Chapter 255 - Have a Field Day
In the quietude of their shared quarters, Reese sought to create a chasm between herself and Malcolm. However, he was not one to allow such a distance. With a swift, fluid motion, he drew Reese back into his sphere, his arms enveloping her in a comforting embrace.
"Why this sudden frostiness?" he queried, a playful note in his voice. "You were all sweetness and light when you needed my assistance, and now you've turned icy. That's not like the woman I married... to be so aloof."
At his words, Reese's smile froze in place, the transformation so swift it was nearly startling.
With a defiant lift of her chin, she gripped Malcolm's tie, her eyes aflame with possessiveness. "If your sister dares to covet you again, don't fault me for my harshness. And if she dares to provoke me further, she'll find herself facing more than mere embarrassment."
Everly had been let off lightly. Under any other circumstances, Reese would have already cornered her into a tearful submission.
Malcolm noted Reese's icy demeanor, her displeasure evident. Yet he didn't perceive it as a mood swing. Instead, he saw it as a sign of authenticity, of trust. Reese's past and the issues she had faced had left deep wounds, making it difficult for her to trust easily. Her best defense was to keep her emotions hidden; if no one could see into her heart, they couldn't exploit her vulnerabilities.
But Malcolm wanted Reese to understand that she wasn't alone, that she didn't have to maintain a facade of strength. She could reveal her frailty, her deepest secrets – he would accept and embrace all of it.
Drawing Reese back into his arms, his warm palm gently caressed her back as he spoke in soft, soothing tones, “Next time she tries to mess with you, you won’t have to lift a finger. I'll take care of it, okay?”
His words were a sweet nothing that caused Reese’s heart to flutter. She was often left speechless by Malcolm's endearments, her mind a blank canvas.
The room fell silent once more until Reese changed the topic, “Why did you fire Victor Strong?”
“To defend your honor,” he replied confidently. “The man insulted my wife in my presence. How could I call myself a man if I let that slide?” Malcolm punctuated his statement with an affectionate tap on Reese’s nose.
Reese found herself unable to argue with his logic. However, unlike other women, she was capable of defending herself; she didn't need Malcolm creating a scene on her behalf.
Had Malcolm not fired Strong, Everly wouldn't have had her moment of triumph. But it wasn't entirely his fault. He had also seen it as an opportunity to rid himself of Strong – a task that would have otherwise been difficult.
Reese, however, disliked being used as a pawn, especially by Malcolm. It felt as though her situation was merely an excuse for him to remove someone he had wanted gone.
She preferred transparency over causing a scene later. Malcolm sensed a shift in the woman in his arms, noticing the chilly demeanor that contrasted with her earlier meekness.
"What's wrong, darling?"
"Next time you plan one of these two-birds-with-one-stone stunts, give me a heads-up. I don’t like being blindsided," she stated flatly. Especially when it appeared to be for her benefit but was truly self-serving – something she had experienced more than enough of before.
People often approached her with exaggerated kindness, but their intentions always had an ulterior motive.
Malcolm recognized her anger, acknowledging her independent nature that set her apart. No other woman would dare to be so audacious in his presence, but Reese had become his cherished exception.
He took her hand and pressed a gentle kiss to it, murmuring reassurances. "Okay, no more of that, don't be mad. You know you're not as pretty when you're angry," Malcolm said, his tone teasing, a rarity for him in serious moments. It caught Reese off guard, and her composed facade cracked.
A short, amused sound escaped Malcolm. "Well, would you look at that, our darling wife isn't one to lose her temper."
"Don't try to charm me—it won't work."
"Then how about a kiss?" he suggested, wrapping his arms around Reese's waist and planting a quick peck on her lips before she could evade him.
Annoyed, she glared at him. "Malcolm, can you quit it with the surprise attacks?"
He smirked and raised an eyebrow, "Would you let me kiss you if I asked?"
"No."
"Well, there you have it." He implied a surprise attack was his only option.
Reese couldn't help but notice how Malcolm always seemed unreasonable, yet he made arguments she couldn't refute.
She gently pushed him away. "I've got things to attend to, go handle your business."
Tomorrow was the day to elect the new Chamber of Commerce President, and she needed to be thoroughly prepared to spring her surprise on Shirley.
With that, Malcolm was reminded of tomorrow's election—this time hosted by the incumbent president in an upscale location. He had been meaning to take Reese there to broaden her horizons.
He decided to arrange everything first before informing her.
"Alright, I'll head to the study to get some work done. I'll come 'work' on you later tonight," he said, a suggestive twinkle in his eye and a mischievous grin on his face.
Reese couldn't miss the double entendre, wondering where he found all his nighttime energy. Didn't he have a demanding day job? Didn't he ever crave an early night’s rest? Why were his thoughts always so oriented towards the bedroom?
The worst part was she could barely resist him, and their encounters always ended up more spirited than ever.
After Malcolm departed, Reese stepped onto the balcony, sliding the glass door shut behind her as she dialed Calvin.
"Is everything ready?"
"You bet, Reese. Sawyer's family is going to be turned away at the door—guaranteed," Calvin confirmed confidently.
"Invite some influential guests; we need to ensure the Sawyer family loses face thoroughly."
Reese wasn't planning to deal with the Sawyer family alone; she wanted to share the spoils of victory.
The mere thought of the impending scene sent a shiver of anticipation down Calvin's spine. The Sawyer Family was about to experience another setback. They only had themselves to blame for picking a fight with the wrong person.
Didn't they know Reese was not one to let any grudge slide unnoticed?
"I hear you, Reese. You have my word it'll be all set—go ahead and enjoy your triumph over the newcomers."
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