Love’s New Bloom By Simone Hastings

Chapter 36 Showing Concern 

When Erin heard the familiar man’s voice, her heart skipped a beat before beating wildly. There was a slight quiver in her voice. “How did I end up here?” 

The last time she was sick, she was in this bedroom too. She then realized the place might be Chandler’s home, as she previously thought it was just some wealthy woman’s mansion. 

Chandler, in a dapper suit, walked over to her and dimmed the light shining on her attractive face. 

He gazed at her with his deep–set eyes, saying. “Erin, what happened last night? You better come clean. Don’t make me send men to investigate this!” 

If he didn’t happen to be there the night before, he was sure that Erin would have been raped. 

Kyle, his secretary, called him in the wee hours of the morning, saying that the two men had confessed the mastermind behind it. Kyle looked into the person and told Chandler that he was the president of one of the corporations. 

Erin looked at his darkened gaze. She was still feeling a little hungover and nauseous as she had not had breakfast yet. “Can I have some food first?” she pleaded. 

Chandler looked at her pale face and thought for a while before saying, “Wash up and go downstairs for breakfast.” 

Erin’s suspended heart was relieved as she watched him leave the bedroom and close the door. When she uncovered the sheets and saw what was underneath, she screamed. 

Chandler was going downstairs when he heard her scream. He smiled a little. “Stupid woman.” 

Erin hugged her clothes embarrassingly in the bedroom and ran into the bathroom. She locked the door and looked around. When she discerned the windows and doors were securely locked, she started getting dressed in peace. 

She was extremely nervous facing Chandler just now. She got dressed while muttering to herself. “That stupid handsome face.” It distracted her while she tried casting glances at him, failing to notice that she was not wearing anything! 

She was an idiot! 

When Erin went downstairs, Chandler sat opposite her, eating a piece of bacon regally with a fork and knife. As she sat down, he hinted at the butler with a gaze. The butler bowed and left the elegant dining room. 

“Erin, tell me, what happened last night?” He swept her a glance and continued eating. 

Erin looked uneasy. “When I returned home last night, I received Ms. Williams‘ message to help out at the last minute. She said the other two designers were in a business meeting with a client and told me to help them out. When I arrived, only then did I realize that by helping. she meant drinking with them. The other designers and I drank quite a lot. Later on, someone passed me a glass of wine. I drank and felt extremely drunk and fell asleep. When I woke up, here I am.” 

Erin was still feeling a little terrified. She remembered what Dana previously told her about Janette being in talks with a client who was a well–known pervert. Janette might have used them to get out of it. 

She never thought that it was true! 

Chandler looked at her intensely. He didn’t hide the rebuke in his tone. “Erin, are you dumb or what? Don’t you know how to say no and just head home?” 

Erin sighed and explained, “I want to! But Janette is one of our head designers. She is half my supervisor. The other two designers were there drinking with the clients too. I couldn’t bear to leave them, so I joined in-” 

“Idiot!” Chandler summed up. He could not be bothered to even look at her. He merely continued eating with a darkened expression. 

Erin initially thought of explaining herself, but she realized that Chandler was right. She could have refused last night! She could have found an excuse not to join the meeting by saying she was not feeling well or pretending she was already asleep. 

She felt that it was because of her inexperience, which was why she did not know how to deal with such an issue. 

In her previous company, her boss, Ben Tate, would never do such a thing. All his services were straightforward and transactional. If he were to meet any client that demanded they drink with them, he would just not take their business. 

The incident last night was a first for Erin. To put it bluntly, she just didn’t want to offend Janette. After all, Janette had worked in the company for over ten years. Also, she thought Janette, as the head designer, would protect her subordinates in such a situation. She never thought that when she realized something was off, it was already too late. 

She was thinking to herself at that moment whether that glass of wine she drank was drugged. 

Five minutes later, Chandler looked up at her once more after he had finished his breakfast. He picked up the napkin and wiped the corner of his mouth. He noticed that Erin was distracted while eating her breakfast with her head lowered. 

He sighed a little and said with a softened tone. “Caleb is the one who is managing the design department. Janette’s way of conducting business is tamishing the company’s image! I’ll get Caleb to handle this. I’m managing a huge company: I can’t possibly care about all the small details. If I can’t help you, you have to be careful! In the future, if you end up in such a situation, no matter who they are, you have to 

say no. Got it?” 

Erin suddenly felt warmness in her heart. She was even a little moved. She thought that this was Chandler’s way of showing concern. 

She smiled a little, not knowing why she was happy. She merely responded somewhat coquettishly. “Got it.” 

Chandler got up and left his seat. He walked over to her and said, “Come out when you’re done eating.” 

“O–okay.” Erin mewled and blushed. Chandler was extremely satisfied with her obedience at that moment. 

Ten minutes later, Erin got into his Maybach. Twenty minutes after leaving the mansion, the car stopped at a red light. 

Chandler turned to look at her and said in his usual commanding tone. “Go and pack up your things tonight after work. I’ll send the driver 

to come and pick you up. You’ll stay with me for the next three months.” 

Erin looked at him in shock. Even if it was only for three months, they would be living together! 

“I don’t think it’s appropriate.” Even though she didn’t refuse him directly, her tone was enough to express her unwillingness. 

“Erin, don’t think you can bargain with me just because I’m a little more giving. There is no discussion on this matter. You’ll move in 

tonight! I’m too lazy to send you messages. When you stay with me, seeing each other will be more convenient.” He turned around and held the steering wheel. Soon, the traffic light turned green, and he continued driving. He had already made himself clear. 

Erin didn’t know what to say at that moment, but their conversation that morning during breakfast made her admit that her feelings for him had taken a slight turn. Although she was still against the thought of being kept as a mistress, she had a reason to start persuading 

herself that it was okay since she had no say. 

When Erin realized her changes in feelings, she was suddenly worried. How could she end up in such a state of debauchery? 

She took a deep breath and looked at Chandler, saying firmly, “No! I can’t stay with you! I’m not divorced yet!”