My Ex-Husband Begged Me to Take Him Back - Chapter 222

Chapter 222: The tricks (Part €“ 2) Chapter 222: The tricks (Part €“ 2) Erica clasped the glass as her fury bubbled beneath the surface.

“How much do you want?” Rylee savored his drink with an air of smug confidence.

“I’m planning to start a new business.

A billion should cover it.

Pay up, and I’ll disappear from your life.” He deliberately said that amount as he knew she couldn’t afford it.

This would force her to make mistakes.

Erica’s jaw dropped with disbelief.

“A billion?

Are you insane?” she snapped in irritation.

“Where am I supposed to get that kind of money?” “That’s not my problem.” Rylee shrugged, unbothered. “Figure it out or brace yourself for Dylan’s fury.

It’s your call.” He rose from the sofa and buttoned up his coat.

“I’ll call you two days later.

I hope I’ll get a positive response.” He turned to leave but paused and looked back at her.

“Oh, and don’t even think about hurting me.

If anything happens to me, my friend will ensure Dylan gets the evidence.” Flashing a cunning smile at her, he left the bar.

Erica seethed and slammed her glass onto the table, its contents sloshing over the rim.

“How dare you?” She gritted her teeth, wanting to kill him right there.

But his threatening words echoed in her ears, making her swallow her rage.

Rylee’s threat wasn’t one she could dismiss.

For now, she had no choice but to comply.

“That bastard,” she hissed.

“He’ll regret ever crossing me.

But first, I need to arrange the money.

Then, I’ll deal with that snake.” She quickly pulled her phone from her purse and scrolled through her contacts.

Her finger hovered over a name before she pressed it and brought the phone to her ear.

The line rang twice before a deep, gruff voice answered.

“What do you want this time?” “I…

I need a favor,” Erica said in a pleading tone.

“Can you lend me some money?

I promise I’ll return it in a few months.” “How much do you want?” “Um€¦” She hesitated for a moment.

“A billion.” “A billion?” The voice on the other end shot up in incredulity.

“What do you think I am?

A walking ATM?

You already owe me millions!

Pay that back first.” “I will, I promise!” Erica said with desperation.

“But I need your help this time, just this once.” “There is no way I’ll help you.” Beep The sudden disconnect left Erica stunned, her phone still pressed to her ear.

She slowly lowered it, her eyes wide with disbelief.

“He…

he hung up on me?

What am I going to do now?” Erica’s mind churned with fear and restlessness.

Grabbing the glass in front of her, she tipped it back, the sharp burn of alcohol scorching her throat.

She grimaced, but the bitterness was nothing compared to the roiling storm inside her.

Setting the empty glass down with a loud clink, she clenched her fists.

“I won’t let Rylee ruin me,” she growled.

“I’ll find a way.

I have to.” Erica’s mind raced through potential solutions.

Suddenly, a name surfaced.

“Yes, he can help me.” A sly smile curled her lips.

Without wasting another second, she picked up her phone again and scrolled the screen down.

She finally found a number she hadn’t dialed in years.

With deliberate movement, she pressed the call button.

The line rang a few times before a deep voice answered.

“Hello?

Who is it?” “It’s Erica.

Do you still remember me?” She said, instilling cheerfulness in her tone.

“Erica!

After a long, long time you finally remembered to contact me.

What’s this about?” “I have got a deal for you,” Erica said cooly.

There was a pause.

“What kind of deal?” Erica studied her manicured nails.

“I heard your company is desperate to secure the Port Development project.

I can make that happen.” Another brief silence.

Then, the man replied, “Meet me at the Imperial Hotel, room 108C.” Her lips curled into a satisfied grin.

“I’ll be there shortly.” Erica arrived at the hotel swiftly, her heels clicking against the polished floor as she made her way to the elevator.

When the elevator finally stopped and the doors slid open, she stepped out confidently.

But her stride faltered as she caught sight of someone familiar.

Erica froze as she watched Ava walking briskly down the corridor, her pulse quickening as resentment surged within her.

“What is she doing here?” she wondered.

Memories of Gianna’s words flooded back.

Ava-the root of her downfall.

The reason she wasn’t COO.

The reason Rylee dared to blackmail her.

“Ava,” she hissed through gritted teeth.

“I despise you more than anything.” A dark and vengeful idea lit up her mind.

Without hesitation, she dialed a number.

“Hello,” she said smoothly as the call connected.

“I need you to teach someone a lesson.

Tonight.” Her voice turned icy as she gave precise instructions.

Ending the call, she slipped her phone back into her bag, her smirk returning.

“You won’t know what hit you, Ava.” A wicked sense of satisfaction filled her chest.

“By morning, your reputation will be in shreds, and you’ll have nowhere to hide.” Erica slipped her phone into her bag and walked briskly toward room 108C.

Her knuckles tapped lightly against the door, and within moments, it swung open.

A strong hand shot out, gripping her wrist tightly and yanking her inside.

Startled, she stumbled forward, colliding with the solid chest of a man whose smoldering gaze bore into her.

Before she could understand anything, his lips crashed onto hers in a ravenous kiss.

Erica squirmed; her muffled protests lost as he backed her toward the bed with relentless force.

“Stop,” she gasped.

“Let’s talk-” “Don’t act innocent,” he hisses, unbuttoning his shirt.

His eyes roved over her hungrily.

“You came here willingly.

Now it’s too late.

Please me first and then we’ll talk.” The shirt hit the floor, revealing his sculpted torso.

His eyes darkened with lust as he pinned her beneath him.

“Luke, please-” she tried again, but her plea was smothered as he claimed her lips once more, his touch igniting a fire that burned through her resistance.

His hands roamed over her body, making her shiver with involuntary desire.

Her protests faltered, drowned by the intoxicating heat of his kisses and the way his touch sent waves of pleasure coursing through her.

Her mind went blank.

At that charged moment, she forgot the purpose of meeting this younger son of the Bakers.

She found herself succumbing to the moment, surrendering to the raw intensity.

The room was filled with the rustling of discarded clothing and the soft gasps and moans that echoed off the walls.

After what felt like an hour, Luke finally rolled onto his back, his breathing heavy but controlled.

He reached for a cigarette on the nightstand, lighting it with practiced ease.

He took a slow drag, exhaling a stream of smoke into the air.

Erica shifted, her body still tingling from their fiery encounter.

She pulled the blanket over, concealing her bare form, and slid closer to him.

“Do you still like me?” A sultry smile curved her lips as her fingers trailed lazily down his chest, tracing the lines of his well-defined muscles.

Luke’s eyes flicked down to her, a wry smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth.

“Like you?” he scoffed.

“Don’t flatter yourself.” With a flick of his wrist, he pushed her hand away.

“It’s just sex.” He leaned in slightly, his fingers gripping her chin firmly, tilting her face upward.

“I won’t deny it,” he added.

“You are damn good in bed.

I enjoyed every second, and I wouldn’t mind continuing this.”