“What’s going on here?” a deep voice boomed.
Chloe froze, then Mark pulled her back. I
stumbled backward, shielding my chest.
Everyone turned. Someone gasped, “It’s Mr. Blackwood!”
“Which Mr. Blackwood?”
<
“Ethan Blackwood!”
My eyes widened. The man who had helped me
on the deck, the man I’d offered to marry for
half a million dollars
–
was Ethan Blackwood,
the most powerful man in LA.
He glanced at me, then turned to his assistant.
“Take Miss Miller somewhere to rest.” The
assistant quickly came over and draped the
jacket around me. “Miss Miller, let me take you
downstairs.”
I numbly nodded my thanks. As she led me
away, I couldn’t resist looking back. The crowd
parted respectfully.
“Mr. Blackwood, it’s a misunderstanding…”
Mark stammered, his drunkenness fading.
“What kind of misunderstanding?” Ethan’s voice
was calm, but there was an edge to it. I paused,
listening from the corner. The assistant waited
patiently.
“Chloe, my girlfriend, she’s with me. She
must’ve misunderstood something and
overreacted…”
Ethan’s eyes narrowed. “I hardly think a true
lady of Los Angeles society would behave in
such a manner.”
Mark flushed, and Chloe sobbed.
Ethan turned to his security. “Escort this young
lady off the premises.”
“Mark…” Chloe clung to his arm, refusing to let
- go. She knew the consequences. Being thrown
out like this would ruin her reputation, her
career.
“Mr. Blackwood, Chloe knows she was wrong.
Please give her another chance…”
<
Ethan’s gaze was ice cold. “You’re welcome to
leave with her, Mr. Howard.”
Mark shut up, pulling his arm away. Chloe was escorted off the yacht. The crowd dispersed. No one had expected the drama to end like this.
“Mr. Blackwood…” the assistant said softly.
I turned. Ethan was walking toward me. He
dismissed his assistant and asked gently,
“Ashley, are you alright? Did that frighten you?”
I shook my head, still dazed. “No, I’m fine.”
