CHAPTER 117: CHAPTER 117: IGNORANT OF LIFE AND DEATH

"What are Keith Donovan’s tactics worth, really?" James Grant’s sharp eyes glinted with a hint of amusement. "If it were me, I’d drown in the lure of softness rather than let some clowns push us around—shouldn’t we tightly hold on to our own women?"

As he spoke, his hand beneath the table continued to roam.

The subtle emotion that had just surfaced in Evelyn Clayton’s heart immediately dissipated.

Expressionless, she slapped James Grant’s misbehaving hand away from her waist and, still not satisfied, pinched the man’s thigh.

Their little tactics were hidden behind the long table.

Clara Yates couldn’t see and wasn’t in the mood to notice.

Unable to understand the implication behind James Grant’s words, she could only awkwardly smile and ask, "James, have we been apart too long? I can’t seem to understand what you’re saying."

Her feigned ignorance was exactly as James Grant expected.

Thus, he wasn’t in a hurry to respond and didn’t even bother to spare her a glance.

Such indifference was enough to jumble Clara Yates’ thoughts and sink her heart even lower.

She couldn’t help but think in the worst direction—where had things gone wrong?

Evelyn Clayton withdrew her observing gaze, no longer interested in staying.

Clara Yates didn’t even realize she had done anything wrong; her eyes were fixated solely on profit.

Her stubbornness would lead to her downfall.

"Let’s go back," Evelyn Clayton said lightly.

James Grant didn’t object.

Just as they decided to leave, Clara Yates was unwilling to let them go. But then her phone rang; it was Lynn Yates.

"The project that Yates Group has been bidding on got snatched away in these past few days."

Without speaker mode on, the voice from the earpiece wasn’t loud.

Yet in the silence, it was jarring.

Instinctively, Clara Yates looked towards James Grant, but all she saw was his broad back.

She hurriedly lowered the volume, her grasp on the phone whitening her knuckles due to pressure, "Who did this?"

Who would dare rob the Yates Family’s project without blinking and without fearing death!

If she discovered the perpetrator...

Wait!

A thought inexplicably crossed her mind, causing a pang of panic in Clara Yates’ heart.

Lynn Yates’ voice reached her ears.

"Who else but The Grant Group?!"

A deafening buzz filled her brain, making Clara Yates’ pupils quiver.

"I wasn’t sure before, but now it’s certain. It’s because you made a move against Evelyn Clayton that James Grant is retaliating against the Yates Family. That man’s insane! You better wise up and apologize quickly; otherwise, once he has more time on his hands, snatching a single project will be the least of your problems!"

"Clara Yates, didn’t you have some relations with James Grant? Apologize, make amends, say something nice, and maybe he’ll spare the Yates Family."

"Hello? Clara Yates, are you listening?!"

Lynn Yates’ voice, increasingly agitated, faded into muffled murmurs in Clara’s ears, yet she caught a few key words.

Apologize?

Plead?

Clara Yates bitterly smiled; she couldn’t imagine James Grant would buy into that tactic.

She barely ever got any benefit from James Grant, let alone after offending him.

What was once speculation was now confirmed, and Clara Yates’ heart was suspended in mid-air.

After a moment of inner turmoil, seeing Evelyn Clayton and James Grant about to step out, she finally called after them.

"Wait a moment!"

The urgent tone of a woman resonated throughout the space.

James Grant feigned ignorance, leading Evelyn Clayton without slowing.

Evelyn Clayton’s long lashes fluttered, instantly comprehending his motive—she chuckled despite herself.

Someone’s need for revenge was stronger than hers!