Demon CEO's Hidden Love: Mr Grayson Stole Me From My Abusive Husband-Chapter 144: Like And Dislike

*Some Minutes Earlier*

Whilst the parents stayed back and argued, Thane interrogated the two involved in the scandal privately.

Having them sit next to each other, Thane settled his gaze on Mallory, and then asked her first. "What happened?"

After a careful five minute explanation, Thane got the full gist of the situation. He was just about to say something, when Matthew piped up, "Those people don’t give a damn about Mallory, see how interested they were in pushing their agenda. They’re all selfish." He stated.

Thane raised a brow, wondering why his brother was bringing that up, as though he were some saint.

Mallory shared the same sentiment, "I don’t need you to worry about my situation, I’m well aware of the sort of family I have." She said, her voice quieted.

But Matthew was stubborn. "Even if we’re able to prove your innocence, it’s still unsafe leaving you with them." He tried to explain, but Mallory’s frown deepened.

"None of this would’ve happened if you didn’t drink so much in the first place. I wouldn’t have let you stay had you not been on a motorcycle." She bickered, holding her own against him.

"That cousin of yours is the real problem here, he clearly has ulterior motives-"

Mallory huffed, "You shouldn’t have gotten provoked like that. Vance is a coward, he’s always been one since we were kids. He wanted to use your short temper to get the better of you." She folded her arms, "You’re a ticking time bomb."

"That’s the thank-you I get for saving your hind?" Matthew retorted sharply.

Mallory groaned, "I could’ve handled myself, I’ve been doing that for years on my own."

Matthew rolled his eyes, "You’re too stubborn."

Mallory scoffed, "You’re too impulsive."

Thane raised another brow, wondering when the reserved Mallory began voicing out her thoughts so expressively. It took a while before she was able to converse freely with him, whereas she and Matthew spoke to each other as though they’ve known each other fo a long time.

He had barely even gotten a word into the conversation.

"That’s enough you two, it’s obvious that you both dislike each other enough for this accusation to hold any weight." He said, breaking up their spat.

"That means that this ploy is for a much bigger play. Mallory, do you have an idea what your family could be after?" He asked.

Mallory’s chest tightened when he called her name so casually. Calmly, she replied, "I suspect the same thing, maybe they’re after your business? By having me marry into your family, with you as the heir, they plan on maybe merging our businesses." She suggested.

Matthew noticed the pink flush on her cheeks and rolled his eyes at how quickly she switched gears when talking to his older brother.

"But your family is well off, why would they act this desperate over a merge? Or are you maybe facing some financial crisis?" Matthew asked.

Mallory shook her head, "I would’ve noticed if that really was the case, but it doesn’t seem that way."

Thane chipped in, "A business that large doesn’t crumble so easily. But Matthew has a point, there’s something unsettling with how persistent they’re being over getting you married. Perhaps, their motive is to get you out of the family."

Mallory crunched her brows, "Me? But why?"

Matthew scratched the back of his head, "Another thing that’s been bugging me, what is up with that cousin of yours, why is he such a pain in the ass? What’shis deal?"

Mallory sighed, "Vance was orphaned at a young age. My father took him in, and treated him like his son, years before my mother had given birth to me."

Thane pinched his chin, analyzing all that was said. After a few moments, he came up with a response. "Sitting here and talking won’t solve anything. For now, let’s place my suspicion to the test."

Mallory and Matthew exchanged quick glances with each other, unsure of what Thane meant.

"What are you suggesting?" Mallory inquired.

In a low tone, he leaned in and said, "This is what you’ll say when we leave this room..."

The scent of coffee and cigarettes woke Jen up from her sleep. She wiped the dried tears off her face, then pulled up the sheets, to cover her bruised body.

"Good, you’re finally up." Ethan said, emerging from the bathroom, balancing a cigarette in-between his fingers.

The memories of last night flooded Jen’s head, making her heart sink. Fresh tears fell out of her eyes, as her shoulders jerked uncontrollably.

"Here, have some breakfast before leaving." He said then took a puff from his cigarette.

Jen buried her face in her palms, "Sir, why are you doing this to me? Please," she sobbed, "Just let me go. I swear, I won’t report you-"

Ethan suddenly sat on the bed next to her, causing her to flinch.

He reached for her shoulder, and rubbed his palm against the wound on it. He flattened his lips into a broad grin at the feel of her bruise against his skin.

"Why else, if not for love." He said, then kissed her wound.

Jen raised her head, "L-Love?"

"But of course. Why? Is it hard to believe you captured my affection?" he snaked his hand from her shoulder down to her arms, tracing circles around her wounds. "I’ve taken a liking to you, Jen. So how can I let you go?"

The look of horror in Jen’s eyes intensified, "Sir, you can’t be serious."

"I bought you all these gifts didn’t I?" he leaned in, wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her closer to him. In a loud whisper he said, "Between us, you know how thorough I can be when covering my tracks."

In a lighter tone he said, "But, I didn’t take that route with you. That just proves my feelings for you are true. However..." his tone shifted, and his eyes lost their politeness.

"I can’t stand betrayal. Anyone who betrays me, will suffer the consequences."