Jupter 317 A Joke
As soon as he finished speaking, a hand clamped down hard on Charles‘ shoulder,
letore he could whip around to see who it was, he got yanked back.
ught off guard, he staggered, sending his cottage cheese and fruit breakfast bowl flying, splattering him from head to toe
Though his clothes shielded him, the mess left him looking like a complete wreck.
harles clenched his tongue against his cheek, raised his head, and locked eyes with William. The smallenged on William’s lips, but his demeanor hinted at achill
‘Mr. Middleton, let’s keep this civilized. What’s with the hands–on approach?” Charles quipped.
Van fixed him with a stare. “Can you even talk civilly, Mr. Davis?”
‘Of course I can. Why wouldn’t I?” Charles shrugged off his jacket, balled it up, and tossed his expensive custom suit into the trash without batting an eye.
With a sly grin, he quipped, “Heard you played hero for Ms. Hoven last night at the hospital. Appreciate it.
“Next time, though, shoot me a call After all, as her potential boyfriend, I’m supposed to be the one looking out for her, you know?”
William adjusted his cufflinks. This caught Emelie’s attention as she noticed his suit looked oddly familiar. Wasn’t that what he wore last night? Didn’the leave?
No way.
Emelie dismissed the thought immediately.
William always wore black suits that were practically indistinguishable. She was so out of it last night, she couldn’t see clearly, let alone recognize his clattes.
lam’s tone chilled. “Might as well tell me that when you’re no longer a ‘potential boyfriend, Mr. Davis. “‘
Charles shrugged casually, “past a word’s difference. No big deal ”
William fixed his gaze on Emelle, his expression a puzzle. Emelie started to speak but found herself at a loss for words.
Ashton, William’s secretary, stood nearby. Emelie hadn’t seen Ashton at the Navarro residence last night. She had assumed William had arrived in Weston with only Elena,
Ashton spoko politely, “Mr. Davis, we were just outside the hospital and noticed a traffic officer towing a Ferrari parked on the street. From the plates, it looks like yours. Should you go down and handle it?”
Charles glanced over at Ashton, his tone respectful. “No worries, let them handle it ”
“That’s a limited edition cat. 1 bet it’s worth millions. If it gets damaged during towing, the repair costs will be through the roof. Plus, it’ll need to be shipped back to the factory for repairs, which is a hassle. Mr. Davis, you should really go downstairs and take a look,” Ashton urged.
Charles remained firm “Money’s no problem for me. Don’t sweat it, sweetheart.”
Emelie chimed in, “Mr. Davis, I’m good to go. They’re about to discharge me, and I’m heading straight to the office. You should handle your car first”
Charles gave her a quick look and nodded decisively. “Okay, if you say so. Call me anytime if you need something”
“will do,”
“Emelie replied
Charles brushed past William without a word and made his way out
Ashton quietly stepped back, giving them both room.
Emelie sat on the hospital bed, craning her neck to meet William’s gaze. His strong, sculpted features reminded her of their conversation the previous night.
She had been unwell then, which explained her outburst. Now composed and clear–headed, she rebamed to her usual polite yet reserved demeanor.
“Thank you for your help last night, Mr. Middleton.”
William’s expression remained stoic. “If you’re grateful, then settle the fare.”
The face.
Elie gritted her teeth as a surge of unnameable frustration hit her. After a moment, she glanced around, spotted her phone under the pillow, and retrieved it
“Three million dollars divided by 180 days, then divided by four rides a day, makes it about four thousand dollars per ride. I’ll transfer the four–thousand–dollar fare to you Emilie said
She tapped open her payment app and began typing in four thousand just as she was about to transfer the money, William grabbed her wrist abruptly.
Emelie cleared her throat and looked up at William. “Mr.Middleton, didn’t you ask for the fare?”
“Can’t you tell that it was a joke?” William’s gaze bore into hers.
Emelie hesitated. “A joke?”
William’s voice lowered. “Don’t you like that kind of banter?
Emelle was taken aback by his assumption. “I don’t”
“And yet you joke and laugh with Charles,” William pressed, his tone sharp.
“When I made a shudler comment, you acted as it were a huge insult, like I wanted to shame you. But with him, it’s fine. Ms. Hoven, don’t you see the double standard here?–