Obedience No More He's the One I Deserved novel Chapter 363

**Chapter 363: A Gift for an Old Friend**

As the years accumulate, one thing often remains unchanged in a man’s heart: a rebellious spirit.

The more he is coerced into a task, the more resolutely he resists.

Ethan found himself entangled with the Stonewarden Group, not out of loyalty or admiration, but rather as a strategic maneuver in the ongoing battle against a common adversary.

The saying rang true: the enemy of my enemy can be my ally.

Roxanne, brimming with confidence, was certain that Ethan would ultimately choose to align himself with her.

But what transpired next was a stark deviation from her expectations. Ethan merely arched an eyebrow, his expression inscrutable, his voice flat and devoid of any warmth.

“I may indeed be vexed by this person in charge whom I’ve never encountered, but what leads you to believe that you are any less irritating?”

He stepped closer, the chill in his tone unmistakable.

“Roxanne, if anything, your presence repulses me even more.”

Roxanne found herself momentarily stunned, her mouth agape, grappling with disbelief.

For a long heartbeat, she couldn’t blink, her eyes wide with shock.

Before she could gather her thoughts, Ethan had already retreated, heading towards the parking lot with a purposeful stride.

“Ethan!” She finally snapped out of her stupor, her voice cutting through the air like a blade. “Wait! Come with me to the reception, and I’ll share a secret about Dawn!”

Ethan halted abruptly, turning back to face her, his dark eyes glinting with a menacing edge.

“If you dare to deceive me, I will make you regret ever being born,” he warned, his voice a low growl.

As the clock struck seven, the city was illuminated by a tapestry of lights. Northville’s elite were converging this evening for the grand welcoming reception of the newly appointed CEO of the Stonewarden Group.

To this day, her true identity remained shrouded in mystery.

All they knew was that those fortunate enough to meet her referred to her simply as “Boss.”

Whispers floated through the air, hinting at her breathtaking beauty, but her temperament was rumored to be far from amiable. She had turned away every visitor who had dared to approach her.

Human nature being what it is, the more elusive someone becomes, the more insatiable curiosity grows among the masses.

Clusters of guests gathered, their voices a soft hum of speculation.

“Who does she think she is, acting so superior?”

Roxanne listened intently, a disdainful snort escaping her lips. “Even during my limited time at headquarters, I got to know all the mid- and senior-level staff. There’s no one like her.”

Ethan, with a casual air, replied, “Couldn’t she just be some young talent your adoptive father recently took a shine to?”

“Absolutely not.”

Roxanne dismissed the notion with a wave of her hand. “My adoptive father places immense value on capability. Even if someone caught his eye, he would scrutinize them thoroughly before considering any promotion.”

There was no conceivable reason for him to bestow such a significant position upon someone so quickly.

As she mulled over the possibilities, a more sinister theory began to take shape in her mind.

Mason glanced up, eyebrows raised. “Ms. West, you mean …?”

“There’s no rule that states the guest of honor must attend their own welcome reception, right?”

Dawn reclined back against the couch, her lips, now tinged with the residue of fruit, looked even more inviting. “I suddenly find this entire affair tedious. I have no desire to attend anymore.”

“But this may be hard to justify to the chairman.”

“If an explanation is necessary, simply inform him that I have a headache.”

Mason stood there, momentarily speechless.

Once Dawn had made up her mind, there was no point in further discussion.

“Oh, and one more thing.” She closed her eyes, concealing her expression, and after a brief pause, added softly, “I spotted an old acquaintance. Please take a gift to him on my behalf.”

Five minutes later, Mason descended the spiral staircase, a jewelry box in hand.

The staircase, a central feature of the main hall, made his entrance all the more striking.

Every eye in the room turned to him, curiosity piqued as they speculated about his identity.

Clad in a formal suit, he exuded an air of privilege, clearly connected to the evening’s host.

However, Roxanne’s complexion drained of color.

She recognized him—Mason, her father’s capable right-hand man. The fact that her father had entrusted him to this woman left her bewildered. Just who was she?