Chapter 2 Am I Not Enough For You

"Nina, I'm keen on giving that project a whirl."

Raegan found herself dialing Nina's number, her voice laced with a newfound determination to secure the environmental project for Grandeur Group.

Despite knowing she'd have to go against Wesley, she couldn't back down.

After all, money was her driving force.

After her day's work, Raegan adorned herself with her most striking makeup and headed for the private room reserved by Alec Marshall, the man at the helm of Grandeur Group.

Her presence didn't go unnoticed as she passed; admiring glances from the playboys in the vicinity followed her every step. She possessed a beauty that was truly mesmerizing.

Upon opening the door, her greeting began with a smile. "Apologies for my tardiness, Mr. Marshall..."

Her voice trailed off, her smile stiffening upon seeing the room's occupants.

Among the gathering of business magnates sat Wesley, her superior, at the center of attention.

By his side was his childhood friend Brett Watson, one of the few privy to their entanglements.

Brett, unlike the aloof Wesley, had a warmth to him. However, now his eyes flitted between Wesley and Raegan, filled with an impish curiosity.

Wesley, on the other hand, seemed to retreat into a cold facade, his chin raised slightly as his hand tightened around his glass.

"It's a pleasure to have you, Miss Dixon." Alec, charmed by Raegan's entrance, didn't hesitate to welcome her. He guided her to a seat next to him with a hand gently placed around her waist.

Raegan, now seated, could sense Wesley's mood souring. She greeted Brett, her voice steadied by feigned calmness.

Brett's response was a strained smile, his discomfort evident.

Alec's interest in Raegan was unmistakable, his gaze repeatedly finding her. She managed an awkward smile in return, feeling his eyes on her.

"Mr. Marshall, I'm here because Nina mentioned you're aiming to clinch the environmental project, and I believe I can be of assistance..."

She didn't get to finish what she was saying, but her message was loud and clear.

Her pearl earring moved gently, mirroring the unease in her heart. Despite her preparations, she hadn't anticipated encountering Wesley or being caught by him in such a compromising position.

Alec's eyes sparkled with a mix of curiosity and amusement as he observed Raegan, trying to discern if her intentions were genuine or not. "Oh? So, you're willing to help me secure this project? It's no small feat..."

"Notice how Alec is ogling Raegan, as though he wishes to undress her with just his look," Brett whispered to Wesley, a smirk on his face.

A shadow crossed Wesley's features, his expression turning more inscrutable.

"I'll not disappoint you, Mr. Marshall," Raegan declared, lifting her glass in a gesture of commitment.

Her attire for the evening was daring, featuring a high slit that exposed her legs and attracted the attention not just of Alec but Wesley as well.

Wesley watched silently as Alec engaged in lively conversation across from him. Then, barely audible, he said to Raegan, "Have I treated you so badly that you feel the need to seek another benefactor?"

His cold stare intensified as he spoke.

Raegan kept quiet, knowing full well that any explanation would be futile at this point.

Provoking Wesley would do her no good.

She could hear a sneer, seeing the mockery on his face all too clearly.

"A toast, Raegan." Alec, all smiles, returned to his seat and took her hand, giving it a squeeze.

Raegan tensed and tried to withdraw her hand, catching Wesley's icy gaze out of the corner of her eye.

"Mr. Marshall," she said, seizing the chance to free her hand as she raised her glass. "A toast to you."

Disappointment flickered in Alec's eyes, yet he raised his glass in a gentlemanly fashion and took a sip.

Men understood men best.

Wesley, irritated and understanding Alec's intentions all too well, suddenly stood up, drawing the attention of everyone at the table.

However, he didn't seem to care. With a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes, he looked at Raegan and remarked in a mocking tone, "Mr. Marshall, you have exquisite taste."

Then, he left with determined steps.

Outside the club, the chill of the night air bit at Wesley's skin.

He lit a cigarette, his expression clouded, as he waited for his driver.

Then, footsteps approached. He turned to see Raegan hurrying towards him.

Her cheeks were flushed. To escape Alec's advances, she had drunk three glasses of strong liquor, and now she felt the burn in her stomach.

She gasped for air, attempting to speak. "Mr. Powell..."

"Enough!"

Just then, the car arrived, and Wesley, without another word, pushed Raegan into the vehicle.

The driver, understanding the situation, wisely exited the vehicle.

Wesley, driven by a tumult of emotions, accelerated the car, swiftly arriving at an apartment.

Upon entering, before even the chance to flick on the lights, Raegan found herself against the wall, Wesley's anger palpable in his firm hold.

She pressed her lips tightly together, opting for silence.

Behind her, Wesley's movements were brisk, his breath the only sound in the enveloping darkness.

"Do you think you have the right to seek me out after what you've done?"

His voice, deep and alluring, brushed against Raegan's ear with each word, his frustration evident.

"I..." She gritted her teeth, attempting an explanation, but the ringing of her phone shattered the moment.

Regaining her senses at the sound, her distraction elicited a dissatisfied grunt from Wesley.

The call was from the hospital. Raegan's concern escalated, struggling against Wesley's hold to answer.

"Miss Dixon, your grandmother has suffered severe myocarditis. We need you here."

Her heart raced with worry, her focus solely on her grandmother, which only served to aggravate Wesley further.

Grabbing her chin, forcing her gaze to his, he inquired, his voice laced with mockery, "Am I not enough for you, Raegan? Is that why you seek others?"

Raegan's complexion drained, but her mind was elsewhere, troubled by her grandmother's health, her distracted state further provoking Wesley's ire.

He tightened his grip, his warning low and stern. "Remember who you are."

Raegan's gaze cleared momentarily, a bitter smile touching her lips.

She should remember who she was? To Wesley, she was nothing more than a nocturnal companion, a means to an end devised by his mother to divert his affections.

"I'm sorry, Mr. Powell. It's my fault. But please, can we go to the hospital?" Her concern for her grandmother prompted an apologetic request.

Wesley adjusted his attire, collected the car keys, and commanded icily, "Get in the car."

When they got to the hospital, the doctors were just wrapping up a resuscitation effort.

"Her vital signs are now stable, but she still needs those specialty drugs. So, get ready for that, please."

Specialty drugs?

Wesley was stumped. Raegan had never mentioned anything about them to him. He knew only that the money he handed over was always for her grandma's medical bills.

Feeling Wesley's penetrating look, Raegan averted her gaze.

Then her phone rang. Seeing the number, her pupils shook. She quickly ended the call while Wesley wasn't paying full attention.

"Is he your new benefactor?"

Wesley's voice was cool, his eyes growing stormy as he looked at Raegan.

He could see the flicker of panic in her and his look turned frostier.

"Just a friend."

He just gave a snort and dropped the subject.