Chapter 1072 You’re No Better

Book:That Stranger Lying Beside Me Published:2024-6-1

Paisley had goosebumps all over her body upon seeing the creepy smile on his face. She suppressed the unpleasant feeling and greeted coquettishly, “Mr. Laban, nice to meet you!”
Ornard waved his hand as a signal for his bodyguard to leave them alone. He stood up and walked towards Paisley before placing his hand on the wheelchair. “You have been injured way more serious than I thought!”
Paisley smiled helplessly and replied, “There is a saying that one would take a very long time to heal upon experiencing a fractured bone. My speed of recovery is actually relatively well.”
“Really?” Ornard lowered his head and Paisley could sense his breathing at her neck. “Is this an indication of you coming over just trying to impress me by dolling yourself up so gorgeously? Have you assumed that I am one who does not have the chance to interact with attractive women?”
Paisley’s body stiffened and she replied, “Mr. Laban, I’m not one who simply sleeps around with others! You must promise to take my hand in marriage should you intend to go physical on me. Skinship is not welcomed should you disagree on this matter.”
“An official marriage? Haha! Ms. Anthony, are you trying to make things difficult for me just because that I am no longer young? Would you have said the same thing if William is currently in my shoes?”
It was as clear as day that Ornard was being sarcastic to her. She suppressed her anger and said, “Mr. Laban, did you request for a meet-up just to humiliate me? Nobody is perfect and I do admit to having done guilty acts in the past. However, this is not an indication that I would go down that road forever.”
“I should clarify that you were the one who wanted to have an appointment with me. I have assumed that you are ready to take things further. However, it seems that you are just trying to mess with me judging by the current situation! Ms. Anthony, I am not desperate for attractive women as it is so easy to obtain one. Ms. Anthony, what bargain power do you have in impressing me? Your identity is worthless to me!”
This was the first time in Paisley’s life did she receive such great humiliation. William was not as straightforward as Ornard when he tried to make her feel bad last time. Paisley felt ashamed upon hearing about it.
She grinned weakly and said, “Mr. Laban, I am aware that I have no right in messing around with you. However, you would have to pay up should you hire an escort, right? Besides, I would be your future wife, wouldn’t I? Don’t you think that you’re being unreasonable?”
“Well, what do you want then? I don’t like beating around the bush. Let’s not test the waters further since we have decided to be upfront with each other. You shall be straightforward and let’s talk business!”
“I want to get rid of Pierre!” Paisley replied mercilessly.
“Do you hate him that much?” Ornard sat down and took out a cigarette from the case on the table before lighting it. “I had assumed you for just wanting to teach Pierre a lesson. It is out of my expectation for you to take away his life. Who do you think I am? Do I look like the grim reaper to you?”
Paisley glared at him with an angered look on her face. “How can you benefit me then? Why should I take your hand in marriage and join forces with you if you are unable to fulfill the said request?”
“Ms. Anthony, do mind your tone! You have been given a choice. I did not force you to marry me, right?” Ornard took a deep puff of the cigarette.
“Why should I have gotten ahold of you if I really have a choice?” Paisley sneered and continued speaking, “Mr. Laban, none of us are innocent. Let’s get straight to the point as we are indifferent to each other. I have only considered you since I am left with no other options. You would also need a helping hand from me, wouldn’t you?”
“Well, you’re right. I do need your assistance as I need to keep a low profile manner.” Ornard squinted his eyes and continued speaking, “Okay then. I shall let Pierre know his place as payback for you. What do you think?”
The man that was opposite of Paisley was a cunning and evil person. She knew that her cards were limited in this game and she was incapable of challenging Ornard’s actions. “Fine, I shall be the bigger person and compromise on this matter!”
“That’s great to hear!” Ornard threw the cigarette butt away before reaching out to touch her face. “There is one more matter that is currently on my mind. I shall make it clear that our relationship cannot be exposed. You have to contact me in secret before my plan succeeds!”
“I’m just a person who you are trying to take advantage of. What different am I compared to escorts and random women?” Paisley refused to agree.
