Chapter 135

Chapter 135

Gripping her chin with increasing firmness, Brian was a mix of ice and steel. “Let me spell it out for you… Had L. Brian, not stepped in with extra cash, Global Mall would’ve been swallowed up by some corporate shark by year’s end and turned into another soulless office block! And if it wasn’t for my whopping investment of over ten billion dollars, Global Entertainment wouldn’t be floating in cash or stand as the national top talent agency. I am the savior of the James family, do you get that? If you’re entertaining thoughts of marrying Michael or Gavin, I’d advise you to nip that fantasy in the bud. Because I can pull the plug on the Global Entertainment Group anytime I want and retract every penny.

Perhaps it was the night air that was too brisk, but as Natalie listened to Brian enunciate each word with chilling clarity, she couldn’t help the goosebumps that spread uncontrollably over her

skin.

Before her return from abroad, she had been unaware that Brian was the main financier behind Global Entertainment Group. But she had always known that the company’s meteoric rise in recent years was due to its ample liquid funds, underpinned by a robust financial chain.

If that ten billion were to be abruptly withdrawn, the fallout would be catastrophic!

She couldn’t allow her actions to bring suffering upon the James family.

“I’ve told you before, Natalie, within this year, your affairs are under my command.”

Brian dipped his head and brushed a kiss against her chilled lips. “You understand now, don’t

you?”

“Understood.” Natalie murmured after a moment of silence, her voice soft.

She knew what he wanted was a compliant response. That would spare the James family.

His left hand rose slightly. Instinctively, she wanted to pull away. But in a split second, she quelled the impulse to reject his touch. Compliance was her only option.

Brian touched her hand, feeling its icy temperature.

He looked up at her, then removed his blazer and draped it over her shoulders.

Natalie remained quiet and obedient, allowing him to lead her towards his park car.

She had no idea where he intended to take her, and Brian didn’t seem inclined to tell. So she kept her mouth shut.

The ride was a silent, swift blur, with neither of them uttering another word. Half an hour later. the car pulled up in front of Majestic Meadows Manor.

Natalie glanced through the car window at the European–style villa and frowned.

This was Madelyn’s residence. Why had he brought her here?

Brian unbuckled his seatbelt. Seeing her still seated, he shot her a cold glance. “If you’d prefer

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Chapter 125

to stay in the car, I don’t mind.”

With a shiver, Natalie quickly got out.

They entered through the front door, one after the other, with the household already asleep and only a porch light left on.

Unsure where the light switches were and unable to see clearly, Natalie stumbled over

something in the dimness.

Losing her balance, she was about to fall when a hand suddenly reached out and firmly gripped her shoulder.

“Thank you,” Natalie exhaled in relief, instinctively whispering her thanks to Brian.

As soon as the words left her lips, she sensed her mistake.

Truth be told, Brian fell silent. In the dim light, she could only make out the chilling gaze of his. eyes fixed on her.

Natalie opened her mouth, but no words came to remedy the situation. “I…” She steeled herself to speak, only to feel a wave of dizziness hit her. The next moment, she collapsed onto a nearby sofa.

Her back struck something on the sofa, hitting her spine with a jolt of pain that elicited an involuntary gasp. As she tried to rise, Brian’s hands clamped down on her wrists.

Natalie had not yet fully healed her injuries, but she knew there was no escaping what was to come that night.