Chapter 57
His voice was as nonchalant as ever, yet it inexplicably soothed the tension in Leanne.
She shook her head, replying, “No, I don’t know him.”
“Chatting up a storm with a stranger, huh?” Curtis remarked, “You sure have a way of drawing them in.”
Indignant, Leanne couldn’t help but retort, “I’m not drawing anyone in.”
“Sure, you’re not,” Curtis replied, his voice tinged with amusement, a tone that was indulgent.
He casually slung his arm around Leanne, a gesture that was both natural and intimate. In fact, it was brimmed with possessiveness. His gaze lifted carelessly, sweeping over Derek.
That seemingly random glance carried cold and potent intimidation, instantly causing Derek to break out in a cold sweat.
“And who are you?” Curtis asked nonchalantly.
With a subdued attitude, Derek replied, “Derek. We’ve met before at Echo Summit.”
“Echo Summit?” Curtis took a moment to recall, seemingly without success, “Doesn’t ring
a bell.”
Derek’s smile became a bit strained, “Mr. Curtis, busy men like you tend to forget the little” guys.”
It had been a chance encounter at Echo Summit where Derek, along with a few friends, had gone camping. He hadn’t expected someone like Mr. Curtis to indulge in such leisure, bringing his newlywed wife to watch the meteor shower in the middle of the night.
When they met, it was only polite to greet them. The White family didn’t hold much weight in Stonebridge, so it was no surprise that Curtis barely acknowledged Derek, exchanging a few cold pleasantries before leaving with Leanne.
The chill of the early spring night made the mountain particularly cold. Leanne was bundled up, wearing a hat, with only her rosy-cheeked face exposed.
ek had been momentarily dazzled by her. Curtis’ wife truly lived up to her reputation.
Later at the campsite, their tent was set far away from Curtis’.
Mr. Curtis, wherever he went, commanded an entourage. He had booked an entire section of the site to ensure privacy.
Derek had no intention of intruding. However, Having drunk with friends, he stumbled out of the restroom in the pitch black night and accidentally wandered towards Curtis’ area.
The secluded spot was silent except for the faint sounds of a woman’s delicate moans, as if she was biting her lip, enduring something.
The man’s deep and husky voice was even clearer, tender and teasing, whispering words that would make anyone blush as he coaxed the woman.
By the time Derek realized where he was, he had sobered up significantly.
The only tent with a light hanging outside cast ambiguous shadows.
Far from being naive, Derek knew exactly what was going on inside.
However, he hadn’t expected the upright and esteemed Mr. Richardson of the Richardson family to be just like any other man behind closed doors.
Realizing his mistake, he made his way back, but he could still hear the woman’s cries. from the tent, soft, delicate, and melodious, her voice laced with a pitiful sob.
Derek had been with more melodious women, but whether it was the alcohol or the fact that she was Curtis’ woman, he felt an itch in his heart that kept him thinking about her. That night, he was restless and dreamed of her for several days.
As time passed, the memory faded, until just now when he saw Leanne walk in.
That itch reignited with a vengeance, burning hotter than before.
Despite his desire for Leanne, he wasn’t reckless enough to make a move. Crossing Curtis equated to flirting with disaster.
But no matter, he had heard the rumors. No matter how beautiful Leanne was, a man like Curtis would tire of her and discard her like trash.
Eventually, she would fall into his hands.
Derek maintained his composure, flattering Curtis a few more times, then took his leave
with tact.
Curtis was as arrogant as ever, lacking even the patience to deal with him, not sparing him a second glance.
Curtis seemed preoccupied, lost in thought.