Franklin began to explain without batting an eyelid, “Can’t you see what is going on? This is obviously two conscientious adults involved in a deal. She was paid, yet she suddenly ran off. I was only able to catch up to her now…”
Selina immediately wanted to retort, “That’s not true…”
Before she could make her point clear, a burst of mocking laughter sounded by her ears. It was subtle yet full of sarcasm.
“In my opinion, you won’t be able to go through with your deal here. I advise you to give up.”
Selina felt blood draining out of her face as she recalled the words Manfred had said back then. Suddenly, she felt her heart enveloped in ice, “I was the one fulfilling this appointment to negotiate a business deal, yet he didn’t hold on to our agreement. How can you slander me just based on his empty words? You think you can simply defame others just because you are the number one guy in Russell City?”
Manfred froze a little as he studied this vehement woman in front of him. He narrowed his eyes gradually.
Franklin hurriedly argued upon hearing that, “Mr. Gordon, don’t listen to her nonsense. This woman has no dignity at all, we don’t have to continue this topic about her. How about we talk about us? I wonder if you have time, Mr. Gordon? Shall we have a coffee together sometimes?”
“I don’t have the mood!” Manfred suddenly replied impatiently. He wasn’t going to give any face to Franklin at all.
Franklin was utterly indignant, but he could only make himself less embarrassed by saying, “Then I shall wait until you are in a better mood for that!”
“Get lost!” Manfred suddenly roared.
That woman’s inquisitive initiative just now invariably ignited a flame in his heart. The corner of his eyes took in Selina who was sulking behind Lawrence and his mind thought that this woman could really arouse different kinds of feelings every time.
The first time, it was all passion, and the second time, he just felt a distant sensibility hovering over them. During their third encounter, he could feel her standing up for something, and this time she was simply looking pitiful.
This held true especially with her bare shoulders and cascading hair draped over her. She was shivering non-stop too. He suddenly recalled the first time she had shed tears while being pinned underneath by his body.
“Franklin, aren’t you leaving yet? Or are you waiting for me to bring you back to the station?” Lawrence sensed that Manfred was somehow in a foul mood, and in order to prevent any unforeseen turn of events, he probed Franklin.
Only then did Franklin nod with a smile, “I won’t be a bother now. I’ll hereby take my leave.”
As the door shut, Lawrence turned around and asked Selina with concern, “Are you alright?”
Selina simply shook her head as she couldn’t produce a response, seemingly still gripped with lingering fear.
Lawrence continued, “Franklin is really a sly one. I would expect him to wait for you out there. Since we are leaving anyway, you can join us!”
Selina wanted to nod out of relief, but when she turned her gaze to Manfred, she suddenly shook her head, “I don’t think there’s a need for that!”
After saying that, she was about to leave, but she suddenly felt her legs wobble. It must be the effects of the drug coming into full bloom. Her whole body was heating up at the moment.
Lawrence reached out to steady her, “What’s wrong?”
Manfred happened to turn around and saw this scene. For some reason, he suddenly felt the flame of anger burning more intensely in his heart.
He strutted over and pushed Lawrence aside before saying in a commanding tone, “With your current status, you better not mess around with strangers of unknown roots, especially those you couldn’t put your finger on.”
Lawrence raised his brows, “Are you saying that you are familiar with those people?”
Manfred didn’t respond to that. He simply shot a glare at Lawrence to urge him to shut up.
Selina felt like her brain was descending into chaos. Despite knowing the dangers posed by this man in front of her, a familiar masculine scent somehow enticed her to inch closer towards him. It was as if she could suck off a droplet of nutrient just by coming close to him.
Manfred’s eyes darkened, “Franklin that bastard!”
The next second, he glanced at Lawrence, “You can go first!”
Then, before Lawrence could answer him, he swept Selina off her feet and rushed upstairs.