Chapter 119

Angela POV

"Do you plan to keep holding me like this?"

Sean's movements froze. After a moment that stretched too long, he finally loosened his grip.

"Fine. Let's get the flag first," he replied, his voice carefully controlled.

Sean dismounted with practiced ease, landing gracefully on the rocky terrain. He extended his hand toward me, clearly expecting to help me down. I deliberately ignored his offering, awkwardly sliding off the powerful stallion on my own. The effort left me slightly unsteady, but I'd rather stumble than accept his assistance.

Sean's eyes narrowed dangerously at my rejection. I strode directly toward the red flag, purposely ignoring the beautifully wrapped gift box sitting beside it.

"Damn it, Shaw, you crafty bastard!" Tristan Lawrence called out as he approached on horseback. "You got here before me."

Jessica, clinging behind him, looked deathly pale. When Tristan turned to berate her for not suggesting the shortcut, she could only respond with a nauseated sound.

"Ms. Wilson," Tristan began, climbing down from his horse, "about that investment proposition-"

Sean stepped forward, blocking his path. "I believe we had a wager, Lawrence," he reminded him coldly. "If I won, you stay away from her. Completely."

"Come on, Shaw," Tristan attempted to negotiate, "surely we can make an exception for business matters?"

Sean's emerald eyes flashed dangerously. The barely contained fury was evident in the rigid set of his jaw and the way his knuckles whitened as he clenched his fists.

Tristan glanced between us, clearly sensing the tension crackling in the air. "Alright, alright. I won't speak to her for now. I admit defeat. Happy?"

I prepared to follow Tristan. This entire excursion had been about securing Lawrence Capital's investment for my company. As I passed Sean, he quickly captured my wrist.

"Did I say you could leave?" he asked, his voice low.

I looked down at his hand, then back to his face. Inch by deliberate inch, I freed myself from his grip, my movements elegant but resolute.

"Five years, Sean," I said, giving his hand a final push away. "What makes you think you still have any claim on me? That you can touch me whenever you want? In the future, please show basic respect, or I'll consider your behavior harassment."

Sean's pupils dilated slightly, his breathing becoming dangerously rapid.

"Do you understand?" I pressed, meeting his gaze unflinchingly.

Without waiting for his response, I walked past him with composed dignity.

"Are you with Christopher Blake now?" Sean called after me.

My footsteps faltered momentarily, but I didn't turn around.

"That's none of your business," I replied, continuing to walk away, my back perfectly straight.

"Mr. Lawrence," I approached Tristan with professional poise, "while it's unfortunate we couldn't ride together, I hope you might spare some time to discuss potential business cooperation?"

Tristan seemed ready to decline, but as I outlined my vision for Wilson Advisory Partners, his expression shifted. I could see him reconsidering as I presented the market opportunities my firm could capitalize on.

"Very well, Ms. Wilson. We can talk," he conceded.

I turned to Jessica. "Would you like to join us?"

Jessica shook her head, her gaze drifting toward Sean. "No thanks. I'm not about to pass up an opportunity with a man you're not interested in."

I felt a flicker of confusion-did Jessica not know about Sean's relationship with Christina? Why were all these women so captivated by Sean? Still, I respected her decision.

"The descent is quite long," Tristan noted. "Would you like to ride down together?"

I inwardly recoiled at the thought of getting back on a horse, but considering the investment opportunity at stake, I steeled myself to accept.

"Don't you dare let her on your horse," Sean's voice cut through the air like a whip.

"Perhaps I should call a car for us," Tristan quickly amended.

I exhaled with quiet relief.

The car seating arrangement turned into an absurd power play. Sean claimed the back seat immediately.

I attempted to take the front passenger seat to avoid him, but he insisted Tristan sit there instead. When I refused to move, Sean threatened to prevent the car from leaving at all.

After an uncomfortable standoff, Jessica volunteered for the front seat. Tristan tried to enter the back first but was harshly rebuffed by Sean. I finally slid in, followed by Tristan, with Sean completing our uncomfortable trio.

Even then, Sean wasn't satisfied, repeatedly ordering Tristan to move further toward the door until the poor man finally snapped.

"For God's sake, Shaw!" Tristan exploded. "What's your problem? I'm practically plastered against the door! Do you want me to get out?"

"That would be perfect," Sean replied coldly.

"Why don't you get out instead?" I suggested to Sean.

"Are you sure?" His voice dropped dangerously. "If I leave, you're coming with me."

I ignored his threat, closing my eyes and pretending to rest. The entire display was childish and exhausting.

The journey down the mountain took nearly forty minutes.

Despite my intention to merely pretend, I genuinely fell asleep. I was vaguely aware of movement, but the exhaustion of the day pulled me under completely.

The shrill ring of my phone jolted me awake. Without opening my eyes, I reached for it.

"Hello?" I answered groggily.

"Just waking up?" Christopher's voice came through. "Where are you?"

"In a car," I mumbled, adjusting my position slightly.

"Sleeping in a car?" His concern was evident. "Angela, didn't you sleep well last night?"

I suddenly realized I was leaning against something firm and warm-Sean's shoulder. My eyes flew open in horror.

"Comfortable?" Sean asked loudly, deliberately making his presence known.

A tense silence followed on the other end of the line. "Angela," Christopher's voice tightened, "who are you with?"

"I'll explain later," I promised, politely declining his offer to pick me up. After ending the call, I felt a knot forming in my stomach. The last thing I needed was complications between these two men.

I straightened up immediately, returning to my original position.

"Leaning on my shoulder, was it comfortable?" Sean asked, his tone heavy with implication.

I gave him a cold look. "I'm a disciplined sleeper. I wouldn't randomly lean on you."

Sean smirked. "You clearly don't know yourself very well. How would a sleeping person know what they're doing? You always used to cling to me in your sleep and deny it afterward. Seems your ex-husband knows you better than you know yourself, doesn't he?"