CHAPTER 40: CHAPTER 40: CLINGY

Victoria Monroe turned her head and saw Julian Fordham. His steps were still steady and composed, but his face was soaked with icy cold, and the chill swept outward in all directions.

Whether it was Rhys Hawthorne or Julian Fordham, they both gave her a headache.

She had previously guessed which family Rhys Hawthorne belonged to.

When she sat at the same table with Willis, she should have realized, but it took Julian Fordham several years.

And all she needed to do was to hold Rhys Hawthorne’s arm to stand above a level that even billionaires hadn’t crossed.

Portoros, with the Hawthorne name.

She should have thought of it earlier, but at that time she felt it was unlikely for such a big figure.

Thinking back now, a single call from him brought Dominic Scott over. How could it be for his brother’s sake? It was because Dominic Scott was originally the legal advisor of Hawthorne Group.

So Julian Fordham would say she was climbing up Rhys Hawthorne.

Victoria Monroe initially just wanted to collaborate with him, never expecting it to develop to today’s extent.

Willis gave her this endorsement for the sake of Rhys Hawthorne. It felt good to receive such benefits, but what could she offer to repay this enormous favor?

Victoria Monroe instinctively wanted to distance herself from Rhys Hawthorne, but on the other side was Julian Fordham.

In front of her was a cliff, behind her an abyss.

Victoria Monroe took a step back, her expression cold as she rejected, "Mr. Fordham, what are you saying? Your wife is still inside waiting for you. If you and I are caught in a photo, tomorrow you’ll sign the contract, won’t you be afraid of Willis finding out?"

"Victoria, do you really have to say such things to mock me? You know clearly I am just playing along."

Victoria Monroe remained calm and distant, "That is your affair, Julian Fordham, at least I have already given you enough face."

She did not go mad and seek revenge because of Julian Fordham’s betrayal; even in separation, she hoped it would be dignified.

Thus, she chose neither of them and gritted her teeth as she walked forward.

Two kilometers were nothing, certainly better than getting into Rhys Hawthorne’s car and driving Julian Fordham mad.

Victoria Monroe walked away in her high heels.

Julian Fordham looked at Rhys Hawthorne, "Mr. Hawthorne, give up. With your status, Victoria can never be with you in this life, and I will never let go!"

Rhys Hawthorne spoke lightly, "President Fordham, life is long and full of unknowns, but my car has already arrived."

He got into the black Maybach, and Julian Fordham thought it was not good.

Though Rhys Hawthorne was younger than him, he did everything flawlessly.

Before Victoria Monroe left, he had already arranged for the car to be brought out.

The car drove to Victoria Monroe’s side and stopped. Rhys Hawthorne leaned back in his seat, his gaze calmly falling on Victoria Monroe’s face, and before she could refuse, he spoke:

"After the news of your comeback spread online, not only the media but also many fervent fans have gathered. If you walk a few hundred meters ahead, you’ll be surrounded. You’re alone, without even a bodyguard, are you sure you want to walk out like this?"

Victoria Monroe’s fingertips slightly curled; she didn’t know how to face Rhys Hawthorne.

Rhys Hawthorne wasn’t in a hurry either. He watched as the Cullinan behind accelerated, "Or would you prefer President Fordham to take you home? If so, then I suppose it was just my wishful thinking."

He was about to close the car door when Victoria Monroe’s hand blocked the edge. Rhys Hawthorne looked at her with indifferent eyes, "It seems you have made a decision."

Victoria Monroe quickly got into the car.

Rhys Hawthorne didn’t speak. Even in silence, his strong presence sitting beside her was overwhelming.

Victoria Monroe turned her head only to find his eyes fixed on her, without any reservation, black and intense.

Such blatant staring made Victoria Monroe uneasy, her face burning from being watched.

"Why are you avoiding me?" Rhys Hawthorne asked bluntly.

This time, the two of them had an open and sincere talk. Victoria Monroe looked into his eyes and said, "Julian Fordham said you found me an endorsement. His chip breaking through is the best advertisement and doesn’t need any spokesperson."

Rhys Hawthorne toyed with the black prayer beads. He seemed calm and restrained, yet carried an irresistible sharpness.

"Willis inquired about your identity, and I merely introduced you truthfully as an excellent domestic actress who has won many awards and rested for a few years due to illness, now planning to return to the limelight."

Rhys Hawthorne paused, speaking unhurriedly, "From beginning to end, I never mentioned anything about endorsements. Perhaps he simply thought your image was a perfect fit."

"Isn’t it because of your status?" Victoria Monroe tackled the issue directly, "Mr. Hawthorne."

In the industry, many people called him that way. These three words coming from Victoria Monroe’s mouth seemed to carry a sarcastic undertone.

