A Night of Desire

Clara Grant was on the phone outside Seth Quinn’s office. She had taken a taxi to Aegis Pictures, only for the security guard on duty to tell her that Seth Quinn hadn’t come to the company today.

She didn’t believe him. ’Seth clearly said he was coming to the office to handle some work. The guard probably just didn’t notice him come in.’

So, she went upstairs and straight to his office to find him.

However, when she got upstairs, she discovered the door was indeed locked.

Although she was surprised, she didn’t dwell on it. ’Perhaps something held him up, or maybe he came and then had to leave again.’

And so, she gave him a call.

The call connected, and before the person on the other end could speak, she asked in a cheerful voice, "Seth, where are you? I came to the office, why aren’t you here?"

However,

The voice that came through the receiver was a woman’s. "Seth went to the restroom. Do you need anything? I can pass a message to him."

The voice held a hint of laughter, and a clear note of provocation.

Even though the woman didn’t identify herself, Clara recognized her voice. It was Autumn Shelby!

For a moment, she was so surprised she pulled the phone away from her ear to check the screen. It was definitely Seth Quinn’s number.

’So that means... Seth and Autumn Shelby are together?!’

’He told me he was going to the office, but in reality, he didn’t go to the office at all. He went to see Autumn Shelby.’

’Had her fears come true? Was Seth really so guilty over Autumn Shelby that he was now at her beck and call?’

’Will Autumn Shelby always stand between us?’

After a long moment, Clara finally found her voice, but as soon as she opened her mouth, her throat felt raw and tight.

She wanted to ask, "Where are you?" but the words wouldn’t come out.

’It sounded so quiet on their end. Where were they? A hotel? Or... Autumn Shelby’s bedroom?’

’And why would that be impossible? With how guilty he feels about Autumn, he’d probably go wherever she asks, wouldn’t he?’

Clara Grant reined in her emotions. Finally, she just said flatly, "It’s nothing," and hung up as if fleeing the conversation.

Afterward, she sagged weakly against the wall. ’So much for facing my problems head-on. In the end, all I did was run.’

...

Autumn Shelby glanced at the phone, seeing the call had been disconnected. A triumphant sneer flashed in her eyes.

’I never expected such a lucky break. Judging by Clara’s voice, she must have gotten the wrong idea, right?’

’Heh, a misunderstanding is perfect! Hopefully it leads to a fight... and even better, a divorce!’

’Whether or not I can have Seth isn’t the most important thing anymore. What’s most important is getting Clara Grant away from him!’

’Why should some other woman get what I can’t have?!’

...

Seth Quinn left the teahouse and drove to the office.

He hadn’t received a call from Clara asking him for a ride, so he decided to head back to the office and wait for her. After all, he had told her he was going there to take care of some work.

He took the elevator straight from the underground garage to the 38th floor. As he exited the elevator, still a short distance from his office, he glanced up and saw a figure huddled by his door.

’It looks like... Clara!’

His heart tightened for no reason, and he strode quickly toward her.

As if hearing his footsteps, Clara Grant, who was crouched on the floor, looked up.

When she saw him, her expression was still dazed.

Seth Quinn walked over and crouched down in front of her, meeting her gaze. "Clara, when did you get here?" he asked. "Why didn’t you call me to come get you?"