Mesmerized and Attached

Chapter 9 Teaching Her a Lesson

James' POV:

Stella actually left with another man for some measly gain. It was really infuriating. Seeing her all smiles and giggles with that old creep Elliott at the jewelry store, buying gifts and laughing over some cheap piece of jewelry - it's nauseating. If I didn't teach her a lesson, she wouldn't even know who she had offended.

Stella's POV:

Receiving James' invitation, Elliott was over the moon. "Sure thing, Mr. Laurent. I'd be honored to play with you."

He was so excited that he was almost shedding tears of joy.

James took the lead and walked ahead with his elegantly dressed companion by his side.

Elliott pulled me along.

As James turned, he casually, or maybe intentionally, glanced at my face, sharp as a knife, making me feel uncomfortable all over.

But with those three big deals in mind, I gritted my teeth and followed Elliott closely.

I felt extremely ashamed to be in front of James with Elliott, and I had said that I would do anything for the deals. James really thought that I would hook up with any guy.

But I needed money, lots of money. Only with money could I get revenge, so I didn't care about how James looked at me.

After what had happened in the office, he became even more convinced that I was the kind of woman who would sleep with anyone.

Besides, as he just said, as long as I could bring in revenue for the company, he wouldn't mind what I did. Thinking this way, I had nothing to be ashamed of. And I didn't do anything scandalous coming out with Elliott.

In addition, he had a beautiful woman beside him. We were the same.

Oh! Why was I overthinking this? Did James have anything to do with me? Why did I care so much about his opinion and repeatedly explain what I was doing?

I didn't know why I felt this way, but deep down, I was uneasy and a little guilty.

The elevator door opened. James stepped in, and his female companion followed closely, clinging to his arm like a damsel in distress.

Elliott went in, and I was the last one to enter.

I lowered my head and tried to stand behind them.

But as soon as I took a step, a tall shadow loomed over me. James stood in front of me, his clean and subtle cologne, mixed with a hint of tobacco, wafting into my nose.

The smell was not bad. In fact, it was quite tempting, but that allure also brought uncertainty and panic.

His companion groaned in a coquettish tone but still held James' arm tightly as they moved a few steps towards me.

I didn't understand what James meant by moving to me, but I couldn't push further in. Reluctantly, I turned around, standing stiffly in front of them, staring as the elevator doors closed slowly.

James and his companion stood in the middle, with Elliott behind them and me in the front.

It was good to keep a distance from Elliott, but James practically pressed right against my back making me feel even more uneasy. His warm breath seemed to brush against my neck. My heart was pounding uncontrollably.

Fortunately, the billiard room was on the fifth floor. We got there in less than two minutes.

I practically bolted out of the elevator.

As we entered the billiard room, Elliott and James took off their suit jackets and coats, wearing only shirts and trousers.

Elliott in his black shirt exuded a sense of seasoned maturity.

James was more handsome and younger than Elliott. His innate imposing presence made people unable to shift their gazes from him.

He unbuttoned the collar of his simple white shirt and slightly rolled up the sleeves, revealing his expensive limited-edition wristwatch, which was shining in the light.

When the two entered the room, James attracted almost everyone's attention.

Men were all in awe while women were utterly captivated.

We entered a private billiard room.

James' female companion acted like a sidekick, helping him choose a cue, fetching drinks, and prancing around the room in high heels.

I stood by the window, holding the gift that Elliott had just bought, and silently watched them play billiards.

I didn't know if Elliott wasn't good at this or if he did it on purpose, but he lost one round after another.

After a while, Elliott came to me and said, "I can't defeat him. I need a break."

In this situation, I couldn't say much, so I forced a smile. "Take your time."

Elliott saw a bottle of water next to me and took it. "Is it yours?"

I nodded. The waiter had just brought some bottles of water in, and I had taken a few sips of it.

Elliott naturally unscrewed the cap and started drinking.

I wanted to stop him, but it was too late.

Suddenly, a black ball came hurtling towards us out of nowhere, quick as a streak of lightning.

Elliott's back was turned, and by the time he heard the wind and tried to pull me aside, it was too late.

The black ball hit my waist hard, then broke the glass behind me and shot straight out.

It felt like a heavy blow out of nowhere, making me groan in pain.

"Sorry, my hand slipped just now," James said coldly.

"Stella, are you okay? Let me see!" As Elliott spoke, he was about to lift my clothes to check my waist.

I quickly grasped my clothes, enduring the throbbing pain, shaking my head. "I'm fine. The ball just brushed past my waist. It didn't hit me."

Elliott wanted to say something, but James' cold voice cut in. "Mr. Cooper, the balls are ready. Another round!"

I couldn't help but look up at James.

He stood there with one hand on his waist and the other resting on top of the upright cue, staring at me with icy eyes.

James had just hit me with the ball, but he did not even apologize to me. Instead, he looked cold and irritated, as if I had done something to anger him.

This guy was seriously messed up!

He was definitely insane!