Falling into Her Trap: Don't Cross the Line, Mr. President-Chapter 54: Have a Taste

Standing in the courtyard ready to leave, Owen Crawford looked up and saw this scene.

A man’s sturdy arm wrapped around a woman’s slender waist, making her appear particularly delicate and charming; the two lost themselves in a kiss on the terrace.

It seems the rumors weren’t true after all. Even the high and aloof man who supposedly ignored women was no exception when it came to matters of desire.

Not only did he not get the response he wanted this time, but Ethan Blackwood also warned him, leaving Owen Crawford in a bad mood.

When he got in the car, the image of Ethan Blackwood kissing the woman kept replaying in his mind.

If it were Claire Shaw, the sensation must have been utterly intoxicating.

It doesn’t matter if he can’t continue on this project, he holds her most critical card in his hand.

He lowered his head and edited a message, then sent it.

[In one week, I want to see eighteen million, or I’ll let the media expose your gold-digger status, make you infamous, and lose everything.]

Claire Shaw, I’m waiting to see you cry and beg pathetically.

Ethan Blackwood watched as Owen disappeared from his sight, then released Claire Shaw.

He opened the exquisite cake packaging, handed Claire a spoon, "Try it."

Claire looked at the beautiful mousse cake, much more delicate than the one she bought over a decade ago.

Her heart, like the cake that Miranda Shaw had knocked to the ground, had already shattered into countless pieces, never to be rebuilt.

She put down the spoon and gave Ethan an apologetic smile, "I better not, I’m on a diet."

"Suit yourself." He didn’t force her, "The cake is right there, you can buy it anytime you want."

She blinked at him with a suggestive tone, "Then tonight, do you still want it?"

Ethan caught the curiosity in her eyes, "I’m not as desperate as you think."

Claire seemed to think of something and smiled gently.

She didn’t press the issue, got up smiling, "Then I’ll head back now."

Ethan opened his mouth, but swallowed back what he was about to say, leaving only: "I’ll walk you out."

Claire, though smiling, spoke words that distanced them: "You’re so busy, I won’t bother you, it’s easy to get a cab here."

She bent down to put on her heels, "I’ll contact you after I’m done."

With that, she entered the elevator without looking back, waving goodbye as the doors closed.

So polite, yet even the curve of her lips carried a sense of distance.

Ethan took a bite of the cake, the sweetness lingering on his tongue.

His lowered lashes hid the tenderness in his eyes, his lips gently curving upwards, the young woman’s vitality had been restored.

Claire returned to her apartment and packed until midnight.

Sitting cross-legged on the sofa, she calculated; the house was initially bought for eight million, now it’s doubled in value.

If she sells below market price, she can sell quickly, leaving her with over twelve million after paying off the mortgage, but still six million short of her goal.

After a day of rest, Claire had adjusted her mindset.

Owen repeatedly belittled her, constantly telling her the importance of capital, that she was just an ordinary person slightly more competent, unable to make any waves.

Claire looked at the mineral color painting made for her years ago, where day and night converged, a red sun was about to break through the darkness, bringing light to the world.

From now on, she would be that light, illuminating her life, no longer manipulated by others.

What’s a mere man, anyway?

Claire dialed a number, "Lara, it’s me, does what you said last time still stand?"

The voice on the other end was elated, "Ms. Shaw, it seems you’ve come around. With your talent, it’s such a waste just being a kindergarten teacher. Work with me, and I’ll make you a top-tier designer in a year."

Claire smiled helplessly, "Lara, I like this job. I can design for you, but only on a part-time basis."

She heard the sound of manicured nails lightly tapping the table, but Claire wasn’t in a hurry, waiting quietly for the answer.

"Alright, I agree, but we need to sign an eight-year contract."

In the industry, that’s considered quite long. To Owen, she was worthless, but to others, she was a much sought-after talent.

Previously, Claire would have signed for at most two or three years, but now she needed the opportunity, so she agreed.

"Okay, I have one condition, six million advance salary."

She thought Lara would hesitate, but Lara immediately made the decision, "Where are you? I’ll come to sign the contract right away, Ms. Shaw, you rejected me once last year, I won’t let you slip away this time!"

Lara had been at a banquet in another city, yet rushed to Claire’s home overnight.

