The Scorned Heiress: No More Mercy novel Chapter 497

Tara steadies herself, projecting a cool exterior. "I just saw the news about the Calhoun Corporation. I was a little worried."

A low, velvety chuckle rumbles through the speaker. "Worried about me? I thought you'd forgotten all about me. Don't stress over the company. It's nothing I can't handle."

His nonchalance piques her curiosity. "So how are you going to fix it? The backlash is massive."

"It's just a trap I set," Danny replies smoothly. "The noise will die down soon enough. But enough about that. You've been dodging me for weeks. Don't you think it's time we saw each other?"

"I—I haven't been dodging you!" Tara stammers, immediately going on the defensive. "Don't flatter yourself."

She refuses to admit it. She isn't scared of him; she's just been busy. Plus, she wants to avoid stirring up any more fake romance rumors with this arrogant jerk.

"Is that so? Good, because I'm passing by your area later. Let's grab lunch."

"Who says I want to get lunch with you?" she snaps back instinctively.

She hangs up the phone with a satisfying click, feeling a surge of triumph. Taking charge and shutting down an arrogant billionaire feels incredibly empowering. It doesn't hurt to knock him down a peg or two. Does he really think she is desperate for his attention? The man still has an active, messy engagement to deal with. He can afford to sweat a little. Building her empire and exacting her revenge is far more fulfilling than playing house. She is going to be the master of her own destiny, not some lovestruck girl!

Staring at his phone as the dial tone buzzes, Danny is left speechless. The girl's got fire, he thinks. He just tested the waters with a hint of a confession, and she shut him down in three sentences flat. A line stretching to Siberia? He shakes his head, amused by her shameless exaggeration. And who says she can't have both a career and a relationship? He would make an excellent partner in crime for ruining her enemies.

Unable to sit still, Danny realizes he needs a new strategy. He has to win her over before Grandma tries to set him up with another blind date. Stroking his chin, a predatory gleam flashes in his eyes. He isn't the type to give up easily. If Tara wants to focus on destroying her enemies, he will just have to help her do it.