Attracted By My Ex-wife

Kevin took his time to answer. He remained silent as he fiddled with the elegant lighter, rhythmically flicking the metal lid open and close. Small flames came alive only to die as soon as they had flared.

As the silence stretched on, Ryan grew more anxious. The small sips of wine that he had taken gradually turned into gulps until there was not a drop left in his glass.

An enigmatic smile curled on Kevin's lips, which only fueled Ryan's growing unease.

"I didn't expect you to take your alcohol strong, Mr. Ryan. Let me refill your glass.“

At his words, the waiter attending them poured more of the crimson liquid into Ryan's empty glass. The wine flowed red and thick, following the smooth curves of the goblet.

Anger brewed inside Ryan alongside his discomfort. It was obvious that Kevin was plying him with alcohol, but what was even more irritating was that he was too weak and powerless against the other man to refuse. He let his thoughts drift towards Anne.

Today was the day she would answer him. He mulled over what her decision could be.

As his mind swirled with alcohol and these preoccupations, Ryan excused himself, "Mr. Kevin, I need to go to the restroom."

Inside the restroom, the light burned almost menacingly to his alcohol-addled senses. Ryan had almost flinched at his own reflection as he saw himself against the mirror. His face was flushed, and bloodshot eyes stared back at him as he gripped at the sink in an iron hold.

He splashed cold water on his face and breathed deeply. Soon enough, he was able to regain his composure. Taking out his phone from his pocket, he dialed Anne's number.

If he could just get the shares from her, there would be no need for him to play puppet to Kevin's little games.

The phone rang, but there was no answer. After a few beeps, the call dropped automatically.

"Anne, you little..." Ryan wanted nothing more at that moment than to spew out curses and throw his phone until it smashed into useless pieces of metal, but he bit his tongue and stopped himself. Once again, he walked towards the room where Kevin was.

Cool air blew inside the room. Kevin's tall, business-suit clad figure gave off a detached and forbidding aura.

Anne's phone was in his hand.

The screen showed Ryan's name. Kevin was furious, his hand gripping the cold metal as it rang. He narrowed his eyes at the screen and let the call end. Then, he placed it on the table.

It was only a few seconds later when Anne's phone lit up once again with a message. "Anne, have you made up your mind? As long as you cooperate, I will help you."

At this, Kevin's rage rose to a dangerous height. His jaw clenched as he stared at the message, barely suppressing the urge to rush straight to Ryan and silence him forever.

Anne was too naive. She didn’t know when to doubt people, as if suspicion was a foreign and incomprehensible concept to her. Everyone was her friend. And yet, this same woman was so cold to him.

"My apologies, Mr. Kevin. It seems that I am not feeling too well. I hope you excuse my rudeness." Ryan gave him an elegant smile—one that would perfectly cover his true intentions, but Kevin didn't need to dig too deep to find the real face buried in the facade.

"Since you are feeling unwell, you should rest first. We can talk about business after you recover." With these words, Kevin stood up and walked to the door, leaving Ryan and his deceptively unfaltering smile behind.

His face changed like quicksilver the moment Kevin was out the door. "Bastard, you've gone too far this time," Ryan hissed, his hand slamming down on the table heavily. The wood complained from the impact, and Ryan stewed in his own frustration. He wanted to throw a fit, but he understood his position all too well. He could destroy and trash the room all he wanted, but nothing would change the fact that Kevin had more power than him. There was a bitter taste left on his tongue, and it was not from the alcohol.

It was early evening at Ian's house.

the

to the Fu Family's residence with Kevin, but Ian didn't

touch with Anne either, which could only mean one

She was trapped.

gone there willingly. Otherwise, Kevin wouldn't have had the

he grew increasingly frustrated. He didn’t have much to work with to form a solid plan. Eventually, he decided to wait.

own plan, but that was a minor concern. His foremost priority was her safety. Everything else was insignificant in

thick curtain of silence shrouded

sky. Neon lights flashed in the distance, and the road lamps glowed weakly

at the gates. After a few moments, the doors opened and Kevin drove

as he entered the house. With yesterday's events still fresh in

would have none

don't you want to see the baby?" he sneered, his breath

Anne stopped and asked, "Where is

have to do is tell me what happened between you and Ryan," Kevin said,

her with a chill that sent a shudder through her bones. Anne's heart sank at his words. She already had

my phone," Anne said, stretching out

that Kevin habitually put things in his

could reach her phone, Kevin had grabbed her wrist and pulled her closer. "What? Are you angry because I saw through your

full of mockery. His breath fanned over her skin from their proximity. Anne took a deep breath and pushed

think there are more important things you should be asking me? Like why I

froze for a moment at her

she had learned to bite back. It came as such a shock that the sweet, naive Anne also could also spit

weapons were she hiding in

matter. No matter who it is you have a relationship with, it makes no difference in

still anything to say between us?" Anne

him into battle. There was no way he wouldn't engage. "Of course there is. Plenty of things, I might add. After all, it's for the baby," Kevin said, watching Anne's face as if reading

all too well what he was doing. Kevin was a shrewd businessman, and he knew her weakness.

your word that you won't take the child away. Otherwise, I guarantee you that you

"Sure."

have any contact

with anyone I want, and you have no control over my personal relationships," Anne argued. This was not a deal. It was

your child again." With these words, Kevin turned around. If he stayed here any longer, there was no

"Wait a minute."

paused his steps but did not look back. He stood straight and waited. He knew

first. I need time to sort out my own

it too far," Kevin answered then left the living room,

momentary. The next second, a heavy feeling

returned Anne's

checked her messages and saw

sent Ian a message to