Shaun’s breathing was ragged and uneven.
+25 BONUS
On the other end of the line, William sounded puzzled. “Shaun? Why aren’t you saying anything? What’s going on? Why are you breathing so hard?”
Shaun’s eyes burned red. “We’ll be ready soon…”
“Ha! I see! I always thought you weren’t the type to get involved with women. I was even surprised you got a girlfriend…”
Shaun couldn’t make out what William was saying after that. His senses narrowed to a sharp point, then suddenly a bright white light exploded in his vision like fireworks bursting in a storm.
He collapsed forward, resting his weight on Halsey’s shoulder.
“Shaun?” William called out again.
His voice hoarse and cracked, Shaun held the phone tightly. “I’ll call you back.”
“Sure.”
After hanging up, Shaun began pressing gentle kisses across Halsey’s face, tracing them down to her lips.
She was his first woman, and the only one. The soft, sweet heiress from a wealthy family. He was a normal man, and after three years, he’d grown–both in maturity and in body. Those three years apart had only made his body crave Halsey more fiercely. This kind of physical desire was uncontrollable, almost dangerous.
Halsey desired him, too. She wrapped her arms around his neck and returned his kiss.
But knowing there was business to handle soon, Shaun reluctantly pulled away. “We should get ready to meet William.”
Halsey nodded. “I have something to ask him.”
“If you need help, just tell me,” Shaun said.
Halsey knew he was no longer the poor kid named Dwight. He was Shaun Lane now–the rising star of the business world.
She understood how to be with Dwight, but wasn’t sure yet how to be with Shaun.
Halsey nodded again. “Okay. I will.”
They freshened up, then headed out to meet William at the restaurant.
William had reserved a table at a Frontellian–style restaurant. As the servers brought out the dishes, the atmosphere grew comfortable enough for Halsey to speak up boldly.
“Mr. Payne, to be honest, I came here tonight because I have a favor to ask.”
William looked at her carefully. “You want to talk about Lincoln Enterprise, don’t you?”
Halsey blinked in surprise. “You know?”
He smiled. “Of course. Shaun already told me. You’re the heiress of Lincoln Enterprise, right?”
Halsey glanced over at Shaun, surprised he had already shared their situation with William.
William continued, “Lincoln Enterprise has been unstable lately, and its reputation has taken a hit. From a business standpoint, I should have ended our partnership.”
Halsey quickly spoke up. “Mr. Payne, please hear me out…”
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Chapter 824
+25 BONUS
“No need to worry, Ms. Mallin. Shaun told me everything. We’re good friends, so I’ll give Lincoln Enterprise a chance. I’m not going to end our cooperation.”
Halsey’s eyes brightened. William wasn’t going to cut ties?
“That’s wonderful! Thank you so much, Mr. Payne.”
“But, Ms. Mallin, you have to settle the issues inside Lincoln Enterprise quickly. Otherwise, we’ll suffer losses.”
“Of course. I promise we’ll handle everything on our end as fast as possible. We’ll definitely protect your interests.”
William nodded. “Good. Let’s toast to our partnership.”
He lifted his glass.
Halsey picked up hers as well. “Thank you so much!”
William chuckled. “The one you really need to thank is Shaun. I was wondering why he agreed to golf with me, and it turns out it was because of you.”
Chapter 825
