Chapter 246 - 249: Secretly Following

Words : 1736 Updated : Sep 27th, 2025

Chapter 246: Chapter 249: Secretly FollowingFollowing Christopher Taylor, the two men who had come with him frowned at James Brown’s obstinance, feeling helpless. They knew that if the matter escalated too much, it wouldn’t be good. If James could agree to Christopher’s terms, it would be a better way to handle things. Involving the Public Security Bureau and causing a big scene, especially in the age of the internet, would make it difficult to manage if it got out online. But now Christopher was so furious that they couldn’t calm him down without offending him, so they had no choice but to make a phone call. At that moment, James’s phone rang first; it was Gina Lopez calling. James answered with a laugh, "Mr. Lopez, what’s the deal?" "Where have you run off to? Everyone’s waiting for you." Gina’s tone was reproachful but not stern, more like she was sweet-talking. James was a little overwhelmed by Gina’s tone. For some reason, when other women talked to him like this, he found it pleasant, but not when Gina did; it made him uneasy, and he quickly said, "Alright, alright, I’m coming over." "You think you can come over? There’s no way," Christopher sneered. James had hung up by then and told Alice, "Alright, someone’s pushing me. I’m not playing with them anymore." "Playing..." Christopher and the others were shocked by James’s words. Did James consider his dealings with them as just play? What was he relying on? "You’re playing us for fools, you’re asking for death!" Before Christopher could speak, the other two men were already yelling angrily. But Christopher just waved his hand dismissively, looking at James as if he were an idiot. "Well, I’d like to see how you play. The police will be here soon, and I wouldn’t mind if you go to the station to ’play.’ Let the officers keep you entertained; I’ll make sure you enjoy it, haha..." Ignoring Christopher, James went over to the window and picked up an item, turning to Christopher, he said, "Go ahead, call your people, I’m about to upload a thrilling video online." "Video?" Christopher was taken aback at first, then his eyes widened at the sight of the mobile phone in James’s hand. He instantly realized what was happening; James had filmed everything by placing his phone at the window. If this got out online, it would be a scandal. Him, the Deputy County Chief, coercing a female presenter would incite public outrage. Even with a powerful family, to appease public sentiment, he wouldn’t be able to continue as Deputy County Chief, and his future prospects within his family would be in jeopardy. James brandished his phone and continued, "Mayor Johnson, isn’t it? I think many people would love to see a mayor’s tyranny, how he oppresses civilians, and why such a mayor is so brazen as to completely disregard others." Christopher’s face turned ashen, and he suddenly roared with fury, "Grab it from him!" He lunged at James, desperate to retrieve the footage. At this critical moment when his career was at stake, the only thing on their minds was to grab the phone; nothing else mattered. The two men also rushed at James with fury written all over their faces, ready to even kill James if necessary, so long as they could somehow cover it all up. It was three men against one, but their assault was swiftly countered; in an instant, all three were kicked to the ground by James. Blinded by desperation, the three men immediately got up and charged at James again, all semblance of restraint gone. At this point, they would dare kill James if it seemed necessary. But James had lost interest in them. He quickly neutralized their attack, then, taking Alice by the hand, he simply walked out without saying another word to Christopher and his gang. "Mr. Smith, isn’t this making things too big?" Once in the hallway, Alice asked, a bit concerned. James smiled and reassured her, "It’s fine. With this video, they won’t dare to mess around." Remembering James’s identity, Alice felt less worried. Lucy Campbell was one of the most influential young figures in SSUP Country, and as her cousin, James wouldn’t be lacking support. Besides, Christopher’s influence was at most provincial, so compared to James, there was a significant gap. Holding hands with James, Alice suddenly felt very sweet. James had come to her rescue at her most perilous moment and even declared himself her boyfriend. Although she knew it was fake, just the pretense of it was enough to satisfy her. Side-glancing at James, she gripped his hand tightly, not wanting to waste this rare chance to be close to him, even if it was just for a brief moment, even if it was fleeting like a blooming flower upon snow—a moment she would never forget. James could feel Alice tightening her grip. He turned and smiled at her, "Don’t worry, really, there’s no issue. Do you want to come with me?" "To go with you... would that be inconvenient?" "It’s not