Chapter 4 : The Unexpected Kiss

Ryan''s deep, slightly reddened eyes flashed with an inexplicable smile. His voice was low and husky, "Yes, I need something."

Brenda glanced into the room and saw a row of women with heavy makeup and seductive figures, all looking a bit nervous. Jeffrey was being forced to drink by Ryan''s assistant, and the atmosphere seemed off.

"Have you seen enough?" Ryan''s long lashes drooped slightly, his tall frame lazily leaning against the door, seemingly drunk. "Do you need some hangover soup?" Brenda asked.

Ryan pinched the bridge of his nose with his elegant hand. "Take me to the 12th floor to rest."

Beacon Club is a comprehensive club with entertainment, leisure, and hotel services. The floors above the seventh are for guest accommodations, and the 12th floor is all top-tier presidential suites.

Brenda was delighted, finally finding a chance to get close to him alone. She maintained her composure and went over to support him. "This way, please."

They quickly took the elevator to the 12th floor. "Which room did you reserve?" Brenda asked.

Ryan didn''t respond. He walked to room 1209 and stopped, taking out his phone to swipe it on the door card reader. With a beep, the door opened.

Using a phone to unlock the door meant he had a long-term reservation for this room. How extravagant, booking a presidential suite that costs thousands a night long-term.

Brenda helped Ryan inside and was about to turn on the light when Ryan suddenly pinned her against the door.

The door closed, blocking out the light from the hallway, leaving the room in complete darkness.

Her heart skipped a beat. Was he going to get drunk and act out? But then she remembered the rumors about Ryan not being interested in women and quickly calmed down. "Mr. Astor, you''re drunk."

Ryan lowered his head slightly, the faint scent of alcohol wafting onto Brenda''s face. "How do you know my last name is Astor?"

Brenda turned her head away, avoiding his somewhat intoxicating breath. "To be honest, Mr. Astor, I came here specifically to find you tonight. Are you planning to work with Jeffrey?"

"What if I am? What if I''m not?"

"Jeffrey is not a trustworthy person. If you plan to work with him, I suggest you think it over carefully before making a decision."

"Do you have a grudge against him?"

Before Brenda could figure out how to respond, he spoke again. "I won''t work with him if you do me a favor."

Brenda was puzzled. The president of Genesis Corporation needed her help? "What do you need?"

Ryan leaned close to Brenda''s ear, his voice low and slightly breathless. "I''ve been set up. I need your help."

His breath was so hot, it felt like fire. Brenda felt the skin near her ear burning, and her body trembled slightly. She realized something was wrong with him.

She vaguely guessed what kind of setup he was talking about and what kind of help he needed. Just as she was about to refuse, his cool yet burning kiss came down on her without warning.

The room was pitch black. It took Brenda a moment to realize what was pressing against her lips. Her eyes widened, her heart skipped a beat, and she quickly lifted her right foot to kick Ryan in the groin.

But Ryan easily caught her knee. His reflexes were sharp, his strength formidable. He was as skilled as she was.

Realizing this, Brenda panicked and began to struggle. Ryan pressed her leg back down, his body closing in, pinning her tightly. He grabbed her hands and pinned them above her head, holding her firmly. "If you don''t help me, I''ll help him."

Brenda''s struggles paused. She regretted revealing her intentions too soon. Now, she could only feign indifference. "Do as you please. Let me go."

Ryan compromised. "Help me, and I''ll owe you a favor."

"I don''t care."

Ryan rested his head on Brenda''s shoulder, his breathing growing heavier. In the darkness, his usually calm eyes turned bloodshot. "Think it over... If I help him... The Rockefeller Family will have no place for you..."

With each word, his breath grew heavier, and his grip on her wrists tightened. Brenda knew Ryan was on the verge of losing control. His words sent a chill down her spine. "You know who I am?"