Chapter 17: Chapter 17: Move Again and I’ll Throw You Out
Claire Sinclair froze on the spot, her eyes filled with pent-up frustration.
She had been drugged by a scumbag and nearly assaulted. She never expected anyone to stand up for her over it. But when the man who had tricked her into marriage showed no concern, and even went so far as to blame her, she actually felt wronged.
It was just like when she was bullied at school—no one ever helped her, and she would still get scolded when she got home.
’Right,’ she thought. ’Who is Adrian Quincy anyway? He’s a mysterious and noble figure, high and mighty, and incredibly busy. He can’t even find the time to get a divorce, so of course he has no time to waste on trivial matters like hers.’
Claire suddenly had a moment of clarity. ’A small fry like me, who isn’t hardworking or outstanding—why should I expect anyone’s care? I’m not some lucky charm.’
"I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have bothered you. When you have time, remember to come with me to the Civil Affairs Bureau to get divorced." After saying her piece, the girl turned and left.
He had told her to come find him with the marriage certificate if she ever needed anything.
’So what was an emergency in her eyes was nothing in his. She’d die before she ever came back to this godforsaken place!’
And with that, the girl left.
Adrian Quincy picked up the documents on his desk and read a few lines, but he couldn’t focus at all.
The image of her crestfallen face uncontrollably surfaced in his mind and refused to fade.
He shot up from his seat and walked out.
The girl hadn’t gone far. Adrian quickened his pace, caught up, and soon fell into step beside her.
Claire glanced at him, then looked away. Seeing how fast he was walking, she thought she was in his way and silently moved to the side to let him pass.
Adrian slowed down as well, remaining shoulder-to-shoulder with her.
Claire raised an eyebrow and simply stopped walking, deciding to wait for him to go first.
Adrian turned to face her, his voice deep. "Is there a problem?"
"Nope. You’re busy, you go ahead."
Only then did Adrian understand her intention. "I’m taking you home," he said, displeased.
"There’s no need. You’re so busy, how could I trouble you to take me?"
"Let’s go. Don’t waste my time."
Without waiting for a reply, the man continued walking toward the exit.
Claire deliberately walked very, very slowly, saying languidly, "I can get back on my own. If you’re in a hurry, go take care of your business. You don’t need to take me."
The words had barely left her mouth when the man suddenly turned and walked back.
He stopped in front of her and, without another word, scooped her up by the waist.
The sudden princess carry startled Claire, and she reflexively wrapped her arms around his neck.
A faint, fresh scent filled her nose as the man’s virile aura quickly enveloped her. Her heart, as if jolted by something, began to pound erratically.
Her gaze fell upon the man’s sexy Adam’s apple, his sharp jawline, and the perfect contours of his profile.
He was the very definition of handsome, perfect from every angle.
The man took a few steps, then suddenly looked down at her. His icy eyes met the girl’s swooning face. "Grab my clothes, not my neck."
Hearing this, Claire snapped back to her senses and remembered that she was supposed to be struggling.
"Who told you to carry me? Put me down, I can walk on my own!"
"Move again and I’ll throw you out," the man warned with a frown.
"Then throw me! Who wants you to carry them anyway!"
Claire, however, struggled even more, her body constantly rubbing against his, though she was completely unaware of it.
Adrian Quincy tightened his grip on her slender waist, took an uncontrolled step back, and slammed his back hard against the wall.
For a moment, his arms suddenly tightened their hold, but the increased pressure was fleeting.
Claire was about to protest again when she inadvertently saw his furrowed brow. It wasn’t a look of displeasure or anger, but of pain.