting
Assuming she as an ill–intentioned client, the receptionist immediately dialed to the CEO’s office on the top floor.
“What’s her name?” Finley asked as he answered the call.
“She’s called Rose Shaffer. She said she has something very important to discuss with Mr. Finch.”
Upon hearing the receptionist’s words, Finley’s eyelid twitched. He quickly hung up the phone to inform
Jonathan.
“Mr. Finch, Ms. Shaffer is downstairs. She wants to see you.”
Jonathan didn’t expect her to come in person. He thought she was looking for “Mr. Finch“, but this unexpected development cleared his previous frustration.
“Let her up,” he instructed.
Ten minutes later, a secretary from the CEO’s office went downstairs and personally led Rose to the reception room on the top floor in a respectful manner.
The room was divided into two sections by a folding screen. After stepping in, Rose could only see a blurry silhouette behind it.
Her breath momentarily faltered as a familiar sense of oppression washed over her.
However, she quickly composed herself and said, “Mr. Finch, can you tell me what I’ve done to offend you?”
Behind the screen, Jonathan felt his mood lighten considerably when he saw her.
He lowered his voice and replied, “You haven’t offended me.”
“Then, why have you repeatedly caused me trouble? You prevented me from staying in a hotel and even blocked my path to renting a house. What are you trying to do?” Rose was indignant.
Jonathan played with a coin in his hand.
Without hiding his intentions, he replied, “It’s not safe for you to live alone outside. I have a suite at Zenwood Gardens. You can stay there.”
Rose was taken aback. What did he mean? She had a sudden suspicion that he might be trying to keep her!