Chapitre 16: Overly Confident Woman

Drake was bewildered by the revelation that his ex-girlfriend, Merlyn, was at the meeting location. He had not expected to cross paths with her during his business trip to Canman. The mention of her name left him stunned and filled with mixed emotions.

"Why do you look surprised, Mr. Chwe?" CEO Havier asked.

Drake cleared his throat before calmly responding, "I'm sorry about that. I think there might be a misunderstanding regarding Merlyn Spenser's presence. Anyway, it is true that I know her, but she's not my girlfriend."

"Is that so? This is embarrassing; we let someone in without proper verification," CEO Havier said, casting a disapproving glance at his secretary, silently questioning why such an oversight had occurred.

"We did verify her identification, sir. She has a DearBeck Co. ID and a portfolio in hand," the secretary hastily explained, trying to defend their actions.

"She did?" Drake asked, perplexed. "Could you please give me some time to speak with her before proceeding with the meeting? There seems to be a misunderstanding. I came here alone."

"You can do that. Feel free to clarify things before we continue," CEO Havier agreed. Just as welcoming as he had been initially, the CEO and the executives accompanied Drake inside the Gracestone Trading Corporation building. He was then guided to the lobby, where he would meet with Merlyn alone.

"What does she think she's doing?" Drake wondered inwardly. "Why does she have to dress so provocatively in a corporate office?"

As Drake entered the lobby, only the employees of Gracestone seemed to notice his presence. Merlyn was too busy flirting with an employee to even notice Drake's arrival.

"Excuse me, are you one of the models for the photoshoot?" an employee approached Drake before he could reach Merlyn.

"Model?"

"Yes, the photoshoot is on the third floor. You might be lost," the employee said, her cheeks turning red as she gazed at Drake's face.

"Oh, I'm not a model. I'm here for a meeting with CEO Havier," Drake responded. "Anyway, I am-"

"Drake!" Merlyn exclaimed in a high-pitched tone as she suddenly jumped onto him, clinging to his arm. Both Drake and the employee she had been flirting with were left stunned by Merlyn's shameless behavior as she clung to anyone she pleased.

Drake's expression darkened, and everyone in the lobby felt the sudden shift in his mood, making the atmosphere suffocating.

"Let go," Drake sternly said, causing Merlyn to step back awkwardly.

"Why do you have to speak like that to your girlfriend?" Merlyn shamelessly pouted.

"Don't speak nonsense and follow me," Drake angrily ordered.

He led the way out of the Gracestone building, and they confronted each other again in front of his Maserati.

"Why do you have to walk so fast? I could barely keep up," Merlyn grumbled, but Drake showed no concern.

"DearBeck ID and proposal, where did you get all of those?" Drake asked straightforwardly.

"Oh my, are you so touched by my letter that you're only focused on my sweet words?" Merlyn replied.

"Cut the crap. There's nothing between us anymore, so why do I have to deal with you here? I don't even want to see your face," Drake sternly said, looking directly into Merlyn's eyes, trying to convey his disgust and anger.

"Don't say that. I've already apologized. Can you just give me a second chance?"

"I don't think that applies to you. Stop this nonsense and tell me, where did you get all those things, and how do you know about my business trip?"

"Why are you playing hard to get?" Merlyn rolled her eyes.

"I'm not. I'll call the police if you don't tell me now."

"Dude, I know your emails and all accounts! Where else would I get access to them?" Merlyn reluctantly replied, still not fully grasping Drake's anger.

Meanwhile, Drake recalled that he had allowed Merlyn to gain access to all of his accounts back when they were dating, including his bank account. He had been so in love with her that he didn't hide anything from her. Back then, it hadn't mattered much because all his accounts were in debt, but now things were different.

"I forgot to change passwords, but it doesn't give you the right to look into them without my permission."

"Don't act big. Business owner, new millionaire? I know that your Aunt Beck was just using you as a mascot. How can a supposed millionaire like you only have $2,000 in your bank?" Merlyn assumed.

"You even checked my balance? Why? Do you want to steal money from me too?"

"Steal what? Your meager $2,000?" Merlyn scoffed. "Hey, share your gig. I read your Aunt Beck's emails. It was like scripts and detailed instructions on what you should do. You only need to appear as a mascot. Is this the reason why you even got plastic surgery?"

"You think I had plastic surgery just to be a mascot for my aunt?" Drake said in disbelief.

"Yes, how on earth would you ever have such a perfect face without plastic surgery?" Merlyn said confidently.

"This is my real face."

"Drake, don't be overconfident. I dated you even when you were ugly just for the sake of fun. I was so darn bored at that time. But, dude, don't be delusional."

"Shut your mouth," Drake said, his voice trembling as he struggled to control his temper. He was fighting the urge to physically react to Merlyn's provocations.

"Don't be so hurt, darling. That's just the way it is," Merlyn snorted. "You were pretty brave facing Marcus and Bellrox, but I bet it was all for DearBeck's PR. So, Drake, sweetie, let me in on the gig too. I can be a mascot too. We can even continue to pretend as lovers. A guy like you would have a hard time finding someone better than me."

"Better than you?" Drake said through gritted teeth.

"Yes. I'm pretty, smart, and sexy. The only thing I don't have is money, and, well, that's a man's job, isn't it? To provide for the woman. So, Drake, I can kind of accept you, as long as you share this gig with me."

"There is no gig, or whatever nonsense your deluded mind thinks! I don't want to see you or even share the same air as you!" Drake exclaimed.

"Don't be so foolish, Drake. You need me," Merlyn giggled, her confidence and sense of superiority unwavering. "Is this part of the revenge you were talking about? Don't be too hard on yourself. I'm the best partner you could ever have."

"You're wrong, and I don't even need to find someone to prove that there's someone better than you. You, by yourself, prove that you're a low-grade, disgusting woman. Leave me alone and never appear in front of me again, or I'll sue you."

Merlyn stood there, gaping in disbelief at Drake's outburst. She then loudly gasped as she retorted, "How dare you speak to me like that? You will regret not accepting the kindness I'm offering you!"

"Whatever. Just leave," Drake said dismissively.

Merlyn glared at Drake as if he would be the one to regret this confrontation later. With a dramatic flounce, she left the parking area, leaving Drake in awe and disbelief at her unwavering confidence.

"Women like that do tend to flock around successful people. You should've just called security on her," the employee who had been flirting with Merlyn earlier commented.

Drake looked the guy up and down before responding, "Weren't you flirting with her just a little while ago?"

"Well, her... assets are my type," the man said mischievously. "Jealous?"

"No. Anyway, why are you speaking so casually to me? Who are you?" Drake asked suspiciously. "Did you follow us here to eavesdrop?"

"Come on, man, don't be so suspicious," the man said, lightly hitting Drake on the shoulder. "Let me introduce myself. I'm Zanjo White, the next owner of Gracestone Trading Corporation."

Zanjo offered his hand for a handshake, but Drake just stared at it.

"White? Your surname sounds familiar."

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