Chapter 15 Ian Turns Gentle

• Ian stopped his beast-like behavior and even regretted his reckless actions.
• "I'm sorry, Miss Landon. It was impulsive of me. I hope I didn't hurt you."
• He was sorry?
• Was I hearing things?
• He was actually apologizing? It was a rare sight!
• "Miss Landon, please don't take it to heart." He looked sincere.
• I didn't give him a concussion with that slap, did I?
• He seemed like a completely different person now as he spoke gently without being sarcastic.
• I kept feeling like it was a trap...
• "Well, since no major mistake was made, rest assured that I won't pursue this matter."
• I was not that magnanimous, but if I insisted on confronting him, I would be the one at a disadvantage.
• I chose to endure it for now until things calmed down. After all, he hadn't caused me any substantial harm by stopping himself in time.
• I couldn't exactly report him for attempted harm, could I?
• "Since Asco has agreed to sell the land to Winter Medical Group, I hope you will keep your promise."
• I had no idea what was going on with Asco, but it seemed to be related to Sean, as he managed to get Asco's representatives to sign the land purchase contract with Winter Medical Group this afternoon.
• It was clear that Sean played a role in this, which dragged me into the situation. I would have to ask him later about what was going on.
• Now, I needed to urge Ian to fulfill his promise.
• "All right. I will never break my word."
• Ian pulled out his phone and made a call. "Release the video evidence online and let the internet ghostwriters suppress public opinion. If this matter doesn't make headlines tomorrow, you'll regret it."
• As expected, with a little behind-the-scenes manipulation, online violence could ruin a person.
• Ian was truly despicable in his methods.
• "Mr. Winter, there's no connection between us now that the matter is settled. Please refrain from bothering me in the future. I don't want to implicate the people around me, and you shouldn't use them to threaten me either."
• I didn't want to involve the people around me, so I decided to cut off any lingering thoughts he might have.
• "Miss Landon, I apologize for resorting to such despicable means to gain your attention. The first time I saw you, I remembered your gaze which was filled with hatred and disdain."
• Of course. How can someone like you lack self-awareness? You've done unforgivable things in the past, and now you can't stand a gaze filled with resentment?
• I didn't argue or explain myself. I was afraid of accidentally revealing something.
• "To be honest, the more you show that expression, the more I'm attracted by that kind of gaze, to the point where I can't fall asleep at night. At night, your gaze appears in my mind and lingers endlessly when I close my eyes..."
• What was this? Was he trying to confess?
• Ian's words were like sugared excrement. It was still disgusting.
• "Mr. Winter, I'm not the kind of seventeen or eighteen-year-old naive girl anymore. Your affectionate confession doesn't move me."
• He looked embarrassed, and it was quite clear that this was probably the first time in his life that he had spoken such cheesy words to a woman.
• All the women around him were chasing after him, yet he was the one taking the initiative to confess to me.
• Hah. What a joke...
• I was secretly delighted in my heart. He was truly experiencing some hardships with me.
• "Miss Landon, haven't I humbled myself enough? There's no woman in this world that I cannot get… You and I are alone together in a room today. If it were any other woman, things would have been done already. Do you think I would let her waste time with me here?"
• I was puzzled. Logically speaking, I should have been at his mercy by now, with no way out. However, it seemed that he had some concerns or hesitations.
• "Mr. Winter, I'm afraid lowering yourself is only self-deceiving. Not all women will fall for you just because you've lowered your status."
• I gave him another blow while making it clear that I would not be so easily moved.
• "Okay then. Let's wait and see. I told you, I enjoy the hunting process, and you are still my ultimate prey."
• I was speechless.
• Maybe my words were too provocative, and he felt challenged rather than giving up.
• My goodness. It seemed like I had given him even more motivation. What was that about? Was it more interesting when there was a challenge?
• However, I truly had no feelings for him now.
• "Ian, what about me then? If you consider her your ultimate prey, what am I in your eyes?"
• I didn't expect Eileen to overhear us.
• She came in without any warning.
• I wonder how long she had been standing outside.
• Her eyes were filled with tears and she looked pitiful.
• "Eileen, when did you come? What did you hear?" Ian seemed angry. Perhaps he was upset that her sudden appearance ruined his plans.
• "Ian, tell me the truth. Have you fallen for Robyn?" Eileen pointed at me as she questioned Ian.
• Upon facing her questioning, he didn't panic like most men caught in such a situation.
• He remained calm and looked even more imposing instead.
• "Eileen, don't I have the right to like someone?"
• Wow! What a confident and reasonable response.
• Eileen was dumbfounded. She couldn't believe the man to whom she had opened her heart could say something so irresponsible in front of her.
• "That day, she bumped into me in the restroom, and you didn't stand up for me. What's even worse is that you confidently claimed she was just a pawn for you… Pawn, my foot... You want her to be your queen, don't you?" Eileen's emotions grew more intense.
• Inwardly, I figured I was once his queen indeed.
• In response to her hysterical accusations, Ian seemed to soften a bit.
• "Eileen, don't be unreasonable. If you think about it like that, aren't all women your enemies?"
• "My 'like' here refers to appreciating Miss Landon's talents. Everyone knows how capable she is, and this time, it was her efforts that made Asco agree."
• His explanation was too far-fetched, and I couldn't bear listening to it anymore. However, I remained silent while observing their argument from the side. It didn't concern me much. After all, it was Ian who dragged me into this mess.
• "Is that so?" Eileen asked dubiously.
• "When have I lied to you?"
• Yet Eileen persisted. "Ian, I don't care. I can tell there's something off from the way you look at her. I don't want her to be your secretary. I can help you find someone else."
• That's right! That's right! I fully agree with Eileen. Please don't keep me here.
• I would be more than happy!
• But Ian seemed hesitant.
• "Miss Landon is a rare talent, and the group needs someone like her. If we drive her away, it will be a significant loss for us."
• I couldn't believe how nicely he put it!
• It sounded grand and noble, but in reality, he just wanted to keep me here. He was afraid that I might leave.
• "Mr. Winter, I agree with Miss Keyes. To avoid any impact on your relationship, I think it's best if I leave. I'm a doctor and I'm not suitable to work as a secretary. I won't disturb you any longer. Also, Mr. Winter, women need to be cherished. Miss Keyes loves you so much, so you should treasure what you have in front of you."
• After saying my piece, I was ready to make my exit.