Chapter 17
<Chapter>Chapter 17: In Deep Contemplation </Chapter>
Gianna looked at him with a frown and a touch of irritation, “Felix, can’t you stop harassing me? It was wrong of me to marry you without your consent, but I’ve healed your leg, and I believe I've done nothing to wrong you these past three years. Now, I want to live my own life. Is that too much to ask?”
Felix’s pupils constricted, and it took him several seconds to grit out, “I’ve already said it, divorce is out of the question! I’ve looked into it. You weren’t with Jonah those days. Where did you go, and how did you come up with the fifty million? If you don’t want me to investigate further, come back to the villa with me right now!”
Gianna’s grip tightened involuntarily, a struggle flashed through her eyes, and then she shook off his hand and got into her car.
The drive back was silent.
Gianna was unbelievably frustrated, unable to fathom what had gotten into Felix.
She had agreed to divorce him; shouldn’t he be rushing to finalize it?
Now this insistence was making them both miserable.
Upon returning to the villa, Gianna headed straight upstairs. But as she reached the staircase, Felix’s voice arose from behind.
"The day after tomorrow is Grandpa's birthday. I happened to have acquired a pair of antique vases recently. How about I give them as a birthday present?"
Gianna glanced back at him with a dismissive look, "Do whatever you want; you don't need my opinion on that."
Felix frowned slightly, "Henry is your grandfather, you..."
"So what?"
A flash of scorn sparkled in Gianna's eyes, "It's just a blood relation, nothing more."
No one in the Redstone family ever treated her as one of their own, and she had no interest in masochistically pandering to them.
"Regardless, we'll both attend his birthday party," Felix stated firmly.
"Got it."
Dropping those three words icily, Gianna headed upstairs.
Felix watched her as she went up the stairs, his eyes clouding with an indiscernible thought.
On her day off, Gianna was about to order delivery when Faith called.
"Gianna, I forgot to mention something today. Felix wants to meet you."
Surprise flickered through Gianna's eyes, followed by a frown, "Regarding the acquisition of MY FASHION?"
"Yeah, Sirius Trading Syndicate has been wanting to acquire MY FASHION since last month. They've contacted me multiple times, but I haven't budged. They probably heard you're back and want to speak to you directly."
"To be fair, their offer is quite generous. If you hadn't returned, those old timers might have already sold MY FASHION and started counting their cash!"
Faith continued without hearing an answer from Gianna, "If you don't want to meet with Felix, I can call it off."
After a brief silence, Gianna spoke softly, "No need. Send me the time and place. I'm back at MY FASHION now, so a meeting with him is inevitable."
"All right, I'll arrange a time with Sirius Trading Syndicate."
"Mhm."
After hanging up, Gianna was about to go back to ordering her food when a knock sounded at the door, and Felix's deep voice came through.
"The housekeeper made dinner; I have things to handle tonight. You'll dine on your own later."
Gianna didn't respond. A while later, she heard the sound of a car engine starting and walked to the window just in time to see the taillights of Felix's car vanish from view.
Five minutes later, Gianna went downstairs.
To her surprise, the table was laid with all her favorite dishes.
Without overthinking, she finished her meal, washed the dishes, and returned to her room.
After spending some time reading on the balcony, Gianna was preparing to turn in for the night when the sudden sound of a car engine caught her attention.
Looking down, she saw Felix staggering back home. It was clear he had a designated driver drive him home, given his wobbly exit from the car. Once the vehicle was safely parked, the driver left, and Felix nearly tumbled a few times on his way inside. Gianna watched him blankly for a moment before shutting her book and retreating to the bedroom.
However, persistent noises from next door made sleep impossible. With a frown creasing her brow, Gianna got up and walked over to the master bedroom. Impatiently, she knocked on the door and stated icily, "Keep it down, will you? I can't sleep with all this racket!"
The noises within came to a sudden stop. Gianna turned to walk away, but as she did, the door suddenly swung open behind her. Surprised, she glanced back, but before she could react, a strong hand pulled her into the darkness.
"Ah..." A startled cry escaped her lips, only to be silenced by Felix pinning her against the door. His breath, heated with alcohol, grazed her ear, sending involuntary shivers down her spine.
The scent of liquor was strong on him; he was obviously wasted, his body burning against hers as if he had a fever.
She pushed against him. To no avail, sparking her annoyance further.
"Felix, let go of me!" As soon as the words left her mouth, her lips were captured in his searing kiss, with his hands fervently exploring her. If things continued this way, they were bound to cross a line they shouldn't.
Determined, Gianna grabbed Felix's wrist and slapped the lights on. The sudden brightness made him squint, and Gianna's angry face swam into view.
Though she bore a passing resemblance to Bella, Mo Tingxiao had never confused the two. Bella was always fragile, stirring a protective instinct in men effortlessly, whereas Gianna never showed vulnerability or sought help like Bella would.
At this moment, her defiant eyes made him feel an unexpected sense of powerlessness, uncertain of how to get her to open up to him.
With a cold expression, devoid of any warmth in her gaze, she demanded, "Let go! I'll find someone else for you!"
Felix's anger flared as he tightened his grip on her hand and said through gritted teeth, "Gianna! You are my wife!"
The idea of her seeking another woman for him? Did she truly have no heart?
Sensing his implication, Gianna's lips thinned, and she retorted coldly, "Not for much longer!"
With a scoff, Felix fixed his desire-darkened eyes on her face.
Ever since she brought up divorce, he'd been bending over backward to accommodate her, yielding to her every wish. Yet, to his dismay, not only did she show no signs of a change of heart, but even now, she was still dead set on going through with it!
Felix lowered his head and bit into Gianna's lip, cutting her off with a chilling retort before she could speak, "If you're so set on leaving, I'll grant you that wish!"
Gianna jerked her head up to meet his eyes, incredulity written all over her face.
"Really?"
Felix was barely able to contain his anger, and he was cold as ice.
"On one condition—you spend tonight with me."
The moment Felix's words hung in the air; Gianna's face drained of color.
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