One night stand with my president(chapter 450)

 

Chapter 450:  I Can't Let You Go

The middle-aged man immediately pricked up his ears, holding his breath, hanging onto every word.

"Tell him," Russell said coldly, "that even if I've fallen, I still have enough pride not to associate with filth like him."

The disgust in his voice was sharp-undeniable.

The middle-aged man broke into a cold sweat.

He had assumed that since Russell agreed to pass along a message, he must've accepted the idea of working with Benjamin.

But to hear this instead, he didn't know how to deliver that to Benjamin.

"And one more thing," Russell added, his tone darkening, "He can hurt whoever he wants-l couldn't care less. But he never should've touched Miss Hensley. That's a line he should've known not to cross."

The man wiped his sweaty forehead and mumbled, "He didn't hurt Miss Hensley... He even had a house built for her, fed her, cared for her..."

Russell actually laughed-cold, mirthless.

"Get out."

Kidnapping her, locking her up, and that was not hurting her?

Russell had been busy, distracted with other things. That was the only reason he hadn't gone after Benjamin yet.

But now Benjamin had come knocking on his door.

Well, he'd just handed Russell an excuse.

He knew the Tillman family was already bleeding from their battles with the Thomson and the Mendoza families.

Russell was about to join the war, too.

He didn't want to align himself with Harrison.

But to avenge Adeline, he had no choice.

The middle-aged man had more to say, but Russell's words had scared him stiff. He scrambled to his feet and fled.

Russell was alone again.

He didn't even touch the drink the man had ordered. Instead, he rang for service and had them bring him a few new bottles.

A moment later, the door creaked open.

But it wasn't a server-it was one of the club's hostesses. She had the kind of body men remembered, a seductive smile, and eyes like velvet.

She knelt before him, placing the bottles on the coffee table. Then she poured him a fresh glass.

"Mr. Hunter, please."

Russell took the glass and downed it in one go.

It burned, harsh and fiery.

He used to rarely drink.

But now, he drank a lot.

Some nights, he couldn't even fall asleep without it.

The hostesses refilled his glass without being asked .

"That's enough," Russell said coolly. "You can leave now."

But the hostess didn't move.

She'd fought hard for this assignment-serving Russell was a rare chance.

She wasn't about to walk away that easily.

Truthfully, even without the money or status-just the man himself-she'd still be tempted.

So she ignored his words.

Boldly, she reached out and touched his arm.

"Drinking alone is no fun, Mr. Hunter," she purred.

“Let me keep you company tonight."

She'd heard Russell had a gentle temperament.

Otherwise, she never would've dared try this.

As the words left her lips, Russell turned to look at her.

His eyes were utterly devoid of warmth.

Her confidence started to crumble.

Just as she began to wonder if she'd pushed too far, he suddenly grabbed her wrist and yanked her into his lap.

She gasped-but her heart fluttered. She quickly wrapped her arms around his neck.

"Mr. Hunter..."

But Russell didn't do anything else. He just stared at her.

His body showed no reaction.

A few seconds later, he gently pushed her away.

"Leave."

She blinked and thought, "We are that close-why stop now?"

She bit her lip, unwilling to give up. "Mr.

Hunter..."

"I said-leave."

This time, his voice carried a warning.

She didn't dare stay a second longer and hurried out.

Once the door shut, Russell poured himself another drink.

He couldn't do it.

He couldn't touch another woman.

Her perfume had been cloying.

He genuinely hated it.

He emptied the glass in one gulp and pulled out his phone.

Scrolling through his gallery, he found the photo of him and Adeline.

It was taken the day they'd built a snowman together.

They were smiling in the snow, side by side.

That had been a good day.

"Miss Hensley... he whispered, eyes fixed on the screen. "What am I supposed to do if I can't let you go?"

He used to believe he could let her go with grace.

But now, he knew better.

"I won't hurt you like Benjamin did... but please just give me  just give me one chance. Just one, to fight for you."

Meanwhile, Adeline was deep asleep.

When she finally woke up, the sun was already high in the sky.

She shot upright in bed, only to wince from a sharp pain in her lower back.

Sucking in a breath, she rubbed her waist and reached for her phone.

It was ten past ten.

Adeline thought, "I set an alarm-why didn't it go off again.”

Then it hit her. Harrison must've turned it off

The spot beside her was already cold and empty.

She saw a message he'd left for her earlier that morning.

"I'm heading to'the office first. You rest. Come in when you're ready."

It was sent at seven-something.

Unbelievable. They'd both been up late last night —and he was the one doing most of the work.

Yet he was still up, dressed, and off to work like nothing happened.

She was honestly a little envious of his stamina.

She lay in bed a little longer, then finally dragged herself to the bathroom.

After washing up and getting dressed, she headed downstairs, only to stop dead in her tracks.

Standing at the door was Russell. He looked thinner.

And something about him had changed.

He turned when he heard her footsteps.

His eyes were bloodshot.

Adeline hesitated, then greeted him politely. "Mr. Hunter."

Russell stared at her in silence.

"Why are you here?" she asked.

"I'm waiting for you," he said, his voice hoarse.

He'd seen Harrison leave alone this morning, which meant Adeline was still home.

She blinked, caught off guard.

It was clear he wasn't here about work.

"I'm heading to the office," she said, keeping her tone cordial.

It was better to keep some distance now.

She'd once agreed to stay friends with Russell, but that was back when they were both single.

Now she was with Harrison.

She could still interact with men, sure-but there had to be boundaries, especially with someone who had feelings for her.

She tried to leave, but Russell stepped in her path.

His tall frame completely blocked her way.

"Is he good to you?" he asked.

She knew he meant Harrison.

Without hesitation, she nodded. "Yes, he is very good to me."

That final nod-that calm certainty-stabbed through Russell's heart like a blade.