A Vengeful Ex-Wife novel Chapter 277

Peggy stared at Maria in disbelief. Even if they worked together, they were obviously no match for James. Maria thought much too highly of her indeed.

James turned and took a proper look at Peggy for the first time since they had stormed into the office. It took him less than a couple of seconds before he asked her point blank, "Do you want to witness some R-rated scenes?"

R-rated? Peggy's eyes widened, the question jolting her back to her senses.

Then she shook her head vigorously, her large hoop earrings swaying back and forth with the movement. She yelled a hasty goodbye to Maria and hightailed it out of the office.

When they were finally alone, James loosened his hold.

Maria didn't get to her feet right away, though, and instead took the time to glare at him and sneer. "I didn't even seduce you; I didn't expect such an immediate reaction from you after merely holding me against your body.'¹

James' eyes darkened. "Aren't you seducing me right now?" he asked, his voice hoarse.

She stood up then, rather abruptly, and straightened her clothes. She ignored his remark and turned the tables against him. "We haven't seen each other for a long time. And yet, Mr. Xi, you are still so weak in front of seduction.”

"So you admit it?"

"Of course not. James Xi, don't forget that you set me up first. As for the seduction, you started to hit on me

first.'¹

His eyes narrowed at her. "You. Get out of here as well!"

"You can tell me to leave all you want. But since I'm here now, I refuse to go empty-handed. Give me back Mr. Li's project!"

"Give it back to you? Why, have you already signed a contract with him?"

She stuttered into silence. She hadn't signed any contract yet, but this joint venture with Mr. Li was slated to succeed. If only HL Group hadn't stepped in the way, of course.

In any case, Maria was furious now. "Are you going to interfere with all other projects of DS Group in the future?"

"That would depend on my mood."

This man was really asking her to murder him. 'What a fucking asshole!' she cursed him inwardly. "DS Group is a very insignificant company compared to HL Group; killing it would be a mere trifle to a man such as yourself. So tell me, James Xi, what do I have to do to stop you from targeting my company?"

A hint of emotion flashed in his eyes, but it was gone in the next second, before Maria could even put a name to it. James took a deep breath and answered casually, "Be my woman.”

His woman? His engagement to Alina immediately loomed over Maria's head. She shot him a mocking look. "Your mistress, you mean?"

He was silent for a moment. He had meant to ask her to be his woman in the truest sense of the phrase, but she seemed to have taken it the wrong way. He did not bother correcting her, though. "Temporarily." "Be your mistress? Why would you make such a shameless proposition?" She wasn't sure whether to cry or to laugh. Where was he getting the gall to tell her to be his side-woman?

"I didn't say mistress. You said it yourself."

"I don't care for your offer," Maria sneered. "If the worse comes to the worst, I'll just have to give up my company."

She stressed each syllable, then she turned around and left before waiting for his response.

James was left alone in silence.

Peggy was waiting outside, chatting with Summer to bide the time, when Maria strode out of the office, obviously fuming.

One look at Maria and Peggy knew it would do her good to run. And so, she bid a hasty goodbye to Summer and jogged to the elevator.

"Peggy," Maria called out from behind. "You're not leaving without me, are you?"