It didn’t budge.
Timothy paused, then glanced back at Magnus through the window.
“Mr. Graves… the car is locked.”
Magnus didn’t even glance at him.
“Get her a cab or something,” he snapped coldly.
Timothy hesitated, glancing at Celia as her head lolled to the side. “I—I don’t know where she lives.”
“Then get her a hotel room. I don’t give a fuck,” Magnus said harshly. “I’m leaving. Take care of this mess.”
The car began to move—
Suddenly, Celia’s eyes flew open.
“Magnus?” she slurred.
She stumbled forward, swaying dangerously, and grabbed onto the car door, clinging to it as if it were the only thing keeping her upright. Her fingers scraped against the window as she leaned closer.
“Where are you going?” she mumbled, her words thick and unclear. “Don’t leave like this… why don’t you just drop me off? It’s not far…”
She fumbled for the handle, trying to pull the door open.
That was when Magnus snapped.
His head whipped toward her, jaw clenched so tight it looked like it might crack. His eyes burned with fury as he leaned forward slightly.
“Celia,” he growled, voice low and lethal, “do you take me for a fucking fool?”
Her face fell. Confusion flashed across her expression, followed by panic.
Magnus didn’t stop.
“You made up some bullshit excuse about signing a deal just to meet me,” he continued, rage pouring out unchecked. “And then you get drunk offtwo fucking glassesof champagne?”
Chapter 13 Empty Threats
“That’s not— you misunderstood—” Celia stammered, panic creeping into her voice as she tried to recover. “I was just—”
“I know exactly what you want,” Magnus cut in sharply. “You want the project for free. You want to sweet-talk me into a deal that benefitsyou.”
He let out a short, scornful laugh. His eyes burned into her. “I’m a businessman. I see through every dirty little trick you use.”
His eyes hardened. “Don’t play this goddamn game with me.”
Celia’s hands pressed against the window. Anger flared briefly in her eyes—but she swallowed it, forcing herself to soften instead.
“What are you talking about?” she said quickly. “How could I trick you? We’ve been friends for so long. Are you really going to make me look this bad?”
Magnus stared at her without a trace of warmth.
“There is nothing between us anymore,” he said flatly. “No friendship. I don’t even fucking know you now.”
His voice dropped another degree. “And I don’t have the habit of letting unknown women sit in my car.”
That finally snapped something in her.
