My CEO's Blackmail Tape - Chapter 42: Chapter 42

Nathan specifically told me we shouldn't be in contact right now. Something's off.
But why did I panic like I'd done something wrong? He's my boss—him calling me is perfectly normal. So why was I acting so guilty? Did Ethan notice something?
My mind spiraled into chaos.
"Mr. Roscente, what do you need?"
"I miss you. Come keep me company."
His commanding tone sent an instant chill down my spine.
"You're the one who said Isabella's watching you like a hawk and we should lay low. Since when do your words mean nothing? And my husband is in the hospital after a car accident. Did you really think I'd ditch him just to crawl into bed with you?"
"Hospital? Which one? I'll pay him a visit."
I knew instantly this wasn't about Daniel. A man like him? He'd only show up to toy with me. Even if Daniel didn't catch on, Ethan was right there. What if he figured it out? My pulse spiked at the thought.
"Not necessary. Maybe another time."
"You won't tell me? Fine, I'll ask Ethan. He'll give me the details."
The line went dead before I could protest. By the time I rushed back, