Mesmerized and Attached

Chapter 4 His Decision

James' POV:

The moment Stella Bynes entered the office, I recognized her from our past. She was the girl who had given me flowers back in school when I was 20. At that time, upon approaching me, she suddenly slipped and let out a scream. Seeing that she was on the verge of falling, I rushed to her aid and helped her up without hesitation. In return, she gave me a shy smile, which lingered in my thoughts every night before I went to sleep.

Then, I had her investigated and learned that she was the famous lady of the Bynes Group.

Later, shocking news came that she was sentenced to 10 years' imprisonment for killing her father.

Surprisingly, Stella was released from prison in advance. And she was willing to humble herself to apply for a job as a saleslady at my place.

While I empathized with her situation and longed to offer her an opportunity, the sales industry could be ruthless. I harbored doubts about whether she, once a wealthy girl, could handle such a demanding job. My professional ethics prevented me from compromising my standards for her sake.

However, I didn't expect her to demonstrate her capability by seducing me.

Although I had never been attracted to women before, when Stella undressed, unveiling her voluptuous figure, and boldly initiated a kiss, I found myself unable to resist. It was as if rational thought had abandoned me completely. After so many years, this was the first time I had felt such a strong desire for a woman.

She took off her clothes and gave me a kiss, so I assumed she was a dissolute woman.

Unexpectedly, she was still a virgin! Damn it! I was ashamed of my previous prejudice against her!

Looking into my eyes, Stella asked, "Is this... enough?" Her eyes betrayed her deep sadness and depression as if she had experienced this kind of thing many times.

I instantly felt a pang of remorse for my part in her suffering.

Only those who had struggled for a living could sympathize with the despair and sorrow she had endured. It dawned on me that I was such a cruel jerk.

I had never imagined that the once-privileged lady could go to such lengths for an ordinary job. Stella's resilience humbled me, and I found myself in awe of her strength.

Therefore, I hired her against Mia's doubts and objections. By keeping her by my side, I hoped to at least provide some measure of protection and perhaps ease the sorrow that clouded her beautiful blue eyes.

Stella's POV:

I really missed my mother after the incident, so I intended to visit her grave.

On my way there, I casually flipped through the day's newspaper. Although the main financial section held no important information, a familiar face caught my eye in the sub-edition.

The past remained vivid in my mind. Six years ago, this hateful man held my hand and stabbed my Dad.

It was Leo Wilson. According to the report, he had changed his surname to Bynes.

The photo showed him cutting the ribbon with a broad grin. Next to him was his younger sister, Layla Wilson, whose last name was now Bynes, too.

The siblings had not only caused my mother's death and my father's tragedy, but also finally taken all our family's wealth and status. They lived such a glorious life. Their smug smiles disgusted me so much that I wished to expose their sorry asses in the freaking spotlight.

But then, a huge picture in the main financial section stunned me. A man in a dark blue suit was standing on the podium of an economic forum. He appeared calm, elegant, and relaxed, with charming eyes.

Wasn't this the bastard in the Azure Ocean office just now?

I hurried to read the introduction and noticed his name was James Laurent.

The Laurent family?

He was actually from the Laurent family!

But his despicable manner was not like their style.

Silver Group, a prominent large company in the country, belonged to the Laurent family, which was famous for their adherence to strict family traditions and upright personalities within their social circle. James, in particular, gained additional renown for his celibacy.

But he actually harassed a newcomer like me in the office. Could it be that their moral behavior was merely a charade?

The rich were indeed evil.

At the very beginning of my career, I ran into such a beast with wealth and power, which suddenly sent a chill down my spine.

After I arrived at the cemetery, it took me a while to search for my mother's grave. It was empty in front of the tombstone, suggesting that no one had visited her in the past six years. The realization evoked a profound sense of sadness and caused tears to well up in my eyes.

I placed the flowers before the tombstone and sat on the ground. Staring at her name, I smiled with tears. "Silly Mom. If you had been tougher and investigated the origins of those three jerks, our family wouldn't have been reduced to such dire straits.

Like mother, like daughter. I'm no better than you, though. Instead of stabbing the right ones to death, I ended up sending myself to prison for six years.

But don't worry. Their good days are coming to an end soon. Let's wait and see. Sooner or later, I will reclaim what we have lost. The three of them will have to pay a hundredfold or much worse for what they have done to our family. Mom, you must bless me in heaven.

Despite the heavy price, I have already secured a job. Now, I need to work hard to support myself until the time for vengeance arrives."

I perched in front of my mother's grave and talked for a long time. I didn't realize it was getting dark until my cell phone rang.

"Stella, I'm too busy to go home right away. I'm at Revel Club now. Come over, and I'll give you the key to the apartment."

I rushed over. Upon my arrival at the magnificent entrance, I spotted a shiny black car slowly approaching from afar.

The silver wing logo with the letter "B" exuded a sense of low-key luxury.

A man in a pure black business coat stepped out of the car. He was as tall and handsome as a star with an imposing aura.

What bad luck!

Then, an attractive woman emerged as well. It was Layla.

Damn it! When did this f*****g San Francisco become so diminutive?

James and Layla walked side by side into Revel Club.

I shrank back to avoid meeting the siblings.

After finishing a cigarette, I put out the butt and threw it into the trash can before entering slowly.

"Excuse me, Miss. Could you please present your membership card?" After observing me for a few seconds, the receptionist didn't recognize me and politely stopped me.

I let out a sigh, turned around, and stepped back. I was about to call Sheila when there was a pain in my wrist.

With great force, I was yanked behind the pillar. James' muscular, long arms trapped me, and his gaze was icy. "Are you tailing me?"

"You're crazy!" I pushed him, but it was in vain.

James scrutinized me with a deep gaze for nearly half a minute before withdrawing his arm from my neck.

My cell phone rang in my coat pocket. It was Sheila.

I touched my painful neck while answering the call. "I'm at the entrance and unable to get in. Please send the key out."

"I forgot about the membership. I'm sorry. I'll be right out."

I ended the call, only to find that James was nowhere to be seen.

Sheila dashed out. "It's still early. Would you like to join us for fun?"

I refused, not in the mood for entertainment at that moment. Snatching the key, I waved goodbye to her and headed toward the nearest bus stop.

After a while, a black Bentley slowly pulled up on the side of the road on my left. The window rolled down, revealing James' chiseled face. "Get in!"

Reluctant to accept his offer, I hurried forward and quickened my pace.

However, the irritating Bentley kept pace with me.

All of a sudden, I halted, opened the front passenger seat door, and got in.