Chapter 227 Under the Influence
"Who the hell dares to mess with my plans?!"
Charles clutched his aching waist, struggling to get up from the ground. Before he could see who was in front of him, another brutal kick landed on his stomach.
The kick was so hard that Charles broke out in a cold sweat from the pain, doubling over and unable to speak for a long time.
Riley looked at Donovan, who was radiating a chilling aura, and was momentarily stunned but inexplicably felt a sense of relief.
"Watch your hands. If you don't want them anymore, I can arrange that."
Donovan, dressed in an expensive custom suit with slicked-back hair, had sharp features. His thin lips were pressed into a straight line, and his eyes and brows carried a menacing look.
Charles finally regained his senses and looked up to see Donovan's face, knowing he wasn't joking. His face turned pale with fear.
"You misunderstand! I know Dr. Monroe!" Charles quickly defended himself. "I just wanted to buy Dr. Monroe a drink!"
After speaking, Charles looked up at Riley with a pleading expression.
Riley, recalling Charles's earlier behavior, responded coldly, "We do know each other, but his actions just now were clearly more than just offering me a drink!"
Seeing Donovan's increasingly grim expression, Charles couldn't help but shiver.
Meanwhile, Paxton, noticing Donovan hadn't returned for a while, came out to check the situation. Seeing the chaos, he hurried over. "Mr. Wilder."
Donovan withdrew his gaze from Charles and coldly ordered, "Take this man away. Also, look into his background and teach him a lesson."
Paxton glanced at Charles and nodded in agreement.
Charles was so weak-legged that he was practically dragged along by Paxton.
For a moment, only Riley and Donovan were left in the hallway.
Looking at Donovan, who still exuded coldness, Riley frowned slightly, her eyes filled with wariness. "What are you doing here?"
This was too much of a coincidence!
Donovan didn't immediately answer but instead looked her up and down.
Riley was dressed in a sharp blazer with a ruffled blouse underneath, looking both elegant and playful. She wore fitted flared pants that accentuated her long legs. Her long hair was tucked behind her ears, revealing a slender neck. Under the light, Riley seemed to glow.
Perhaps due to the alcohol, Riley's clear eyes were misty, and she currently looked at him calmly, with a hint of wariness, like a startled deer.
Seeing Riley like this, Donovan's eyes darkened.
Maybe it was the alcohol, but despite Riley's distant demeanor, he found her somewhat alluring.
Not getting a response for a while, Riley pursed her lips, looked away, and said calmly, "Thank you, Mr. Wilder, for helping me out. If there's nothing else, I'll be going. There are still many seniors waiting for me."
With that, she prepared to walk past Donovan.
Just as she reached his side, Donovan's voice sounded in her ear.
"Ms. Monroe, don't get me wrong. I just happened to have business here. I didn't expect to run into you." Donovan turned to look at Riley, his voice carrying an ambiguous tone. "It seems like last time was the same. I helped you out, and not only did you not show any gratitude, but you also treated me like one of them, avoiding me."
The two were very close, and it was unclear whose alcohol scent lingered between them.
Riley frowned, recalling their first meeting at the hotel after returning to the country.
Though she didn't want to admit it, what Donovan said was indeed true.