anyone else, just our company’s Mr. Lopez, Director Green, and my old classmate Township Chief Johnson—all women." Alice Brown smiled and said, "All beauties, huh? Mr. Smith, you really are quite the charmer." James Brown broke into a sweat and said, "What charmer? I’m just a personnel manager in the company now; they are all older than me. That’s why I slipped out." "Personnel department manager... Mr. Smith, you really are something." James Brown chuckled and said, "Let’s go." Alice nodded; even if it was the D Danger Zone, she was willing to take the risk to spend more time with James Brown. When they arrived at the door to Gina Lopez and the others, James Brown let go of Alice’s hand, and she felt a sense of disappointment. She wished James would keep holding her hand, never letting go, but she also knew that was just wishful thinking. So she composed herself, put on a bright smile, and walked into the private room with James. Gina Lopez and the other two women were chatting happily when suddenly they saw James Brown bringing Alice in and were briefly taken aback. Searᴄh the Nôvelƒire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Mr. Lopez, Director Green, Mayor Johnson, hello." Alice knew all three women, so she greeted them with a smile as she came in. The three of them also knew Alice, and Gina Lopez immediately said with a smile, "Alice, come sit down. How did James manage to find you in just a short while?" Alice sat down with grace and said, "I just happened to bump into him. Knowing that Mr. Lopez, Director Green, and Mayor Johnson were eating here, I had to come and offer a toast, otherwise it would be impolite." "There’s no need for politeness here; we’re just having a casual meal. If you have no other plans, why not join us for a drink?" "Then I won’t stand on ceremony." Now there were four women, each one stunning, and only one man, James Brown. For any man, this would definitely be a blessing, but for James, it didn’t seem like a good thing. Because Melody Yoody didn’t know about James Brown’s identity as the CEO, he was still just a personnel manager here, so naturally, the head of the table was Gina Lopez, with Melody Yoody and Sunny Nguyen sat next to her. James Brown was beside Melody Yoody, with Alice next to him. They had barely spoken a few words before the topic shifted to him. Melody Yoody turned to James and raised her glass, saying, "I’m telling you, James, you’re surrounded by beauties every day. You really have an embarrassment of riches." Then she downed the beer in her glass in one go. James Brown drank a glass in accompaniment. In front of Melody Yoody, he always felt a sense of guilt, even though Melody had said she wouldn’t hold the past against him. Things had happened after all, and their love back then had been intense; it’s not something that can be forgotten just like that. James had been feeling quite relaxed a couple of days ago. The past with Melody Yoody, indeed, had been a burden on his heart. It seemed like once the burden was put down, it should be gone, but he knew that was just lying to himself. Each time he saw Melody Yoody, his guilt didn’t lessen but grew heavier, because he knew her feelings for him hadn’t changed one bit; it was just the differences in their lives that had created a gap between them. James forced a laugh and said, "What kind of luck is that? I’m just a lowly manager, and here we have CEOs and directors." Melody Yoody glanced at Gina Lopez and playfully slapped James’s shoulder, saying, "Now, old classmate, you can’t be talking like that. Mr. Lopez is interested in you; you shouldn’t be so evasive. Mr. Lopez has looks, talent, and capability; for her to be interested in you, that’s the blessing of several lifetimes. What more could you want?" At that moment, James wanted to run away. Melody Yoody had a smiling face, but under the table, she was fiercely stepping on his foot and even grinding down on it. James could easily have moved away, but he knew Melody was venting, so he let her vent her emotions. With a bitter smile, James said, "Melody, stop joking around. I’m just a poor guy, I’m not out to chase after rich and beautiful women." Gina Lopez gave James a mocking glance and said, "I’m telling you, James, can you not embarrass us in front of others? There’s no one else here. I’m not afraid, so why are you still hiding? You just keep worrying about this and that, and I can’t do anything with you." Melody Yoody laughed softly and said, "Is that so? Then I’ll have to have a good talk with him later. I know all about that guy’s pettiness." At this point, Alice was somewhat speechless, sensing an undercurrent of contention between Melody Yoody and Gina Lopez—it certainly seemed a bit like jealousy. Mr. Smith really lived up to his name; even when keeping a low profile, he undoubtedly had plenty of beautiful women around him.

Chapter 246 - 249: Secretly Following

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