Claire Shaw sleepily opened the door, and standing there was a sophisticated woman in an evening gown, heavily made up.

The two met by chance, exchanged views on design, and became inseparable friends.

Later, when Claire needed an internship during her senior year, Lara Adler played the sisterhood card, and Claire went over.

The supportive sister transformed into the CEO of a global brand, offering her the position of executive assistant!

That year, several of the series Claire participated in became major hits.

Lara suggested she be promoted to lead designer, but Claire refused.

When they met again, there was no distance; Lara unexpectedly hugged her. "Claire, I’m really happy you reached out to me. Your talent in design shouldn’t be hidden."

Claire smiled gently, "Lara, please continue to guide me."

Before she could get sentimental, Lara had already let go of Claire, kicked off her high heels, and stormed into Claire’s small apartment.

"Don’t say I don’t take care of you; I’m offering you the industry’s highest base salary plus commission. If you quit that lousy kindergarten teaching job, I’ll double it for you."

Claire carefully read the contract several times, "Lara, I’m just a newcomer. Isn’t this offer a bit too generous?"

"Don’t worry, even though we have a connection, don’t forget I’m a businesswoman. The hit series from before were planned and proposed by you; you followed them for a year, too. Consider this your bonus and compensation."

Claire signed the contract, "Lara, can you give me a few days to handle some personal matters?"

"Of course, I’ve waited this long. Claire, I’m looking forward to seeing you shine in a new field! You were meant to be in the spotlight."

The two reached an agreement, and Claire received a considerable sum.

Lara advanced her salary, an extra million over the agreed six million.

As long as she sold her house quickly, she could pay Owen Crawford back.

It was the weekend, and the realtor photographed and listed the apartment online, finding her a small suite.

Mia Hughes followed Claire around, "This apartment is nice, just five minutes from the kindergarten."

And it’s not far from the company either; it’s a one-bedroom, two-living room place with good lighting and in a great neighborhood. The interior design matched Claire’s taste, and it was a brand-new home no one had lived in yet, so Claire was very satisfied.

Claire immediately signed the lease and decided to move in that day. 𝚏𝗿𝗲𝐞𝐰𝚎𝕓𝐧𝚘𝘃𝗲𝐥.𝐜𝚘𝕞

"Okay, I’ll ask Sean Jacobs to come help," Mia said casually.

Claire quickly declined, "No need to trouble him; I can manage myself."

Sean agreed readily, while Mia smiled warmly, "Don’t be formal with me, Claire."

Sean arrived quickly, and as Claire was packing clothes, his loud voice rang out, "Ms. Shaw, this painting is beautiful, can I buy it?"

A deep, calm voice followed, "Are you here to help or to rob?"

Claire zipped up the packing bag and looked up to meet a familiar pair of dark eyes.

Ethan Blackwood was wearing a pair of athletic shorts, with a loose black T-shirt showing a wet patch, outlining his abs against his waist.

The normally hidden calf muscles were in full view, and the sporty headband made him look a few years younger, exuding the aura of a college heartthrob.

Standing there, Mia’s gaze quickly shifted from the orange-suited Sean to him.

"Mr. Blackwood, you’re here too?"

Ethan’s voice was steady, "I heard from Sean while playing basketball that Ms. Shaw was moving, so I came to see if she needed help."

Mia’s eyes lit up, "Mr. Blackwood, you’re so enthusiastic!"

Sean circled his long arm around Mia’s neck, forcing her face to turn back, "Babe, just tell me what you need."

Mia led him to the kitchen, "These."

Meeting Ethan Blackwood in different settings always made Claire feel awkward; she nervously tucked her hair behind her ear and spoke in a small voice, "Why did you come?"

Ethan appeared indifferent, "Just passing by. Is everything packed?"

"Mhm, almost."

Ethan casually picked up a woven bag by the shoe cabinet, and Claire carried another bag over.

Her strength was small, needing both hands together to carry one bag, swaying as she moved toward the elevator.

"Let me take it."

"It’s okay, I can..."

A sturdy arm took the woven bag from her; he had just exercised intensely, and his fingertips brushed past her soft fingers with a moist warmth.

On this sweltering evening, the physical contact with him easily reminded her of those sweaty summer days...