Page 82 of My Ruthless Husband

After helping me drink, he produced a cloth napkin and dabbed my mouth, catching any stray droplets. He left briefly, coming back with a soft blanket in his hands. He laid it over me, carefully tucking it around my body. I was shocked as he dropped to his knees and started taking off my shoes.

The room’s stillness amplified the sound of each buckle being undone and I couldn’t look away. Couldn’t look away from the man who was known for his ruthlessness kneeling at my feet.

As he finished, he looked up, his eyes locking with mine. My heart began to stutter. The air was charged with unspokenemotions. Without breaking eye contact, he slowly brought my foot to his lap, his strong hands beginning a gentle massage.

My heart hitched. His touch was both firm and tender, expertly kneading away the pain that had built up. Each stroke of his fingers seemed to erase every hour I waited for him, leaving only the connection between us. I closed my eyes, surrendering to the sensation.

When the massage was over, I opened my eyes to find him still gazing at me.

“I’m sorry,” he said.

“You hurt me.” I whispered.

“Yes,” he sighed, not denying it. “Gianna’s agency and my company are working on a collaboration. And it was a business dinner.”

“Collaboration?”

He nodded. “The appearance for the charity gala was a strategic move for a project that could benefit both our interests.”

“You never told me about this collaboration.” He usually shares his ongoing projects with me. Even when half the stuff is complicated to understand.

“I didn’t because it’s still in its initial stage.”

“But why the cozy dinner? Couldn’t you discuss it somewhere else?”

“It was better than having a meeting in the suite.” There’s that ruthless side. Unapologetic and straightforward.

“Then why did you refuse to acknowledge me when she asked who I was?”

“You are a billionaire heiress, angel. Revealing your identity in front of Gianna would’ve been a bad move. She is a social media influencer and would’ve posted about you. So I did what I could to protect you from unnecessary exposure.”

“Why are you explaining all of this to me now?” When he frowned, I said, “You told me it was none of my business.”

“I lied.” He said, tucking my curl behind my ear.

“You did?”

He nodded. “I’ll make it up to you.”

“How?” I couldn’t keep the smile from blooming over my face.

“I’ll figure it out.”

I was smiling hard but then paused. “I don’t like her.”With you. You smiled at her. I can’t see her with you.

“All right.” He said simply.

“All right?”

“Yes, I’ll talk to my team to replace her.”

I stared at him with a gaping mouth. Is he manipulating me? What if there was no deal to begin with? What if he really was on a date with her? What if—

He narrowed his eyes. “You don’t believe me.” Then he reached for the landline at the nightstand and dials someone. I was stunned the entire time he talked over the phone. After ending it, he said, “My team is staying at this hotel. I ringed them to come over so I can discuss Gianna’s replacement in front of you.”

I was left dumbfounded, eyes wide open. “Why did you do that?”

“Because you said you don’t like her.” He stated as if it was obvious.

---