Chapter 44: Chapter 44: Don’t Force My Hand
He was a businessman who often stole headlines from men in the entertainment industry. In recent years, his continuous string of economic successes had earned him the adoration of women nationwide, who all saw him as a flawless, perfect man.
There had been rumors circulating recently that he intended to enter politics, but no one knew if they were true.
Ethan Kingsley politely corrected her, "It’s Ethan Kingsley."
"Oh, sorry. I have a tendency to mix things up." Claire became even more embarrassed.
Ethan Kingsley glanced at the items in her cart, all fruits, vegetables, grains, and cooking oil, and asked curiously, "Buying this much food? Are you having guests?"
"No, I... Never mind. I’m not telling you. I don’t even know you."
Claire pulled her shopping cart back a few steps, then veered off toward the feminine hygiene aisle.
’That’s so weird. This is the first time I’ve ever met this man, so why was I being so familiar with him?’
After grabbing a pack of pads, Claire pushed her cart to the checkout counter.
She had just gotten in line when the man’s voice suddenly sounded from behind her again. "How about we get to know each other? What’s your name?"
Claire looked back at him and frowned. "Are you talking to me?"
Ethan Kingsley nodded.
"I’m not interested in getting to know you. Please stop talking to me." With her polite yet merciless rejection delivered, Claire had no intention of paying the man any more mind.
Ethan Kingsley was a seasoned player who had his ways with women. To avoid offending Jasmine, he didn’t pursue the conversation any further.
’Still, this younger sister was far more interesting than the older one.’
’Her older sister was brainwashed, thinking only of missions and training all day. She had no sense of fun. This little chili pepper of a younger sister was much cuter.’
’Handing a woman like this over to Adrian Quincy... he was really getting a bargain.’
’Oh well. I can just snatch her back in the future. The big picture comes first.’
’Speaking of which, since she’s in this supermarket... does that mean she lives nearby?’
...
「The night grew hazy.」
After dinner, Claire put the leftovers in the refrigerator.
She rubbed her stomach. In truth, she wasn’t full at all. Her own cooking wasn’t very good, so she hadn’t eaten much.
’I could really go for some thirteen-spice crayfish...’
’Forget it. What’s the point of living if I can’t eat crayfish?’
Claire returned to the living room and pulled out her phone. She searched for crayfish places near her complex, found the one with the best reviews, and placed an order online.
After waiting nearly an hour, the crayfish finally arrived. However, she had to go to the complex entrance to pick it up herself. At this hour, the security guards wouldn’t let delivery drivers in.
So Claire had to run down and get it herself. After grabbing the crayfish and hurrying back, she couldn’t wait to dig in.
In what felt like a blink of an eye, the two pounds of crayfish were nearly gone when the living room door suddenly clicked.
Claire froze. She whipped her head around, a sense of foreboding washing over her.
’Don’t tell me that workaholic is actually coming home tonight?’
’No, please no...’
’What’ll happen to my crayfish?’
’That guy never lets me eat junk food.’
’It’s always the things you fear most that come to pass...’
The moment the door opened, an expressionless, poker-faced man appeared in the doorway. He wrinkled his nose, his senses sharp.
His gaze quickly fell upon the plate of red crayfish on the table. His brow furrowed, and he strode into the room.
Claire immediately hugged the container of crayfish to her chest, her face a mask of defiance. "This crayfish is my life. If you dare take it away, I’ll fight you to the death."
"And what are you going to fight me with? Give it to me." Ever the gentleman, Adrian Quincy refrained from immediately resorting to force.
Claire shook her head forcefully. "No! I won’t!"
The man’s face darkened. "Claire, don’t make me use force."
Claire tried her best to reason with him. "This is a classic double standard! The officials can commit arson while the common folk can’t even light a lamp!"
’A foodie has to have some integrity!!’