The moment the words left her lips, her heart hammered against her ribs. She tilted her head up, proudly displaying what she believed to be a heavenly beautiful face – or rather, the very face that had earned her the nickname “Little Shermaine.”
Michelle hated that nickname. But ever since people started calling her that, her career in the entertainment industry had taken off like wildfire. Even when she landed herself in trouble, there was always someone willing to lend a hand, simply because she looked so much like Shermaine.
Yet, despite the resemblance, Michelle’s aura was completely different. Having studied music, she carried an ethereal, almost untouchable air. It was her first time meeting Joshua in person today, and she couldn’t stop her heart from thumping wildly in her chest for him. She knew all too well that a man like Joshua was out of her reach. He was married, and the wedding band on his finger was all the proof she needed.
But now that fate had put them in the same place, she thought, ‘Why not be a little greedy? Why don’t I seize this moment and try to get a bit closer to him, even if just for tonight?’
In the entertainment industry, nights like this were bound to happen again in the future. Michelle liked to think of herself as a rare exception in this world—a breath of fresh air who had somehow managed to hold on to her virtue. ‘So many men desire me,’ she thought. ‘But if I could give my first time to the one man I truly want, I wouldn’t have any regrets.’
Bradley nearly choked, thinking, ‘Is she out of her mind? She wants to hitch a ride with Mr. York? Does she really not know how strict he is about keeping his distance, especially now that he’s married?’ Bradley figured this whole “hitching a ride” stunt was just her blatant attempt to flirt—she definitely had that intention, at least a little.
Michelle noticed that Joshua’s expression hadn’t changed one bit since the beginning. When his deep-set eyes landed on her, they held an endless chill that was downright suffocating. Michelle was terrified, even wanting to turn and run. But she had already spoken. Biting her lip, she pleaded, “Mr. York, I didn’t come here willingly tonight. And if I don’t leave soon, Raymond might not let me off the hook.” After all, she was one of those people who had ruined his plans tonight. She had no choice but to lean on that excuse, but in truth, though, her assistant was already outside waiting to drive her home.
“Take me with you, and I’ll owe you a favor. If you ever need anything in the future, just let me know,” Michelle said.
Bradley stole a risky glance at Joshua’s expression. The man, already in a foul mood, now looked like a stormy sky, with dark clouds gathering, ready to unleash a raging tempest. Bradley scoffed inwardly, ‘Ms. Aniston, did you really think tonight was some kind of romantic chance encounter? Sure, maybe it started off like the heroine bumping into her knight in shining armor, but you’re really overthinking this. You’re not the heroine here. You’re just an unremarkable supporting character.’
From the shadows, Shermaine had come looking for Joshua, only to find a woman chattering away at him nonstop. In an instant, she picked up that this woman was trying to make a move on her man, and she was currently in action. Shermaine thought, ‘Oh? At certain angles, she really does look a bit like me!’ Leaning casually against a nearby car, she watched the scene unfold as though she were enjoying a private show. Finally, Joshua said calmly, “That eye shape doesn’t suit you at all.”
Michelle gripped her skirt even tighter, her knuckles turning white at this point. Then, Joshua continued to say, “You’re nothing like her. Anyone who says otherwise must be blind.”
Chapter 562
Bradley stood frozen for a moment. He’d just said something similar earlier, and now, he felt like he was being called out for it.
Joshua glanced at him. “I don’t want to see this kind of nonsense online again. Deal with it.”
“Got it, Mr. York,” Bradley replied.
Without sparing Michelle another look, Joshua turned and strode straight toward the car. Michelle looked as if she’d been struck by a heavy blow, her face drained of all color.
‘Honestly, if she hadn’t pulled this ride-hitching charade today, Mr. York wouldn’t have spared her a second glance. Now look, she’d gotten more than she bargained for,’ Bradley thought, feeling no sympathy whatsoever for her.
Then, he said, “Ms. Aniston, you heard what Mr. York said. Would you like to find a plastic surgeon yourself, or shall I recommend one for you?”
