Chapter 6 Matthew's Relentless Pursuit

Matthew let go of Harper's wrist and grabbed her chin instead, making her look him in the eye. "I need a straight answer."

Harper's face blushed as she admitted, "I'm satisfied."

The marks from last night were still fresh on her skin; how could she forget?

Harper straightened up, finding a bit of courage. "I'll take care of my own business. For offending you, I'll make it right."

Her heart was already in pieces; she wasn't about to easily fall into another relationship.

"Make it right? How?" Matthew stood up straight, hands in his pockets, looking all relaxed.

Harper's heart raced. Why was Matthew so impossible?

"Want to be with him and still try to mess with me?" Matthew moved closer, the space between them almost nonexistent.

"Don't move. If you do, I can't promise what'll happen," Matthew whispered in her ear, his voice low and dangerous.

"You're nuts!" Harper glared at him, worried James might hear.

"Harper!" Emily suddenly burst through the door, shocked by what she saw.

"What are you two..." Emily's surprise quickly turned to a scowl.

James followed her in, looking all kinds of conflicted.

"Do you need something?" Harper pulled away from Matthew, putting some distance between them.

"I heard your voice and thought something was wrong," Emily said loudly, her eyes green with envy.

James was on edge, not wanting to tick Matthew off.

Matthew shot Emily a cold look, clearly annoyed. "Ms. Anderson, we will discuss the project matters another time."

"Okay. Safe travels, Mr. Moore," Harper said, and Matthew smirked a bit before walking out without even glancing at James and Emily.

"Harper, what's going on between you and Mr. Moore?" Emily was practically seething with jealousy. Why did Harper get Matthew's attention?

"Emily, ever heard of knocking? I'm done putting up with this." Harper's eyes were sharp as she snorted.

"Harper, I'm sorry. I just wanted to invite you to dinner to make up for it."

Emily pouted, but Harper smoothly dodged her outstretched hand.

"Harper, don't be so harsh. Emily's like this because you've spoiled her." James tried to play peacemaker, but his words just shifted the blame to Harper.

Protector mode, huh? Harper laughed to herself but stayed cool on the outside. "Fine, just make sure it doesn't happen again. We can't afford to tick off Mr. Moore."

Emily lowered her head, playing innocent, while her hands were secretly teasing James behind his back.

"By the way, what project were you discussing with Mr. Moore?" James stiffened, forcing a smile.

"He said we need to renegotiate the project!" Harper said casually, already plotting her next move.

"Really? Harper, is there going to be a problem?" James worriedly hugged Harper, but Emily, full of jealousy, pulled him away.

"Remember, this is a workplace." Emily pretended to be annoyed but was secretly pleased.

"Emily, you're getting more and more out of line." James was unhappy but seemed helpless.

"Alright, you two should get going. I still have to pull an all-nighter. Mr. Moore's money doesn't come easy," Harper said, raising an eyebrow and using Matthew's name to her advantage.

Hearing this, James quickly pulled Emily away, not wanting Harper to make any more demands.

"Mr. Smith, aren't you curious about their relationship?" Outside the door, Emily hooked her little finger, and James got the hint.

"I only care about you." James smiled, pulling Emily into an empty restroom.

As night fell, the office building gradually quieted down, with only Harper's office still brightly lit.

She was carefully overseeing the installation of surveillance cameras, making sure every angle was covered.

"Alright, thanks for your hard work!" Harper nodded in satisfaction as the surveillance footage appeared clearly on her phone screen.

After paying the workers, Harper stepped out of the building, the night breeze gently blowing.

"Ms. Anderson, you're in a good mood tonight!" Matthew's voice suddenly broke the silence, startling her.

"Mr. Moore, why are you still here?" Harper was surprised, then quickly pulled him into a dark corner.

"What, afraid of being seen?" Matthew raised an eyebrow, his tone playful.

"Didn't I tell you? I'll leave the Smith family, but not now. Besides, whether I leave or not is none of your business." Harper had no time for his games.

"Ms. Anderson, are you denying our relationship?" Matthew leaned close to Harper's ear, teasing in a low voice. His breath brushed against her sensitive earlobe, making her shiver.

"Mr. Moore, do you have so much free time? Out for a walk at this hour?" Harper retorted angrily, regretting her way of getting back at James and even more regretting sleeping with Matthew last night.

"Is it James you can't let go of, or your current status?" Matthew raised an eyebrow, clearly displeased.

"Mr. Moore, don't push me." Harper looked him in the eye seriously. "Give me some time."

Matthew was silent for a moment, his eyes complicated, but he finally relented. "Fine, you have six days left!"

With that, he gave Harper a deep look before turning to leave.

Harper breathed a sigh of relief, cursing Matthew for being so domineering.

Leaning against the cold wall, she could still feel Matthew's lingering warmth.

From across the street corner, a pair of eyes hid in the shadows, capturing this "exclusive news."

The person sneered, plotting, "Harper, let's see how long you can stay smug."

Harper returned to the Smith Villa, feeling the oppressive atmosphere.

Ava and Aiden sat on the sofa, ignoring her.

Harper sneered inwardly but kept her face neutral. Once inside, her expression changed.

"Mira, what is the meaning of this?" Harper demanded harshly.

Several boxes were in the corner, and her cosmetics were scattered messily on the floor.

"You didn't come home last night, so we thought..."