Chapter 308 Playing Hard to Get
Audrey felt a twinge of resentment. She'd sacrificed so much, and for what? She never thought finding a man, even when she was from a wealthy family, would be an issue.
She let the rumors fly to keep her status as Francis's fiancée, all for him.
To Audrey, Francis's status was just a bonus. She believed no one could love him more than she did.
Francis looked at her, his words cold. "I've decided to get back with Harper. I'll explain to my mom and talk to your parents if needed. It's on me; your reputation won't suffer."
His words left no room for negotiation.
Audrey's pride turned to pain. Francis made it clear he didn't need her anymore.
Even though it was all a facade orchestrated by Audrey, Francis didn't pay attention to entertainment news and only found out when it spread. Despite his denial, the public assumed he was keeping his relationship with Audrey private.
Audrey had asked Francis for help, implying she didn't want to marry early either. With her as a shield, Abigail wouldn't push him to marry.
Feeling dizzy and weak, Audrey collected herself. She wouldn't cling desperately. She smiled and said softly, "Alright, I'll do as you say."
Francis showed no emotion, nodded, and walked out with Audrey following.
As they neared the car, Francis stopped and said, "I had Victor arrange a car for you."
Audrey's face paled. They'd gone out together before, with Victor driving and her in the passenger seat. The media often ignored Victor, fantasizing about a loving couple. Now, he wouldn't even let her ride with him.
Overwhelmed, Audrey asked, "Francis, why are you doing this to me?"
Her voice choked with emotion.
Francis looked at her, his eyes probing and sharp.
Audrey quickly composed herself, holding back tears. "I mean, we used to travel together for business, and people wouldn't overthink it."
Francis replied, "I don't care what others think, but now I'm worried Harper might misunderstand."
Before Harper returned, these details didn't matter. But now, he didn't want any misunderstandings or blurred boundaries like with Chloe.
Francis continued, "I'll have the company issue another clarification statement soon. You should cooperate. From now on, let Victor handle project deliveries; you don't need to do it yourself."
Audrey couldn't argue. She forced a smile. "Okay. But Francis, my dad's health isn't good. Can we delay the statement until he's better?"
Seeing Francis hesitate, she quickly added, "It won't take long, maybe half a month? We've issued statements before, and I've never said we had a relationship. For my aging father, can you help me out?"
The Hernandez family had always supported him. Francis nodded before getting into the car.
Audrey got into the car Victor arranged. As the cars passed, she saw Francis's chiseled profile through the window. Even in dim light, his handsome face stood out.
Audrey clenched her fingers tightly, almost drawing blood. Her eyes darkened as she remembered the two sneaky people she saw at the family restroom door earlier.
She realized she didn't need to do anything; there were already people eager to deal with Harper. Audrey relaxed her grip and leaned back in the seat. The streetlights cast a soft glow on her face, but there was no warmth. She had loved Francis for years, and no one was going to take him away.
In the car, Victor glanced at the back seat. "Mr. Getty, where to?"
Francis, pinching the bridge of his nose, replied, "Just wait."
Wait for what? For Harper, who hadn't come out yet.
Victor noticed Francis's exhaustion. With all the recent flights, he must be worn out.
"How about I take you to rest first, and I'll wait here?" Victor suggested.
"No need," Francis said, looking at the door and then his watch. "Go in and see what's happening. If anyone's giving her a hard time, help her out."
Victor nodded and got out of the car.
Inside the private room, Harper, feeling parched, drank some juice. She had explained she was driving and couldn't drink alcohol. It was an excuse; she couldn't handle alcohol well and wouldn't drink without trusted people around.
The dinner party was lively, with Maurice playing games with everyone. Harper didn't want to leave early and dampen the mood, but as she sat, her head started to spin, her mouth filled with saliva, and her heart raced.
She stood up to leave but swayed, her forehead covered in sweat. Maurice quickly called a waitress to help Harper into the lounge to rest.
In the lounge, Harper's headache and palpitations worsened. Realizing something was wrong, she wanted to call Jasper but had left her phone at the table.
She forced herself to get up and look for a waitress to retrieve her phone. She had barely taken two steps when the door opened.
Maurice walked in, seeing her stand shakily, and hurried over with concern. "Are you okay?"
Harper's mind was foggy, her body hot and restless. "Mr. Hall, could you get my phone for me?"
Maurice took out a rose-gold phone. "Is this your phone?"
Harper's vision blurred, seeing two of Maurice and two phones. "Yes, it's mine. Please give it to me."
Maurice pretended to hand it over but let it slip, and it fell to the ground. He smiled slyly, "Oops, sorry. I dropped it."
Harper bent down to pick up the phone, finding it black-screened and unresponsive. Something felt off. How could her phone be broken so easily, especially on a carpeted floor? Her anxious, restless state was unusual as well.
She saw Maurice's shoes approaching and her heart raced. She bit her tongue and pinched her palms, standing up abruptly. "Mr. Hall, I gotta go."
Maurice froze, suspicious of Harper's normal expression. 'Did the drug fail?'
Harper smiled. "Mr. Hall, are you going back to the room too?"
Maurice was momentarily bluffed. If the drug hadn't worked, things would get complicated. If it worked, he could claim she seduced him. If not, it would be rape.
Maurice laughed awkwardly, "Oh, you know what? Actually, I need to rest for a while."
"Alright, I'll head out then, Mr. Hall." Harper suppressed her frantic heartbeat, maintaining balance.
Just as she was about to grab the door handle, a shout came from behind. "Stop!"
Harper's right hand trembled, and she froze, hearing the approaching footsteps.
"Are you okay?" Maurice's voice grew closer, excited. "I can give you a massage to help you."
Harper's forehead broke out in sweat. As Maurice's hand was about to touch her shoulder, she turned abruptly and threw her phone at his head, eliciting a scream.
Harper frantically tried to open the door, but the handle wouldn't budge. Suddenly, Maurice grabbed her ankles and yanked hard, causing her to fall.
Above her, Maurice's malicious laughter echoed. "I like it when you play hard to get."
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