Chapter 21
EX 20 vouchers
Early the next morning. Yolanda drove to Ian’s place. She banged on the old door for ages, but no one answered. Just as she reached for her phone to call him, the door creaked open.
lan was in a black T–shirt, one cheek swollen red–like he’d taken a punch.
Yolanda’s brows shot up. She scanned the messy yard, spotting signs of a fight everywhere. “What happened?” she asked.
Ian’s charming eyes glistened, like he was holding back tears. “I’m fine.”
Yolanda took a sharp breath, grabbed his arm, and hauled him inside.
When she’d visited yesterday, the place was tiny but neat. But now, it was a total disaster. Every single piece of furniture was flipped, the only cup lay shattered in pieces–nothing was left intact.
Yolanda’s face went dark. Since lan wasn’t gonna talk, she turned for the door.
Ian hesitated and then blurted out, “Some strangers showed up last night. I don’t know who they were.” He rushed the words, as if she’d walk out if he slowed down.
Yolanda stopped and turned back to him. Sweat beaded on his forehead–his injuries must be worse than he let on. She propped up the sofa and said softly, “Sit. Let me check.”
Ian froze, and then slowly sat down.
Yolanda lifted his shirt, exposing his chest. There were wounds, but what really caught her eye was his chiseled abs, the perfect V–line, his broad shoulders, and lean waist–he could easily pass for a fitness model.
Her fingertips felt a sudden tingle, and only then did she realize her move was a little out of line.
Ian bit his lip, his ears burning red. Finally, he gave up and turned away, clutching the hem of his shirt–like he’d just been taken advantage of.
Yolanda cleared her throat, locked her gaze on the bruises dotting his chest, and forced herself to stay calm.
“Anywhere else hurt?” she asked, pressing gently on the bruises and glancing up. “Did they crack a rib?”
Ian sucked in a breath, yanking his shirt down harder. “No.”
Yolanda let out a relieved sigh. She stood up and said, “Pack your stuff. We’re moving today. You can’t stay here anymore.”
Ian let go of his shirt slowly, his Adam’s apple bobbing. “Where?”
“I got you a place–a nice villa, good security. Even when you become famous, you’ll be safe there. At the very least, you won’t have to deal with stuff like being followed or getting into fights,” Yolanda replied.
Ian hesitated a beat before asking softly, “Won’t your husband get
mad?”
Yolanda paused, taking a second to process it, and then realized he’d misunderstood. She laughed, finding him kind of cute for some
reason.
“It’s not my husband’s,” she explained. “It’s my brother’s. He looks tough, but he’s good to me. Besides, he’s got so many houses–he couldn’t care less about this one.”
Ian looked down and stood up. “Got it.”
Yolanda watched his back, sighing quietly.
lan didn’t have much to pack. Just ten minutes later, he emerged with a backpack and a small suitcase.
His hair was a bit messy, and his arm muscles flexed subtly as he carried his backpack. His eyes were captivating, set in a face that spelled trouble–handsome enough to spark conflict and settle it with just a glance.
After he got in the car, Yolanda drove to the villa,
It was in a prime spot, right in the heart of Bel super valuable. Samuel must’ve put thought into picking this when he gave her the
keys.
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2:14 AM P P
Chapter 21
20 vouchers
The villa was beautifully designed, with two stories and a well–manicured garden. Samuel had someone fix it up beforehand, clearly.
Ian, dressed all in black, didn’t seem awkward stepping into the big house. He looked calm, almost like he belonged.
Yolanda loved the setting. “Come here,” she said. “I’ll add both our fingerprints to the system, so we can put the keys away for good.”
Ian set down his backpack, took off his hat, and walked over.
Yolanda scanned her fingerprint first, then grabbed his finger to add his. Once they were done, a voice prompt confirmed both owners‘ fingerprints were successfully registered.
Yolanda winced a little–that voice prompt sounded kinda suggestive. She took a deep breath, pushing away the strange thoughts creeping into her mind.
“Ian,” she called, keeping her voice steady. “You like boxing, right? I’ll grab a heavy bag and pro gloves. Pick any room and make it your mini gym.”
The villa had plenty of space. He’d be alone here, free to do whatever he wanted.
“Yolanda,” he called out suddenly.
It caught her off guard. “Hmm?” she replied, realizing it was the first time he’d called her by her first name.
“I’ll buy my own. Keep your money.”
‘Is he trying to save me money? Never figured someone so quiet could be this thoughtful,‘ Yolanda thought. For a second, she didn’t know what to say.
Now she understood why guys went crazy when a girl looked out for their wallet. Such souls were so pure that the others just couldn’t help but be kind to them.
On a whim, Yolanda pulled out her phone and ordered a few pairs of boxing gloves and a heavy–duty punching bag.
Then she turned to lan. “They’ll deliver this afternoon. You can set them up. Filming starts the day after tomorrow, so heal up fast. And you should’ve called me last night,
As she spoke, she pulled out her phone to check messages and saw one from Sean: [Is your talent in trouble? Heard some gossip this morning–Mr. Sinclair stepped in for Sophie.]
Yolanda’d had a hunch, and now it was confirmed. Anger flickered in her chest. She turned to Ian, her voice sharp with suspicion. “You know who did this last night?”
Ian stayed silent. He dropped his gaze, quietly sorting through his stuff.
‘Looks like those guys introduced themselves last night,‘ Yolanda thought. She fixed her gaze on Ian, her voice serious. “Ian, whatever happens, you have to tell me. If you keep this up, I’ll be really mad.”
Ian looked up at her, whispering, “I don’t want to put you in a tough spot.” Then he dropped his gaze and went back to organizing his things.
‘Ian’s way too touchy. He probably sensed how rocky things were between me and Charles. He was worried that if I found out Charles was behind all this, I’d lose it and our already shaky marriage would fall apart,‘ Yolanda thought, understanding.
“Listen,” she said, her voice firm, “you might end up being my cash cow someday. Charles is not half as important as you.”
Ian’s fingers froze for a split second. Something flashed in his eyes–gone too fast to read. Then he mumbled, “Got it.”
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