Chapter 5 The Conditions

Jeffrey dipped his head once more, his lips mere inches away from Verena's.

A slight movement from either of them would culminate in a kiss.

Verena couldn't deny the allure of Jeffrey, particularly with his sleeves rolled up, revealing a robust arm that entwined with her wrist.

Yet, she exerted considerable force to push him away.

"Mr. Yates, I acknowledge I need help now, but as you said last time, women must uphold their self-respect. My company is in constant jeopardy, but I refuse to rely on my body to solve problems every time," she declared in a single breath.

After her words, she straightened her attire and retreated into the adjacent room.

Jeffrey, evidently taken aback by her refusal, remained stunned for a prolonged moment.

It wasn't until the door closed behind her that he snapped back to reality. Lighting a cigarette, he drew in a few deep puffs.

Through the haze, he cast a disdainful glance at the shut door, muttering, "She holds it against me now?"

*

Two days later marked the deadline Verena had promised the shareholders.

The secretary, Kaiden Ford, delivered concerning news to Verena. "Ms. Wheeler, Liam has reached out to Blaine. He's planning to sell his shares in the company."

Liam Saunders, the second-largest shareholder, held the key to the Oasis Group's fate. If he proceeded with the sale, a change of ownership loomed.

Additionally, Kaiden added another blow, "Mr. Brooks is looking to sell the car system developed by our company. He's already started reaching out to potential buyers."

This car system, a project Verena's father, Jacob Wheeler, had invested significant effort in, was considered the most promising venture.

Although its development had been arduous, the impending sale would likely undervalue its potential.

Aware that without SwiftGlide International releasing the loan on that very day, any plea to prevent the division and sale of the Oasis Group would be futile, Verena focused on a crucial detail.

"Have you located Blaine? Where is he now?" she asked Kaiden.

"He's at the Sunlight Racecourse," Kaiden informed her.

"I'll go find him immediately," Verena determinedly declared.

Upon reaching the Sunlight Racecourse, Verena spotted Blaine adorned in a white equestrian outfit, casually conversing with other affluent individuals about potential business collaborations.

Blaine, with his striking looks, resembled a fairytale prince in the riding attire.

However, her attention swiftly diverted to another man astride a horse— Jeffrey!

Clad in a black equestrian outfit that emphasized his broad shoulders, narrow waist, and sculpted muscles, Jeffrey exuded an air of unruly wildness, a stark contrast to Blaine's charm.

Jeffrey was the first to notice Verena.

On the verdant grass, she donned a white and red equestrian outfit, her long hair pulled into a high ponytail, presenting a pure image.

Raising his sharp eyebrows, Jeffrey projected an air of maturity.

Yet, Verena hesitated to meet Jeffrey's gaze. Instead, she headed straight for Blaine, sensing a distinct sneer in Jeffrey's eyes.

After all, she had unequivocally rejected his advances earlier, and now she sought out Blaine.

Despite having no intention of involving herself with Blaine, Verena felt a sense of embarrassment in Jeffrey's presence.

"Well, Verena, did you come to see me?" Blaine, still atop his horse, greeted her with a smile. There was no hint of surprise in his demeanor.

He had anticipated her arrival on the last day of the agreed deadline, confident that she wouldn't want to witness a change in the Oasis Group's leadership or its inevitable division.

Knowing Blaine's malevolent nature, Verena could only cast her gaze upward and said in a modest manner, "Mr. Yates, can we talk?"

As he observed the proximity between the former couple, Jeffrey's eyes turned cold.

With a semblance of tender affection, Blaine responded, "Verena, my conditions are clear. Once you agree, I'll arrange the loan for you."

Although he still harbored the desire to keep her as a secret mistress, he couched his words ambiguously in front of the crowd.

"You know I can't accept that! Can't you stop making things difficult for me, considering our history together?" Verena's eyes welled up with tears as she spoke.

As an illegitimate daughter, Verena had endured the disdain of others, making her particularly intolerant of a marriage tainted by impurity.

Whether it involved meddling in other people's marriages or others meddling in hers, she found it unbearable.

Blaine, having spent three years with her, understood her aversion intimately.

This awareness drove him to construct an intricate trap while pursuing his own ambitions, ensuring he could maintain his hold on her.

Witnessing her teary eyes, Blaine chose to turn a blind eye to her emotions, prioritizing his ultimate goal.

"Since you can't accept it, then we have nothing to talk about," Blaine declared.

With those words, he urged his horse to trot past her.

As Verena attempted to catch up, those who had conversed with Blaine rode over, suggesting an alternative.

"Let's talk about the deal later. Why don't you come and ride with us?"

"Let's have a carefree race on the course—nothing to worry about."

These individuals were shrewd; they didn't attain their current positions in life without a keen understanding of their actions. They knew precisely what they were doing.

"Thanks, but I don't know how to ride a horse," she refused politely.

Faced with Blaine's reluctance to assist, she had no choice but to seek alternatives and test her luck elsewhere.

Determined, she refused to surrender, persisting until the final moment.

However, as she turned to depart, something unexpectedly encircled her waist, and in a bewildered state, she found herself seated on the back of a horse.

Jeffrey's compelling voice resonated in her ear. "I'll teach you how to ride..."