Chapter 10

Jonathan's gaze was playful, his words laced with double meaning.

Though she had willingly allowed Jonathan to support her over the past three years, his words now made Kylie feel an unfamiliar sting of humiliation.

A faint blush spread across her face.

"Mr. Sinclair, I apologize for what happened at the nightclub. I hope you can show some understanding."

A mix of anger and frustration flashed across Kylie's face, but Jonathan simply smirked and said, "I told you, my woman will never be in a place like that."

As he spoke, Jonathan tightened his grip on Kylie's chin, forcing her face closer to his. The scent of his leather cologne flooded her senses, and her face flushed even deeper.

"I won't allow it," he said, each word deliberate, and his lips were just a breath away from hers. His long fingers traced her warm cheek, his touch sending a shiver through her.

Inside, Jonathan felt a strange surge of possessiveness. He deliberately teased and provoked Kylie. But she felt uncomfortable and found Jonathan's behavior repulsive.

From the nightclub to the office, all Kylie had sensed from him was disdain and humiliation. If he didn't love her, why wouldn't he just let her go? Perhaps this was just his domineering nature—his need to control.

"Mr. Sinclair, you already have a fiancee. Please let me go."

Kylie spoke with quiet defiance, her words causing Jonathan to pause.

He released her chin, not responding.

It seemed her guess had been right—his fiancee was a sore spot for him. Kylie's suspicion was confirmed by his reaction.

Suppressing the pain in her heart, she continued, "For the past three years, you've treated me as a stand-in for someone else. Now that she's back, it's understandable that you would discard me. But please, I'm begging you… just let me go."

Jonathan's face revealed no hint of emotion—neither joy, anger, nor sadness. He simply asked, "Stand-in? What are you talking about?"

"Mr. Sinclair, you don't need to worry about my feelings. I know you hate me. I won't bother you. But I need this job. I'll work hard and stay in my place. Please, don't force me to leave this way."

Tears welled up in Kylie's eyes, and her voice trembled as she spoke.

Jonathan was utterly confused by Kylie's words. What was she talking about—being a stand-in, him hating her, forcing her to leave?

All he had done was arrange for her to stay close to him, yet she was coming up with all these excuses to distance herself?

His expression darkened. He spoke with clear annoyance, "Kylie, my patience for you is limited. Staying by my side is your best option."

Kylie was stunned, her mouth opening as she tried to find something to say but couldn't.

"Were you thinking of leaving me for another sugar daddy? I'd advise against it. If you try that, your life will be miserable."

Jonathan gritted his teeth, his tone almost threatening as he gave her a warning.

"And don't even think about quitting. If you leave here, you'll be unemployed. No company in Jorundale will hire you."

At those words, all hope drained from Kylie.

Of course, Jonathan had the power to cut off all her options here. It felt like there was no way out for her.

She felt drained and exhausted. She turned her face away. Tears began to slip from the corner of her eye without her noticing.

"Why are you crying?"

Jonathan's cold voice cut through the silence as he reached up with his long, graceful fingers to wipe away her tears. He grasped her chin and turned her face toward him.

Before she could react, he leaned down and kissed her.

His lips were warm and soft, completely different from his usual forceful manner. This time, his kiss was gentle and tender.

Kylie shuddered, wanting to pull away. However, his large, warm hand slipped to her lower back, holding her in place.

Jonathan kissed her with intent, and Kylie felt a strange mix of emotions. One moment he was threatening her, and the next, he was tender and affectionate.

Was something wrong with him?

She tried to break free, but he only held her tighter.

With no strength left to fight, her lips instinctively responded to his.

Just then, a voice came from outside the door.

"Mr. Sinclair, Ms. Whitfield is here."