Gideon sat rigidly, his shoulders squared, the air around him charged with a dangerous stillness as he listened to Matthew lay out the report about Mr. Hill.
"This man has always been a womanizer," Matthew continued, "has had countless affairs. Rumor has it that his fiancée left him because of this behavior. A few months ago, a woman filed a harassment case against him. It was settled out of court, but the incident ended his engagement. Still, he hasn’t changed. He chases any woman he finds attractive, forcing his terms on them."
Gideon started to regret not checking into this man’s background properly before deciding to do business with him. He shouldn’t have taken Summer there. He shouldn’t have left her alone with that man. Regret and anger mixed, twisting his heart.
"Aside from this habit, he is competent in business," Matthew continued. "His company is performing well, publicly listed, and one of the major suppliers of raw materials."
"But he is not the only supplier," Gideon hissed. "I don’t need him."
Matthew nodded understandingly. "What’s your order?"
Gideon’s jaw locked as he recalled the red marks on Summer’s face. It was obvious that man had hit her. The rage that followed was explosive, hot.
"Break his hands," he commanded fiercely. "With each crack of his bone, remind him who he crossed." After a pause, he added, "And go after his company – stocks, supplies, partnership, everything he relies on. I want his company to crumble to dust."
"It’s not impossible, but this may affect our business as well," Matthew cautioned. "Hills are wealthy and powerful. Their influence runs deep in this city. Striking them openly could damage us."
"What do you want me to do?" Gideon barked, clearly annoyed. "He laid hands on Summer. You expect me to swallow it? Pretend nothing happened?"
His fists trembled on the table, eyes blazing with uncontrolled rage. "I don’t care how influential his family is. I’m ready to face the consequences, but I won’t sit quietly, doing nothing."
Matthew fell silent. Gideon’s rage was so raw, so consuming, it felt like standing in the heat of a wildfire.
He knew his boss wouldn’t stop at anything, even destroy the world if needed, when it came to Summer. But he also knew that attacking the Hills openly was a reckless decision. He couldn’t let the business suffer losses and his boss face trouble.
As he ran his mind, he came up with an idea.
"Then let me handle it quietly," he said. "His affairs will be the reason for his downfall. Men like him always leave dirt behind. We won’t strike from the front. We’ll strike from the shadows." New chapters come out on g.com first.
His confidence was evident in the way he spoke. "Give me some time. You will see the result in a few days."
He then looked down at the file in his hand before setting it on the table. "Here is the report on the man who was seen with Miss Summer outside the office."
At that, Gideon straightened. His mind had been so occupied with the recent incident that he had almost forgotten he had asked Matthew to check on this guy. He pulled the file toward him and flipped it open, eyebrows creasing with interest as he skimmed over the information.
"His name is Landon Llyod," Matthew went on. "An old friend of Miss Summer’s. They were neighbors, grew up together. Same street, same school. Their families were close. He moved away later when he started his own concierge company."
Gideon’s eyes stopped abruptly on one particular piece of information: Divorced. With a daughter.
"He divorced his wife three years ago," he muttered with disbelief. "That meant he was still married when Summer disappeared!"
Matthew gave a curt nod. "His marriage had been rocky for years, and they officially separated three years back. He moved his business to this city last year and has been working hard to get his company listed. His daughter is around Hope’s age, and they attend the same school."
Gideon’s frown deepened as the shadow of suspicion fell on his face. He couldn’t help but wonder if Landon’s failed marriage was linked to Summer. And another question still lingered: ’Is he Hope’s father?’
The image of Summer entering the hotel room with a man flashed in the back of his mind. Back then, he had tried everything: digging through hotel records, hunting for surveillance, questioning staff. But the footage had vanished as if someone had made sure he found nothing.
Now, looking at Landon’s profile, the doubt that had haunted him for years surged back with renewed force.
"I need more on this man," he said. "Find out whether he was the one with Summer at the Crescent Hotel six years ago."
~~~~~~~~~~
When Summer opened her eyes, her vision blurred before setting. She found herself on a large bed, blanket tucked securely around her. A dull throb pulsed at the sides of her head. Wincing, she lifted her hand and massaged her temples. As her gaze drifted across the room, something clicked in her mind. Enjoying the story? Read on at novelping.com.
She knew this place – it was Gideon’s presidential suite.
’Why am I here?’ Alarmed, she stiffened.
The memories rushed back into her mind in flashes – going to the golf club, drinking wine, puking in the restroom, and Mr. Hill forcing himself onto her. Cold terror of that moment crawled up her arms. She had somehow escaped that man and passed out into Gideon’s arms.
Yanking the blanket up, she checked herself frantically. When she found all her clothes were still on her body, she heaved a sigh in relief. But that relief didn’t last long.
Hope’s face crossed her mind, guilt twisting her guts. She was late.
"Hope must be waiting for me," she murmured under her breath and clambered down the bed. The ache in her head pulsed again, but she ignored it and strode toward the door.
Just then, Gideon entered.
Their gazes locked instantly. Summer came to an abrupt halt; her body went rigid at the memory of Mr. Hill trying to violate her. The thought that she had been such a danger because of Gideon sent a fresh wave of annoyance within her.
"You are awake," he said, his tone not as cold and indifferent as before. "You must be hungry. Eat something first."
But Summer had no intention of staying—not even for a moment. Without acknowledging him, she headed straight for the door. As she attempted to walk past, Gideon caught her arm, pulling her to a halt.
"I’m talking to you," he hissed, irritation slipping into his voice. Whatever gentleness he had shown a moment ago vanished instantly.
Summer jerked her arm free and glared at him. "I don’t want to talk. I don’t want to stay here. It feels suffocating. You make me uncomfortable."
Gideon stared at her as if he hadn’t heard correctly. He pointed at himself, incredulous. "I make you uncomfortable?" he echoed. "I’m the one who saved you. If I hadn’t gotten there..."
"Oh, thank you so much for saving me," she snapped, cutting him sharply. "Thank you for putting me in danger in the first place. Thank you for making me suffer."