Falling into Her Trap: Don't Cross the Line, Mr. President-Chapter 41: Deep Love

Probably finding her unnecessarily slow, the man impatiently reached out and pulled Claire Shaw inside.

The car door closed, and the assistant tactfully stood aside to keep watch.

Claire Shaw lay softly in Ethan Blackwood’s arms, her pupils dilated and her voice slightly unstable: "Why did you come in person?"

Ethan Blackwood’s deep voice pressed close to her ear with a hint of subtle teasing: "I was afraid my dear Ms. Shaw would be bullied, so I’m here to back you up."

Claire Shaw’s face flushed bright red; so that’s the reason.

"You, you don’t have to do this."

The man pinched her cheek gently, "Alright, the contract has been sorted by Finn Pierce, you just need to sign it."

Claire Shaw carefully reviewed the contract, finding no hidden clauses before signing.

The matter of the swimming pool was just incidental; she spoke again, "And about the orphanage..."

The man rubbed her head, "We’ll discuss it later, I have something else to handle today."

He was dressed formally, indicating an important engagement, and Claire Shaw, not wanting to be inconsiderate, politely bid farewell.

Before she got out of the car, Ethan Blackwood unexpectedly leaned closer, his gentle voice whispering in her ear: "Ms. Shaw’s kiss last night was very sweet."

Even after Ethan Blackwood left, Claire Shaw found herself inexplicably savoring that remark.

This man had her hooked yet refused to give her any answers.

Seeing Claire Shaw’s complex expression, Mason Blackwood carefully tugged at her hand, "Ms. Shaw, are you unhappy? Did I do something wrong?"

Mason Blackwood was naturally sensitive, and when Claire Shaw didn’t respond, he lowered his head and softly said, "I just wanted to help you, I’m sorry, Ms. Shaw."

Claire Shaw snapped back to reality, crouched down, and patted his head, "No, you did great. Now there’ll be an additional pool for the kids, everyone will be very grateful to you."

"And you?" Mason Blackwood cared only about her feelings.

Claire Shaw smiled slightly, "I’m happy too. Our Mason is a very responsible young man, you really helped Ms. Shaw a lot this time."

A smile finally spread across the young boy’s face.

After Assistant Pierce left, the office became lively; the headmaster openly praised Claire Shaw, while colleagues ridiculed Yasmin Yorke.

"You used to target Ms. Shaw, how does it feel now? Talking about being the future Mrs. Blackwood, it’s laughable. So sure no one saw you being kicked out in disgrace?"

Yasmin Yorke glared at Claire Shaw maliciously, "You must be so pleased."

With that, she dashed out, leaving Claire Shaw speechless, and Mia Hughes spat: "She must be crazy."

That day, Claire Shaw’s emotions were like a roller coaster; the swimming pool matter was settled, but what about the orphanage children?

She glanced at the headmaster’s social media post, filled with the innocent smiles of the children.

Accompanied by the caption:

[I will continue to cherish these smiles.]

Claire Shaw quietly gave it a thumbs-up, then put away her phone to freshen up; she had to meet new clients tonight.

She changed into a white spaghetti-strap dress, paired with a chic jacket, her slightly curled long hair parted to one side, wearing a pair of tassel earrings, taking a dark green wristwatch from the jewelry box, giving her a professional yet feminine appearance.

She set off with the completed painting.

Before leaving, she glanced at the address, it was at a bar.

Claire Shaw preferred peace and quiet, not liking such noisy places.

But for the upcoming big deal, Claire Shaw had no choice but to go.

Upon opening the door, Charlotte Chapman had already arrived early, beside her sat a man in his twenties.

"Young Master Rhodes, this is our painter Claire..."

Claire Shaw’s gaze met the man’s; he was Owen Crawford’s friend.

Ian Rhodes crossed his legs, a playful demeanor interrupting Charlotte Chapman, "I know, Ms. Shaw."

"Young Master Rhodes, you know each other?"

"Naturally, Ms. Shaw used to be my buddy’s girlfriend, they dated for years and broke up just like that..."

In others’ eyes, Owen Crawford was infatuated with her.

No one knew they broke up because Owen was unfaithful first. After all, even the elite need to save face, so he put all the blame on Claire Shaw.

Some impressions are preconceived, and those who don’t trust you won’t believe with even the strongest evidence. 𝙛𝓻𝒆𝒆𝒘𝙚𝓫𝙣𝙤𝒗𝙚𝓵.𝙘𝙤𝙢

The only way is to gouge out their eyes and swallow them, let them see for themselves.

Claire Shaw knew that causing less trouble was better, so she diverted the topic.

The painting wasn’t large, but once framed, it was quite heavy; Claire Shaw placed it on the table with both hands, "Mr. Rhodes, see if there’s anything that needs changing."

It was a Golden Deer Painting, made with ground gemstones and gold leaf; even in dim light, the painting shimmered brilliantly and beautifully.

Ian Rhodes held a glass of whiskey, initially intending to splash it on the painting, but seeing the intricately perfect work, as a lover of art, he couldn’t bring himself to ruin it.

"Ms. Shaw’s painting skills are as high as your man-wooing skills."

Claire Shaw replied calmly, "If Mr. Rhodes finds no issues, the remaining payment totals a hundred thousand, how would you like to pay?"

"I happen to have cash."

He pulled out a wad of money, "The money’s here, Ms. Shaw, count it."

Then Ian Rhodes tore off the paper binding and tossed the money into the air.

Like a pink rain falling around Claire Shaw.

Claire Shaw set the bag down, her delicate face calm, "Thank you for your business, Mr. Rhodes."

She then bent her knees slightly and began picking up the bills one by one.

"Claire, don’t pick them up." Charlotte Chapman also saw that he was deliberately causing trouble, trying to stop her.

"Senior, I rely on my skills to make money, there’s nothing shameful about it."

As she picked up the money to the door, one bill was stepped underfoot, Claire Shaw spoke, "Sir, could you move...?"

She looked up and saw the person’s face, her hand froze.

Owen Crawford didn’t know when he started standing there, his slender figure and normally refined face were now shadowed with gloom.

He looked down at Claire Shaw, his gaze carrying a hint of disdain.

"Claire Shaw, you’re really cheap."

Claire Shaw’s breath caught, though she didn’t love Owen Crawford, he was the person she chose among many suitors.

Even if he cheated, she never spoke ill behind his back.

While she was stunned, Owen Crawford slowly leaned down, lifted her chin, his tone nearly cold: "You refuse money, choosing instead to be humiliated here, or were you just born cheap? Do you know the monthly limit on the card I gave you?"

Claire Shaw half-crouched on the floor, her chin raised high, the dim light falling on her.

She wore only light makeup, but her striking features stood out, her high nose and skirt scattered on the floor, clashed with the surroundings, radiating a cool light.

Claire Shaw’s voice was calm: "No idea."

Owen Crawford intensified his grip, leaning forward to close the gap with Claire Shaw.

That face which moved him day and night, was right up close.

No matter how much time passed, he couldn’t resist that face, fantasizing day and night!