Chapter 9 Chapter 9 What's Your Relationship? Esteban also saw Maryanne. Esteban thought, "I.... "What the... "How did she end up here? "Wasn't she gone?" His face drained of color as if struck by lightning. But maybe hearing this would crush her hopes about Cristofer for good. Maryanne watched Esteban's shifting expressions with a mocking smile. The atmosphere froze. "Marya, why are you here?" Esteban stepped forward and looked at her nervously. Cristofer frowned at the overly familiar "Marya". "Marya, let me explain. What you heard was a mistake..." "A mistake?" Maryanne tilted her head. "Lifeless beauty'? 'Clueless'? 'Disgrace'? 'Not worth Latoya's shoelaces"?" "Esteban, I knew you were a sycophant, a scumbag, but you're even worse than trash!" she thought. 0.00% ||| O 10:47 Chapter 9 What's Your Relationship? 288 Nouchers "Does hurting others amuse you?" "Maryanne, you..." Esteban's eyes bulged. Maryanne scoffed. This spoiled brat, untouchable by anyone, was finally squirming. "Mr. Hurley, you reck of bad luck. Save your act. Oh, and that second blue-and-white vase you own? It's fake. Go brag about that." Esteban stiffened in disbelief. That vase was an antique. "Maryanne, what do you know? That's an antique vase. It can't be fake." His father paid a fortune for it overseas. Maryanne's lips curled. "Your confidence is ... cute." She walked toward the stairs. Elevators made her queasy ever since the pregnancy. She didn't look at Cristofer. Esteban's words had made her understand why Cristofer kept their marriage secret. Her heart ached. She didn't want to feel sad, but the grief overwhelmed her. "Esteban, Maryanne's just a nobody from the countryside. She knows nothing. Ignore her nonsense," Latoya cooed, buttering up Esteban. Esteban was about to lash out when his assistant hurried over. "Mr. Hurley, the vase is fake. The buyers are causing a scene!" Latoya's face burned. How did Maryanne know? 27.76% = ||| O 10:47 67.53% Chapter 9 What's Your Relationship? 288 Vouchers Esteban's playful smirk vanished. He rushed to the auction hall. Latoya turned, but Cristofer was gone. A bad feeling crept in. Where was Cristofer? As she moved to search, her phone rang. "Dad." "Toya, did you get the new product specs from Cristofer?" Latoya's eyes gleamed greedily. "Yes. I've already pinned it on someone else. Don't worry." ** Maryanne reached the underground parking lot and headed to her car. As she reached for the door, a strong hand clamped around her wrist. She turned sharply, meeting Cristofer's icy glare. Her pulse spiked. "Let go," she snapped, yanking her arm. He tightened his grip, eyes dark and dangerous. His other hand slid to her neck, tracing her collarbone. He wanted to tear her dress off, punishing her until she begged. She only made him crave more. His voice dropped, low and intoxicating. "Tell me. What's your relationship with Leandro?" 三 < 10:47 Chapas 10 Hes Betrayal Title: "I Had a Baby without You" by CrushReel In this ongoing romantic tale, Scarlett, a once curvy waitress, crosses paths with Brandon, a billionaire CEO, after five years. Their unforgettable night of passion led to Scarlett's mysterious disappearance. Now returned, transformed and unrecognizable, she encounters Brandon once more, sparking a complex reunion. Set against the backdrop of an intriguing plot filled with themes of romance, modern twists, and rekindled connections, this story delves into the intertwined lives of two characters from different worlds. The alluring elements of contract lovers, luxurious mansions, and office dynamics add layers to their evolving relationship. What sets "I Had a Baby without You" apart is its fusion of sweet romance and glow-up transformations within the confines of a compelling narrative. Dive into this modern love story rich in emotions and complexities that promises to captivate readers. Available to read online at CrushReel for those seeking an immersive romantic journey.