Chapter 9 _____ Chasing Her

Chapter 9

Victor stared down into her bright hazel eyes. He hadn't expected that Janet would turn out to be such a determinedly stubborn woman. But it was unacceptable that she rejected him so mercilessly with each and every proposal. He had just saved her from a huge scandal and she should have been on her knees thanking him! Yet, she ruthlessly continued to deny his attentions and kept throwing tantrums for him to leave her alone. Although, seeing her cheeks puffed out in anger only made him want to kiss her until she was utterly breathless.

Is this what people call love at first sight? he wondered as he stared down at her.

Janet noticed that Victor was still looking at her and began to feel that she had said something completely offensive.

Trying to rid the tension between them, she gave him an apologetic look and hastily said, "Arggh! Mr. Reynolds! Don't take my words to heart! I mean... we are from completely different worlds! You deserve someone better like, like… Julie Kingsley! Or, or Caroline Mitchell!"

Both actresses belonged to the top female artists of the country. It was only natural that someone like Victor deserved to be with the most prestigious stars of the country. Babbling on and on, she failed to notice his dangerous proximity as he had inched closer to her. Before she could say another word, she felt his hand clasp the back of her head. She gasped in shock and astonishment. Eyes wide, she looked up and found his lips only few inches from her own. Her heart dropped into the pit of her stomach. Such close proximity had only one meaning—he was going to kiss her.

Victor played with her hair, relishing the feeling of her silken tresses between his fingers. However, he noticed the fear in her eyes. He inhaled a deep breath to stable his feelings. Without breaking eye contact, he said slowly, "Janet Kingsley, if I was interested in marrying someone else, I wouldn't be here. Believe me or not, you are going to realize that I am the best man for you."

Janet broke out in cold sweat. The smugness in his eyes looked extremely dangerous and gave her the urge to run far, far away. Staring up at him with a pair of pleading eyes, she began to feel her heart beating faster.

"Mr. Reynolds, I should get going… now."

Her words brought some sense back into Victor's head. Reluctantly, he let go of her and was going to say something but Janet turned on her heel and ran. Victor's expression dropped at the sight of her running away.

Do I look that scary?

Zaid approached Victor from the other side when he had overheard the conversation between his president and this super lucky actress come to an end.

"Ah! President, I think that you have scared Miss Kingsley. If you really want to win over her, you should be more gentle. Girls like her need a lot of patience."

Victor's brows furrowed as he pressed his height against the car. Letting out a frustrated sigh, he nervously confessed to his assistant, "Zaid, after twenty–nine years, I have begun to question on my charm."

"…"

Zaid was equally shocked at the lady's behavior. If Victor made an advertisement of finding a suitable wife, undoubtedly there would be a score of women in front of his mansion within the hour.

***

Janet came back her apartment mentally exhausted. She still couldn't register all the events that had happened in the past couple of days. The way Victor Reynolds started trailing her like an obsession didn't help her worries about the future. Her reputation was already in tatters because of the unnecessary scandals. Moreover, Envy wasn't very concerned about her image. At some point, Janet started to assume that Envy acted too nonchalantly whenever it came to the recent scandal. Was it another premeditated plan to end her career?

Switching on the shower, she began to soak herself under the warm water. Her anxious heart relaxed a bit but her ears were still rang with Victor's domineering voice.

"If I wanted someone else, I wouldn't be here."

Her thoughts were interrupted by her phone ringing in the hallway. Hastily, she wrapped a thick towel around her drenched body and stepped out of the bathroom. Grabbing the phone, her features hardened again when the caller Id showed up.

"Envy…"

Assuming that her manager had called to scold her, Janet nervously tapped on the answer button. Surprisingly, Envy's voice came out fast through the speaker in pure disbelief.

"How did you get your role back, Janet?! Did you sleep with Director Martin? That… it doesn't make any sense. I mean, he isn't a part of their team anymore."

Janet was stunned. Her eyes darted around the room as she tried to think.

"I don't fully understand you, Envy. What are you talking about?"

Envy huffed and scoffed as she informed, "You still don't know?! You have been re-casted to play in Witch Queen again! But this is the shocking part; Director Martin has been removed by the producers."

Janet let out a soft gasp of disbelief. The image of a particular person came to mind. Could he be the one behind this? Regaining her calm composure, Janet angrily clenched her teeth.

"How? How did it happen? Do you know?"

"I don't know! I just heard that the order came from some higher ups or something like that."

Janet gripped her phone. Her brows knitted together in anger as the thought of how she had obtained her role flashed across her mind. She didn't want to use shortcuts to further her career.

Breaking through Janet's thoughts, Envy continued, "Anyway, the crew will be sending out the schedule for your shooting soon. Be prepared and practice the scripts. Since Director Martin isn't on the team, you won't have anything to worry about now."

Janet hummed in response and heard the call disconnect. Her expression turned pensive once she was left alone with her own thoughts. She couldn't be bothered to be indebted to Victor Reynolds! These actions needed be stopped as soon as possible.

But what can I do to stop him from chasing me?