The Year I Was the Other Woman To Myself novel Chapter 253

"I might be a rough-around-the-edges guy, and I might look intimidating, but I've got a soft heart, especially for a beauty like you, Ms. Laurier. You drink this, we become friends, and as for those workers' wages… that's a drop in the bucket."

The way Louis stared at her was like a predator eyeing its cornered prey, already imagining the feast. Penelope's gaze shifted past him to Zebulon, who was downing one drink after another. He looked nervous, but when he caught her looking at him, he put on a show of bravado and gave her a cocky wink.

"Mr. Lee likes you," he said.

"So you sold me out?"

"Don't get the wrong idea. Mr. Lee just wants to be friends."

"I can drink this," Penelope said, "but I want to know why their wages were withheld in the first place. Where did the process break down?"

"It didn't break down anywhere," Louis replied. "They'll get paid the moment I say so."

Penelope looked back at Louis. "So you're deliberately withholding their pay?"

"A bunch of country bumpkins think they can just waltz in here and take my money? Not a chance."

"It's money they earned through hard labor. It wasn't easy!"

"I don't care how hard they worked. I'm going to drag it out until they're desperate. Then, if I'm in a good mood, I might give them half of what they're owed. If not, they won't see a dime."

Penelope clenched her fists under the table. This man was pure scum.

"Of course, since you're here today, Ms. Laurier, to plead their case, I have to show you some respect," Louis said, pushing the glass closer to her. "But for that, you have to show me respect, right?"

Penelope nodded. "Of course, Mr. Lee. I wouldn't dream of disrespecting you. I'll drink it."

She picked up the glass and drained it in one go.

"Impressive, Ms. Laurier!" Louis clapped.

Zebulon shot to his feet, clearly shocked that she had drunk it so easily.

"Mr. Lee knows his limits. He won't kill her," Anna said, then looked at Louis. "Right, Mr. Lee?"

Louis' eyes were fixed on Penelope's unconscious form. He rubbed his hands together. "I'm going to take good care of her. Why would I want to kill her?"

"So, as we agreed," Anna pressed, "we deliver Penelope to you, and the debt between you and Stone Group is cleared?"

"I've wanted her for a long time," Louis admitted. "Back during the library project, I tried to make a move, but she was too smart, always slipping away. It's been driving me crazy."

"Once our debt is cleared, your business with those workers is your own," Zebulon added hastily.

"Those workers are even less of a problem. I can drag this out until they starve!"

"So, about her…"

"Are you going to shut up or not? Unless you want to join in. I don't mind getting a little wild."