Five Years Wasted Now They Beg Her Back novel Chapter 48

A wave of cologne mixed with the scent of tobacco washed over her.

Grace subtly leaned back.

"You’re too kind, Mr. Brooks. We’ve only just met."

Simon Brooks wasn’t fazed. He just laughed.

"Strangers today, friends tomorrow. We’ll have plenty of time to get to know each other."

He said the word “plenty” with a heavy, suggestive tone.

Cassian quickly tried to smooth things over. "Grace has always been like this. She seems cold on the outside, but she’s very warm-hearted. Please don’t mind her, Mr. Brooks."

"Not at all, not at all," Simon Brooks said, waving his hand, though his gaze remained predatory. "I like a woman like Ms. Hart. She has personality, and talent. Not like those cheap, common women out there. They ruin my appetite."

The dishes were served one by one.

Simon Brooks eagerly served her food, already speaking as if he were her elder and future husband.

"Grace, you’re not getting any younger. A divorce isn’t a good thing for a woman’s reputation."

"But don’t worry, I won’t hold your past against you."

"As long as you behave yourself, stay at home, and take care of the family, I guarantee you’ll live a life of luxury."

He took a swig of wine, let out a small burp, and continued his greasy sermon.

"A woman in scientific research, always in the public eye... it’s such hard work."

"Those research achievements of yours, I assume the Ward family helped you with them, right? It doesn’t matter. You won’t need that empty fame anymore."

"Marrying me and becoming the leisurely and wealthy Mrs. Brooks is the best path for you."

Grace listened quietly, sipping a glass of cranberry juice.

Her expression was unreadable.

But her hand, hidden under the table, had already turned on her phone’s recording function.

She looked up at Cassian, her eyes feigning innocence and confusion.

"Cassian, I don’t quite understand what Mr. Brooks means."

"You’d be contributing to the family while also securing a wonderful future for yourself. Mr. Brooks is a man of great character and immense wealth. You won’t be wronged if you marry him."

"This is your last chance to contribute to the Hart family."

There it was again.

The exact same words he’d used at the Hart estate.

Grace’s heart felt like it had been plunged into ice water, the cold was piercing.

She pressed the stop button on her phone, safely saving the recording of that treacherous, calculated conversation.

Seeing her silence, Simon Brooks assumed she was stunned by the incredible news.

He grew bolder, and his pudgy, greasy hand reached across the table, aiming for hers.

"Grace, don’t you worry, I’ll take very good care of you..."

Just as his fingertips were about to touch her skin.