Rhys Hawthorne’s gaze grew deeper, "I won’t deny that is part of the reason. My father has some acquaintance with Willis."

This sentence tacitly confirmed his identity.

Today, he brought Victoria Monroe into such a high-profile place, never really intending to continue hiding.

"The dignified third mister of the Hawthorne Family, earning millions in minutes, yet here you are, coming down to play these childish games with me..." A trace of self-mockery crossed her lips.

"Ms. Monroe misunderstood. I have two elder brothers and many cousins managing the company. I am the youngest in the family, and my father is not strict with me. Four years ago I entered the entertainment circle, and four years later, I could do it again."

He looked at her openly, "You need not be nervous. Regardless of whether this endorsement succeeds, it means little to Willis or the Hawthorne Family, a mere trifling matter doesn’t even count as a favor, so I won’t demand you pay any price for it."

Rhys Hawthorne’s words were too forthright, making her seem too sensitive, suspecting a nobleman with the heart of a petty person.

"Mr. Hawthorne, I..." Victoria Monroe hadn’t finished speaking when many media suddenly appeared ahead.

Although the car windows were private glass, the windshield was not.

Their joint attendance at the banquet could be explained as cooperation, but leaving in the same car would spark sensational gossip overshadowing her comeback news.

Rhys Hawthorne had planned ahead, deliberately switching cars upon departure.

Seeing the cameras aimed at the car, today’s photography equipment is increasingly advanced; it’s hard to ensure not being photographed.

"Ms. Monroe, pardon me." Rhys Hawthorne pulled her body tightly into his embrace.

Victoria Monroe understood his intention and did not struggle, even pressing her body down further, allowing Rhys Hawthorne to cover her with his suit jacket.

Victoria Monroe didn’t notice that her cheek was just touching the man’s lower abdomen.

Her shallow, heated breaths seeped through the suit pants, Rhys Hawthorne’s dark eyes growing ever deeper.

Covered by the jacket, Victoria Monroe’s view was completely dark, Rhys Hawthorne’s unique cool pine sandalwood wrapped around from all sides, gradually eroding her nerves.

After a few seconds, she cautiously poked out half her face, "Is it safe now?"

Only to meet Rhys Hawthorne’s downcast eyes, the dark pupils like unfathomable abysses, threatening to draw her in.

She saw the man’s cool, sharp Adam’s apple roll gently, then heard his deep voice, "Not yet, aside from the media, there are still a lot of fans, hide well."

Victoria Monroe thought of how crazy her fans were at her peak; calling it a ten-mile long street would not be an exaggeration.

Today, adding Rhys Hawthorne especially, their CP fans are each crazier than the last.

The driver, seeing the fans and fervent reporters ahead, eased off the gas to slow down.

Feeling the car slow down, Victoria Monroe was a bit nervous, her body moved gently.

Making Rhys Hawthorne recall the ragdoll cat from his childhood, clingy, its little paws scratching not so painfully, rather like it was coquettish, making one itch with longing to hold and tease, kiss it.

With occasional gentle sway of the car, the hands, originally gingerly grasping his shirt, instinctively wrapped around his waist.

When the palm touched his skin, the hot body heat penetrated the thin shirt, reaching the muscles.

Rhys Hawthorne’s tense body quivered slightly, in the darkness, a hint of blush appeared on the man’s ear roots.

His low voice came from above her head, "Alright, there’s no one now."

Only then did Victoria Monroe carefully lift the jacket, returning to her seat.

She didn’t notice, the man’s breaths were noticeably faster than usual.

Silence filled the journey, approaching Victoria Monroe’s home, he slowly spoke, "Ms. Monroe."

"What?"

"Don’t be afraid of me, I grew up in Kenton, you need not concern yourself with the Hawthorne Family, so..."

The car stopped at the entrance, the dim streetlamp light fell through the car window, outlining Rhys Hawthorne’s handsome and sharp profile, his features distinct and vivid.

When his deep dark pupils looked at her, they easily captured all of Victoria Monroe’s attention.

"Don’t call me Mr. Hawthorne, just call me Rhys Hawthorne."

Victoria Monroe’s throat tightened, feeling the atmosphere somewhat ominous, squeezed out a word from the depth of her throat: "Okay."

"Moreover, even within a marriage, if he hurts you, you can tell me anytime."

This statement exceeded the borders of friendship; he quickly added another sentence: "After all, you’re still pregnant, your health comes first, Ms. Monroe..."

Rhys Hawthorne said word by word, "You can always trust me!"

The Cullinan followed the Maybach, stopping but no one getting off.

Julian Fordham completely lost control, disregarding gentlemanly manners, rudely opened the car door.

Though they didn’t approach, their eyes met, the atmosphere in the car ambiguous.

He urgently spoke, "Victoria..."