Done with Cheater's Coldness Shine in Rival's Arms novel Chapter 39

Chapter 39 When Business Turns Creepy

Quinn downed the glass in one go.

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Derek clapped his hands. “Impressive, Miss Hart! I never would’ve guessed you were such a drinker–you look so delicate.” He finished his own drink and poured himself another.

Quinn’s throat burned, and her stomach felt like there was a fire burning in it.

“Let’s keep going,” Derek said.

“Mr. Ford, I’m toasting you to show my sincerity,” Quinn said. “I really want to work with you, but I’m not a heavy drinker. How about I offer you juice instead?”

She was being genuine, trying to switch her wine for juice.

But Derek grabbed her hand tightly. “That’s not very sincere, Miss Hart,” he said. “I don’t see how juice would help. And you don’t strike me as someone who can’t hold her liquor.”

“C’mon, let’s drink!” he urged.

His attitude was firm, so he poured her another glass anyway.

“Here’s the deal,” Derek said with a smile. “I’ll have one, and you’ll have half.”

His stubbornness was impossible to ignore. Quinn had to drink again.

Derek was in a great mood tonight, and he seemed genuinely interested in her.

Quinn’s heart raced. She leaned back instinctively, creating more space between them. After all, they were alone in the private room.

“Miss Hart, I’ve heard about what’s been going on with you,” Derek said. “You’re the victim here. He doesn’t deserve you!”

“You’re so beautiful and straightforward,” he continued. “I really like you…”

As he spoke, he leaned closer.

“Thank you for your kind words,” Quinn said with a smile, keeping her distance. “I made a mistake in the past, but I’m over it. I’m not in a relationship anymore, and I’m focused on my work.”

She was polite, but she didn’t like his advances. Still, she needed this partnership badly. So she tolerated

him.

“A businesswoman! You’re definitely a go–getter.” Derek laughed. “And I’m single. Would you give me a chance to court you?”

His lewd gaze made her uncomfortable.

“Mr. Ford, you’re hilarious,” Quinn said. “You’re so successful, you must have no shortage of women around you.”

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Chapter 39 When Business Turns Creepy

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“And to be honest,” she added, “I just got out of a bad relationship. Right now, I’m all about my career–I’m not thinking about dating.”

Quinn was regretting her decision. If she’d known he’d be this persistent, she would’ve brought Mia with her. The man had barely talked about work all night–just his inappropriate comments.

But it was too late to turn back. She just wanted this over with.

Derek was drunk now, and he wasn’t taking no for an answer.

“Don’t close yourself off because of one man,” he said. “You’re too pretty and talented. I’m sure there are plenty of men chasing you.”

“If you’re single, then I have a chance,” he urged. “Please don’t say no!”

He leaned in closer, and his hand reached for her leg. She was quick, though, and moved it away.

“Mr. Ford. you’ve had too much to drink,” Quinn said, standing up.

“Maybe we should end it here,” she added, placing the company’s patent proposal on the table. “I’ve put it here for you. If you have time, I’d appreciate it if you could review it.

“Your assistant is probably waiting for you outside. I’ll go get him.”

Quinn didn’t want to stay any longer. Whether they collaborated was up to Derek now. She wasn’t going to negotiate a deal by compromising herself. If this was how it was going to be, she’d find someone else.

“Miss Hart, what do you mean?” Derek asked, his face falling.

“I think you’ve had too much to drink,” Quinn replied.

With that, she turned and walked toward the door. They were in a private room–quiet, no one around. If anything happened, she was defenseless against a drunk man. She needed to get help, even if it meant calling his assistant or a waiter.

Derek grew angrier. He grabbed her arm, stopping her.

“Miss Hart, I promise you this,” he said. “If you come home with me tonight, I’ll approve all your patents— every single one!

“My woman’s hard work–one word from me, and you’ll get everything you want!”

“But you have to be good to me,” he added. “Make me happy, and I’ll do anything for you!”