The Devil Who Claimed Me

Chapter 25: Everything is business.

The tension in the air thickened after his threat.

"Keep the business out of personal matters," Mila burst out angrily. "I broke up with you because you cheated on me. That has nothing to do with the Vega Biocorp."

"You are wrong." Ethan’s expression hardened. "As a businessman, everything is business to me – even the personal matters."

The coldness in his eyes deepened. "I’m the heir to the Shaw Group. It’s only natural that I look for a suitable partner. And there is no one more suitable than you."

Mila frowned.

"You are independent, smart, a surgeon. Most importantly, you own a large portion of Vega Biocorp shares. That makes you perfect wife material for me."

His tone turned more calculating. "If we marry, both our families and businesses will benefit." He leaned forward, keeping his elbows on the table, fingers interlacing. "Think carefully, Mila. It’s the best option."

Mila’s frown deepened. She had never seen this side of him.

She had fallen for him because he had once stood up for her against her stepmother. She assumed he was kind and caring. But it was only an illusion.

To him, she was nothing but a trophy wife, a convenient one who could be presented well before others. And he – he would continue his fling with other women. Now it was Bianca, and later it could be anyone else.

He would never stop cheating on her, even after marriage.

Mila sneered inwardly. ’Why couldn’t I see all this before? I wasted five years on him.’

"I can even forget your daring act of kissing another man in front of me," he continued. "I’ll pretend it never happened."

This time, Mila wasn’t surprised at all. She laughed softly.

"I didn’t know you loved me this much," she said sarcastically.

Ethan smiled even wider, believing she had finally agreed to reconcile with him.

"You are willing to accept me even after seeing me live with another man," she added mockingly. "But unfortunately, I’m not like you."

The sarcasm in her tone vanished. "I prefer cleanliness. I wouldn’t accept you after knowing that you were sleeping with another woman behind my back."

The words were like a slap to Ethan. His face darkened instantly.

Bang

He slammed his fist on the table. "I told you before," he roared. "I was never serious about Bianca. It was just a fling. Every man has one."

His eyes burned with irritation. "What’s the problem if I slept with her for some time? The title of my wife – I’m giving it to you. Isn’t it enough?"

His tone turned arrogant. "You should feel lucky. Many want to marry me. But I chose you."

His features hardened again. "If you keep pushing me away, I’ll definitely make you suffer. And the Vega Biocorp will be the first to fall."

Mila’s patience was wearing thin. She clenched her fists to keep herself calm. She realized he wouldn’t stop threatening her. Arguing with him was pointless. Taking a deep breath, she forced her voice to soften.

"I’m not going to reconcile with you," she said firmly. "That’s for sure. But I am willing to offer you ten percent of Vega Biocorp’s shares. If you resume the contracts, the shares will be yours."

Ethan’s eyes narrowed. For some time, silence descended between them. Then he laughed suddenly, catching her off guard.

Her brows lifted slightly.

"Mila, you are naïve. Ten percent?" He shook his head. "That’s nothing."

Mila gritted her teeth. "How about twenty percent?"

"No." Ethan didn’t even hesitate. "I only have one condition. Marry me."

Mila stared at him silently. She had thought offering the shares would convince him. But she couldn’t offer more. She had already offered half of the shares she owned. If she gave away more, Leonard and Bianca would easily take over the company. That was something she would never allow.

Just then, the door knocked.

"Come in," said Ethan.

The assistant came in with a tray of coffee and snacks. "Enjoy your coffee," he said, placing the cups on the table before leaving.

Mila paid no attention. Her mind was elsewhere, trying desperately to find another way to persuade him.

Ethan watched her silently. Seeing that she was lost in her thoughts, a satisfying smile danced across his lips.

’You will surrender eventually.’

While Mila wasn’t paying attention, he took out a small vial from the drawer and dropped a few transparent drops in one of the cups.

The liquid dissolved instantly.

"Have some coffee first." He pushed the cup toward her.

Mila absentmindedly took the cup.

He leaned back into his seat, taking the other cup and waiting for her to take the sip.

Mila’s mind suddenly drifted to something. Her mother had also left a large property in the countryside.

She brought the cup to her lips and took a slow sip.

That property was a large farmland. He could use it at his convenience, even could start a factory there.

Just as she was about to speak, a strange heat suddenly spread through her body. Her chest tightened.

Mila froze and looked at the cup in her hand. She realized something wasn’t right with the coffee. She lifted her gaze to him.

"What – what did you put in the coffee?" she demanded.

Ethan smirked. "Since you won’t give in willingly, I’ll definitely use other means."

"You bastard," Mila cursed furiously, slamming the cup down. "To trap me, you used such a shameless trick."

She tried to stand. But the moment she rose from the chair, her legs wobbled. Her body felt weak, at the same time, hot.

An unbearable heat burned through her veins.

Ethan moved quickly toward her and encircled his arms around her. "There is nothing shameful in claiming what’s already mine," he murmured. "We have done this countless times before. We’ll do it again."

He lowered his head to kiss her.

"No." Mila struggled. But her strength was fading rapidly.

Ethan’s voice grew darker. "The dark is very strong. If you keep resisting, the heat will only get worse."

He leaned even closer and whispered in her ear, "You might also die."

His fingers brushed her burning cheek. "Be obedient. Let me help you calm down. I’ll satisfy you."

With a sharp swiping motion, he pushed the contents on the table down. The tray, the coffee cups, snacks, and a few files scattered on the floor.

The next moment, he pinned her against the table. His lips crushed against hers.

"Let go of me," Mila cried, her body shaking.

Ethan ignored her protests. He pulled at her sleeves roughly.

The fabric tore apart, revealing her flushed skin.

"Help," she cried desperately. "Please help..."

"No one will hear you," he said. "This room is completely soundproof. No one can see inside from outside either."

His voice turned possessive. "No one is going to come to help you. Stop struggling."

His lips landed on her exposed shoulder, his teeth grazing her skin. "Enjoy this moment."

Tears rolled down through the corners of her eyes. Her body burned unbearably. Her limbs grew weaker and weaker.

’Is this how it ends? Am I going to be raped today?’

Despair crept into her heart. When she was about to lose all her hope, the door burst open.

A tall figure rushed inside like a storm. Before Ethan could react, a powerful hand grabbed his collar.

Bam

Ethan was violently thrown across the room. His body crashed onto the floor.

"Uh..." he groaned, his bones hurting. "Who the hell is this?"

When he looked up, his eyes widened in shock and disbelief. It was Mila’s new boyfriend.

"You again?"