Filed to story: The CEO’s Wife Is a Secret Boss Novel (Allison & Jeremy) Free Online
Sensing an opportunity, Victor casually raised his hand and declared, “I’m contributing four million dollars, just a bit less than your donation, Winston!”
The guests were awestruck by Victor’s generosity. The Schmidts felt compelled to follow the Walsh’s’
lead to save face.
“Thanks!” Winston waved at Victor with a smile. For these business tycoons, millions of dollars were nothing.
“Did Dad just donate four million dollars to Taylor Group’s foundation? Is it worth it?” David muttered quietly.
“Dad probably thinks that four million dollars is a fair price to pay after getting humiliated by Jimmy,” Josh commented with a snicker when he noticed Jameson turning white.
After presenting the birthday gifts, Jeremy and Jameson left the stage. Adjusting his glasses with a malicious glint, Jameson commented, “Well, Mr. Walsh, I never expected you to be so clever. It was quite an effort. I’ll let you win this time, but just this once.”
“Choose your words carefully, Mr. Schmidt,” Jeremy replied, lifting his chin proudly.
“You didn’t ‘let me win’. You lost to me.”
“Jeremy Walsh,” hissed Jameson with rage in his eyes. He couldn’t stand the idea of being defeated.
“Do you know why you lost to me despite all your efforts?” Jeremy snickered.
“Even if ! were being slick, I did it to impress Alyssa. But you wanted more than that. You were destined to lose to me when you insisted on bringing your sick mother to the party.”
With that, Jeremy walked away. Feeling suffocated, Jameson cast a threatening glance at him.
The party went on merrily. Since Jeremy had secured a victory, he happily searched for a corner for a well- deserved smoke.
Not long after he had ventured out of the hall, he heard a beautiful voice calling to him, “Jeremy Walsh!”
He gulped and spun around to see Alyssa rushing to him in her sexy heels.
Her eyes sparkled like the starry night, her soft hair cascaded over her shoulders, and her lips were as red as a rose.
He had a sudden urge to embrace her tightly and kiss her.
Before long, she stood right before him. They gazed at each other, the air thick with tension, and heard each other’s ragged breaths.
There was palpable chemistry between them, even without sweet words or physical affection.
“Um, I didn’t expect you to prepare such a surprising gift for Lyla,” she began.
“I can tell she likes your tiara the most among all the gifts. She likes it better than mine.”
Jeremy’s expression fell as he explained, “Sorry. I got it for her only because I thought she would like it. I didn’t think about it too much.
“Lyse, I didn’t mean to overshadow you. You’re her family, and I bet she likes your gift the most.”
“Can you please stop apologizing at every opportunity? How many times do I have to remind you that I hate hearing ‘sorry’? You make me sound like a bully,” she grumbled with a frown.
“I just wanted to say thank you for the gift.”
His eyes wavered. He could deal with her tantrums, but he was at a loss for words when she thanked him.
“I haven’t seen Lyla this happy in a long time,” Alyssa said with a contented smile.
“So I need to thank you for that.”
“It’s nice that you place your family above everything else,” he replied while gazing tenderly into her eyes.
The look sent a surge of emotions through her chest. She had once considered Jeremy one of the most important people in her life, but that was all in the past.
“Come with me, Lyse,” he said, taking her hand.
“I have a gift for you.”
Holding Alyssa’s hand, Jeremy rushed down the opulent yet deserted corridor, like two young aristocrats who were defying societal rules and eloping.
Her gaze was fixed on his broad back, which provided her with a sense of security. Her chest heaved, and her palms grew sweaty.
She had to admit that she felt a little attracted to him. At the same time, she berated herself for still having feelings for him over mere hand-holding, after having fallen in love with him twice, 13 years and three years ago, respectively.
She felt rather indignant for being weak when it came to Jeremy.
In contrast, he appeared to be in high spirits, jogging alongside her until they reached the door of a luxurious suite.
A surge of panic and embarrassment washed over her. In anger, she yanked her hand from his grasp and hissed, “What is this? How dare you disrespect me on my turf? You know I could always get my brothers to beat you up right now.”
He paused in surprise. Realizing she had misunderstood his intention, he explained helplessly, “What on earth are you thinking? I’ve kept my gift for you in this suite. That’s all.”
Her eyes widened, her blush deepening as she pressed her lips together.
“Well, I can tackle a few men on my own, but I would much rather make a good impression on your brothers. I wouldn’t dream of doing anything untoward,” he added.
He leaned toward her with desire in his eyes and teased, “Even if I did have any such intentions, I would have taken you to my place instead.”
“Ugh, I would never ever go back to that family of yours! They’re unbearable!” Feeling embarrassed, she looked away from him.
“Seaview Manor was never my home, Lyse. I don’t have a home,” he admitted with a hoarse voice and a somber expression.
His words stung her, leaving her momentarily speechless.
“I’ll only have a home if I’m with you. If we can’t be together, I would rather be in exile for the rest of my life,” he added, his eyes brimming with sincerity.
She met his gaze, but her response was slow, as if she were numbed by the weight of their shared history.
He had rushed the conversation. However much he yearned to get back with her, he shouldn’t have broached the subject right away.
“You served in the military, didn’t you? You joined the Peacekeeping Forces,” she suddenly inquired.
He had a sinking feeling. Before he could respond, she sharply interrupted, “You led a nomadic life during those years, but don’t forget why you did it. You didn’t join the military because of me.”
She could never overlook that pain. Panicking, Jeremy felt his words stuck in his throat.
At that moment, the door unexpectedly swung open, surprising them both and relieving the tension.
“Mr. Walsh! Madam! It’s you.”
Xavier stood there with a satisfied smile and explained, “I heard your voices from inside. I opened the door to check on you since you’ve been out here for quite a while.”
Alyssa and Jeremy looked dumbfounded. Xavier began to sweat as he realized something was amiss.
Stammering, he said, “Uh, d-did I interrupt something?”
“It’s fine,” she replied coldly, and she walked into the suite. A pale-faced Jeremy followed suit.
Xavier attempted to enter the suite with them, but Jeremy swiftly closed the door in his face. Just before shutting it completely, Jeremy instructed him through the crack, “Stand guard.”
Xavier immediately stood at attention and answered, “Roger that, Mr. Walsh!”
Alyssa’s attention was immediately drawn to a beautiful ebony box on the coffee table. Her expertise in antique collections allowed her to discern that the box contained something truly rare.
“What a lovely box …” She gasped and stared at it.
“Don’t just admire the box. You should see what’s inside.” Jeremy encouraged her, standing by her side.
and utterly captivated by her beauty.
Confused yet eager, Alyssa wiped her sweaty palms on her dress. Her endearing action only deepened
Jeremy’s affection for her, and he felt an irresistible desire for her.
Carefully, she opened the box to reveal a pink top and a green-stemmed glass goblet that seemed like something out of a dream.
She exclaimed in delight and covered her mouth.
Winston had collected antiques from all over the world, but he had never acquired an item from the