Chapter 183 Seduction
Peter leaned back in his driver's seat, picked up his cellphone, and dialed Jarod Lawrence's number—
"Lynda met up with Grace; they talked for over half an hour."
"They got together?"
"Yeah, and my gut tells me, when two women who were enemies are now friends, it's probably not good news."
Jarod inquired, "Is there a way to find out what they talked about?"
"Do I look like the FBI to you?" Peter responded, "There's no way to find out."
"Friendly reminder, Agent Peter."
"Cut it out," Peter retorted with a cold chuckle. "Although we don't know what they discussed, it's clear they're likely to make a move."
Jarod looked puzzled, "A move?"
"You think they got together to make peace? You must've had it too easy lately, Jarod. Do I really need to spell it out for you?"
Jarod pondered for a moment, "You mean, they're planning to team up... against Isabella?"
"That's a very real possibility."
"I've got it," Jarod said. "Wasn't I asking you to dig into Sebastian? How did you end up focusing on Lynda?"
"Pure coincidence," replied Peter. "An unexpected turn, if you will."
"What about Sebastian?"
"I'm on it. I've uncovered a few leads."
Jarod let out a sigh of relief. "Alright, I'm waiting to hear back from you."
"About Lynda and Grace, what's your plan?" Peter inquired. "Should we give Isabella a discreet heads-up?"
"She doesn't trust me much."
"Man, you're not doing too well at playing the big brother role, are you?"
Jarod shot back, "If Sebastian is wary of me, how much trust do you think she's going to have?"
"So, we don't tell her?"
"She won't believe anything I say. But there is someone she will listen to."
Peter asked casually, "Who?"
"Amber."
The previously nonchalant Peter suddenly grew serious upon hearing that name. "You're going to drag her into this?"
"Why so tense?" Jarod laughed.
"I just... "
"This is the Lawrence family business. She can't just stand by idly."
"Jarod," Peter spoke his name with earnestness, "That's your sister we're talking about, even if she's only your half-sister. Don't tell me your conscience is that dull."
"I'm just asking her to warn Isabella to watch out for Grace and Lynda. It's not like I’m sending her into a lion's den. You make it sound like I'm throwing her into a pit of fire too."
Peter fell silent for a few seconds, then spoke, "She deserves a life of joy without worries."
"I know where to draw the line," Jarod answered. "As her brother... I too wish for her to live her life in peace and happiness."
"Alright then."
Peter hung up the phone, his gaze distant and thoughtful as he stared ahead.
Some people remain close to your heart, always.
...
Nighttime.
This neighborhood hosted one of New York's top ten mansions; it was perched by the river, directly across from the Lawrence Group. The panoramic river view was unobstructed, and the city's neon lights were fully visible.
This was where Joshua lived.
On the coffee table rested a glass of red wine. He sat on the couch, eyeing the cityscape outside the floor-to-ceiling windows.
Luxurious, yet tinged with solitude.
Joshua glanced at his watch, frowned slightly, then lifted his glass for a sip.
Suddenly, the doorbell rang.
He rose abruptly, his steps hurried, yet paused at the door to suppress the excitement on his face. After taking a deep breath, he finally grasped the doorknob.
Brittany stood outside; her expression weary but her beauty still captivating beneath her artful makeup.
"I'm here," she said to Joshua, "right on time."
He stepped aside, "Come in."
Brittany glanced up, taking in the familiar interior design with a slight smirk. "After all this time, I'm back here."
"Is that a bad thing?"
"If it were of my own free will, then of course not." Brittany replied. "But I was coerced."
"It's all the same to me."
She gave him a look and walked in.
The length of her previous stay? She couldn't quite remember.
Long enough that she thought she'd live there forever and grow old with him.
Swiftly, she slipped off her shoes, hung up her purse, and headed straight for the couch, rolling up her sleeves to tidy the somewhat messy coffee table.
Joshua stood beside her silently, watching.
This scene had played out countless times in his dreams, and now, it had finally manifested in reality.
After tidying up, Brittany saw the wine glass and without a second thought, picked it up and drained it in one gulp.
"I drank from that," he remarked.
"I know." Brittany retorted. "After being so close, do you think I'd care about sharing a glass?"
Unable to hold back, Joshua wrapped his arms around her from behind, pulling her into his embrace.
Brittany's body tensed up for a moment before relaxing into his arms, staying still and compliant.
Joshua buried his face in her neck, inhaling her scent and making her tingle.
"I missed you so much," he murmured.
"What do you need me to do?"
"What?"
Brittany spoke up, "Did you threaten me to come over just for a hug?"
Joshua let out a soft chuckle.
Then Brittany felt a sharp pain on her neck.
He bit her, not too gently, several times.
"Do you think I want you?"
"Don't you?"
"Brittany, don't flatter yourself too much," Joshua said with a low laugh. "If I took you straight to bed the moment you walked in, what kind of jerk would that make me?"
"Aren't you one?"
"I still know how to be courteous."
She laughed too, "You've picked up some new tricks, I see."
"If you think I forced you back into my life just to sleep with you, you're mistaken."
"What else do you want from me?"
"It's simple," Joshua said. "Just like it used to be. How did you handle things before? Do the same now."
Before?
They used to have breakfast together and commute to the office side by side; they were inseparable. Whenever he was free, he'd cling to her...
If they bumped into each other at work, he wouldn't let her go without sneaking a kiss.
"You're dreaming," Brittany said while turning to look at him. "We'd get caught."
"So what?"
His response took her aback, and she reached to touch his forehead. "Have you lost your mind? If we're this blatant, Nicole will hear about it soon enough!"
"I don't care." Joshua kissed her cheek. "So let her find out."
"You..."
"Besides, everyone will just think you're the one coming onto me again."
Brittany's face turned pale.
Such harsh words; she couldn't believe they came from Joshua's lips.
She stared at him in shock, at a loss for words to his biting statement.
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