The Billionaire's Temptation: Love, Family and Revenge-Chapter 43: A sudden rejection

"Wow, Elena, you’re here?" her stepmother asked, her voice dripping with false sweetness. A strained smile stretched across her lips, but the insincerity was painfully obvious.

Before Elena could respond, Mr. Lugard chuckled deeply. "So, young lady, what business do you have with my son?" His eyes glinted with mischief. "Or... are you two planning a surprise wedding?" He let out a loud, hearty laugh.

His words struck Jane like a dagger.

Her fingers clenched into fists.

"No, sir! That’s not possible," she said quickly, forcing a smile. "She isn’t Sir Ford’s taste."

The room fell silent.

Ford slowly turned to face her, his expression unreadable. Folding his arms across his chest, he arched a brow.

"Oh?" he said coolly. "And what exactly is my taste in women, Jane?"

"Um... I’m sure you love beautiful, sophisticated, and reliable women," Jane said, trying to sound confident.

Ford arched an eyebrow. His sharp gaze made her shift slightly, but she held her ground, flashing him her most charming smile.

"Hmm," he murmured, his voice dangerously low. "Young lady, you seem to know too much."

Jane’s smile widened. "Of course, Ford. I’m always curious about anything that has to do with you." She tilted her head slightly, hoping her enthusiasm would make him soften.

Across the room, Mr. Lugard chuckled, clearly entertained by the exchange. "Ford, it looks like you’ve got yourself an admirer!" he said teasingly.

Ford finally turned to face Jane fully, his eyes cold as they swept over her. He took his time, scanning her from head to toe before exhaling lightly.

"Miss Jane," he said slowly, "I’d like to remind you that curiosity killed the rat."

The smile froze on Jane’s lips.

Her breath caught in her throat. She had expected Ford to be indifferent, maybe even a little annoyed—but not this. His words were sharp, dismissive, as if she were nothing more than a minor inconvenience.

Before she could think of a response, a soft laugh rang through the room.

Fredericks’ mother.

Jane stiffened immediately.

She knew why Fredericks’ mother was laughing, and she prayed—desperately—that the woman wouldn’t say anything. If she did, it would ruin everything. Her carefully crafted plans, her hopes of winning Ford’s affection, all of it would shatter in an instant.

Jane’s mother, sensing something was off, gave her a concerned glance. Are you okay? her expression asked.

Forcing herself to breathe, Jane quickly nodded, plastering a smile on her face. "I’m fine," she reassured, even though her heart pounded in her chest. She couldn’t afford to lose her composure.

Her mother had no idea about her past involvement with Fredericks. If she had, she would never have agreed to come here today.

Meanwhile, Fredericks’ mother continued laughing quietly, her eyes still glued to her phone.

"Seems like you’re watching something very interesting," Ford’s father remarked, trying to ease the tension that had thickened in the air.

She smirked but didn’t look up. "Oh, nothing special," she replied, her tone amused.

But Jane wasn’t fooled.

She knew that laughter wasn’t random. It was a warning.

A silent threat.

And now, she had to make sure the truth stayed buried—no matter what it took.

"Oh yes, I am," Fredericks’ mother replied, her smirk never leaving. "It’s very interesting. I’ll tell you all about it later."

Before anyone could respond, the door swung open, and Dr. Charles stepped in.

"Good day, sir," he greeted, nodding respectfully toward Mr. Lugard. "I heard you had arrived, so I hurried here to greet you. I also wanted to personally apologize for failing to protect Sir Ford’s image. I assure you, it won’t happen again." His voice was filled with regret.

Mr. Lugard waved a dismissive hand. "It’s alright, Doctor. The matter has already been handled. Just focus on taking good care of my son."

Dr. Charles exhaled in relief. "I definitely will. And actually, I have good news—Mr. Ford is recovering well. If everything stays stable, he can be discharged after today."

A pleased smile spread across Mr. Lugard’s face. "Good job, Doctor," he commended.

Dr. Charles glanced around the room, his gaze shifting between the many visitors surrounding Ford’s hospital bed. He chuckled lightly. "Sir Ford, it seems you have quite a lot of people who care about you."

Ford, who had remained silent until now, suddenly spoke.

"Doctor Charles, can you get everyone out of my room? Excluding Elena?"

The atmosphere shifted immediately.

The entire room fell into stunned silence as every pair of eyes turned toward Ford.

"Now?" Dr. Charles asked, his voice laced with surprise.

"Oh yes, right now," Ford said, his tone leaving no room for argument.

Dr. Charles hesitated, glancing at Mr. Lugard. It wasn’t every day that someone dared to dismiss the powerful businessman so abruptly. But as a doctor, he knew that every patient had the right to request a quiet environment.

Mr. Lugard, however, took the demand in stride. He studied his son for a moment before standing up. "No need to worry, Doctor. I was just about to leave anyway." His voice was calm, but there was an unmistakable edge to it. Without another word, he turned on his heel and exited the room, his wife trailing behind him, her expression dark with anger.

Mr. Johnson, caught in the awkward tension, hesitated before speaking. "Take care, Sir Ford," he murmured before making his way toward the door.

Just as he was about to step out, Ford called after him.

"Mr. Johnson?"

Jane’s father paused, turning around slowly. "Yes, Sir?"

Ford leaned back against his pillows, his expression unreadable. Then, with clear irritation, he said, "You forgot something."

A heavy silence fell over the room once more.

The air crackled with unspoken words, and all eyes shifted toward Mr. Johnson—waiting, watching, anticipating Ford’s next words.

And what would that be?" He asked wondering what Ford meant by he forgot something.

"This" Ford said pointing at Jane without even caring to take a look at her.

"Me?" She exclaimed in disappointment.

"Oh yes you. I need some space didn’t you hear that earlier?" Ford angrily asked.

"Emm am sorry, I thought I would give you some company so you won’t be alone" she said her .-

Your are indeed funny, I don’t need your presence young lady " ford scolded her.