“I… I’ll contact one myself,” Michelle stammered, her lips trembling. She had never imagined he could be so cold, so merciless. She watched his silhouette disappear into the night, his posture straight and powerful. Just the sight of his retreating figure was enough to make her lose herself completely. However, he suddenly froze in his tracks – only to pick up his pace a moment later.
In front of his sleek black Rolls-Royce, a woman was leaning casually against the hood. Her beauty was like a bewitching rose blooming in the dark night – strikingly gorgeous, dangerously alluring, yet undeniably regal. The woman was Shermaine without a doubt.
For some reason, seeing the legendary Shermaine in person suddenly made Michelle feel utterly insignificant. She thought, ‘So I really look nothing like her at all.’
Joshua didn’t hesitate for a second. He strode up, yanked Shermaine into his arms, tilted her chin up, and crashed his lips down on hers in a fierce, almost punishing kiss. Needless to say, it was a rough kiss.
With her hands resting on his shoulders, Shermaine could feel the fierce intensity of Joshua’s grip and his bruising, possessive kisses. She thought, ‘It seems that my Mr. York is truly mad, but I think he misses me, not just a little, though.’
His palm cupped her waist, the heat seeping through the fabric. Then, he pulled her even tighter against him, demanding she feel the full force of his desire.
Watching from a distance, Michelle felt her face burn and her heart race uncontrollably. But more than anything, she was shocked to see that this cold, ruthless man could become someone entirely different when he was with Shermaine.
Their lips finally parted, though the air between them still crackled with heat. Shermaine’s lips were still tingling from his fierce kiss. She teased. “Mr. York, what’s gotten into you? Jumping me like that right out of the gate?”
Joshua gave her another playful nip, his voice a seductive rasp as he said, “Sheary, aren’t you here to make it up to me?”
Shermaine feigned indifference. “Nope.”
His gaze turned solemn. “Sheary, cheer me up. I’m still upset.”
With a playful smile, Shermaine teased. “So, how exactly do you want me to cheer you up?”
After a moment’s thought, Joshua replied, “Let’s go back to Riverswood Villa first–then we’ll talk.”
Meanwhile, at a hotel across town, Emma lay in bed, wide awake. She couldn’t sleep – not after what she’d done, not with suspicion already hanging over her like a blade.
Chapter 562
After some thought, she pulled out her phone and stared at Ross‘ name on the screen, her finger hovering over it in hesitation.
Elsewhere, Ross had already brought Danielle back to the apartment they often stayed at together. Once inside, Danielle immediately latched onto him like a koala, her limbs wrapped tightly around him in unabashed affection, bold and unreserved.
“Ross, hurry up and help me!” Danielle whined in a sweet, pouty voice. “Just thinking about what Jason said makes me feel all gross.”
Ross held her firmly by the hips, every muscle in his body coiled with tension. Her words clawed at his chest, squeezing his heart in a way that hurt more than he cared to admit. He leaned in, brushing a slow, burning kiss against her earlobe and murmured hoarsely, “Don’t think about any of that. Just listen to me, Danielle.” His usually cool voice now carried a husky edge, tinged with unmistakable desire, making him sound utterly captivating.
Danielle wrapped her legs around him even tighter and murmured coquettishly, “Mmm. I want to take a shower.”
Carrying Danielle in his arms, Ross strode right into the bathroom. Soon, his suit jacket slid off, falling to the floor without a sound. Danielle sat on the vanity, biting her lip, her gaze growing increasingly intense with desire. Ross showered kisses along her collarbone, devoting himself entirely to her pleasure. Alas, the moment was ruined by his ringing phone.
Danielle’s lashes fluttered as she breathed out, “Ross, your phone’s ringing.”
“Ignore it,” Ross murmured, sliding his hand up her skirt. Yet the damn phone wouldn’t stop ringing.
Danielle tugged at his tie, pouting, “That’s so annoying. Just go check it!”
Reluctantly, Ross pulled away from her and went to grab his phone, only to see that it was a call from Emma.