“I am not on the winning side judging by the current situation. I cannot get rid of William and the Floyd family in such a straightforward manner. Hence, you would have to sacrifice yourself for the time being. Rest assured as I promise to make you an influential person in the Anthony family.”
“I am not contented by merely being an authoritative figure in the household. I aspire to take control of everything in the Anthony family.” Her father was being merciless and Pierre was being absolutely pretentious. Her eyes were full of hatred upon thinking about them.
“Don’t worry. You would have the bargaining power at the Anthony family as long as we get rid of William!”
Ornard’s eyes soon fixated on her body. “Would you prefer to stand up and take it off by yourself or should I do the honor?”
He had switched the topic within a blink of an eye. It was not long ago that they were discussing their plan. However, he then began to flirt around with Paisley after a minute later.
She genuinely did not want to have any relationship with him. However, she was aware that the sinister old fart would not be satisfied if they did not take things further. She felt that it was better to be more proactive since things had already turned out this way. “I’ll do it myself! However, with regards to Pierre’s matter…”
“You will receive the good news that you are longing for when you are able to satisfy me.” Paisley did not delay further upon hearing about it. She quickly get down to business and started to unbutton her clothes.
Ornard stared at her with a desperate and hungry look. He stood up after Paisley had removed the final layer of her clothing. He picked her up before starting their action on the sofa in the living room.
It was currently eight in the evening. William was accompanied by Marcus, Bobby, and several bodyguards as he entered the airport VIP lounge.
There was still half an hour left before the commencement of flight boarding. He sat down on the comfortable and spacious sofa and glanced at the photos sent by Valeria on his mobile phone.
It was currently one in the afternoon according to Arcadia’s time. Valeria was wearing a sunhat and sunglasses and she was seen to be at the entrance of the Brandenburg Gate. She made a pose while taking the picture with a lovely smile on her face.
William knew that she was now having fun in Berlin, the capital city based on the picture’s background. He reverted the text message which stated, “Have you had your lunch yet?”
“Yes. Care to have a guess what I ate just now?”
“Dutch baby pancake, sausage, pumpernickel, and schweinshaxe. ”
“How are you able to be so accurate?” Valeria asked.
“I am a fortune teller.”
“Pfft, I know what your tricks are. Someone must have told you about it. Honey, when would you be arriving in Arcadia?”
“About two days later,” William replied.
“Why do you need so long to come here? That’s so annoying. You used to be very free, right?”
Bobby, who was sitting next to William, had accidentally seen their text messages. He asked in confusion, “Sir, why would you lie to Valeria?”
“Don’t you know that this is a romantic gesture? I am planning to give her a surprise. By the way, why did you take a peek at our conversation?”
“I did not, it is just that your phone was too close to me. Besides, my eyesight is absolutely great. It is merely an accident that I managed to see it.”
“Nonsense!” William glared at Bobby. Marcus smiled and reminded, “It’s about time. Mr. Howard, you can board now!”
“Alright, I’m going to leave the country! Do plan things accordingly as per my instructions!”
“Duly noted!” Bobby and Marcus replied in unison.
William kept his phone away and walked towards the boarding gate. Bobby and Marcus followed him behind to send him off. They soon turned around and exited the airport after bidding goodbye to William and the bodyguards as they boarded the plane.
Both of them got into the car and ignited the engine. Bobby said in an emotional tone, “This is the first time that I am separated from Sir William ever since we have met. I am feeling rather down to see him leave the country without my company.”
“He departed to get ahold of his wife and children. Why would a bachelor like you feel depressed about it? Your current priority is to get yourself a wife.”
“Do you happen to have a partner then? How could you be so bold as to advise on my relationship status?” Bobby snapped back.
“Fine then, I am not in a great position to advise you on such a matter. The both of us are single men after all! Let’s not bring this topic up ever again!” Marcus replied in an embarrassed and helpless tone. The notification on his phone suddenly rang and he took a glance at it. He then said, “There will be a good show to watch real soon!”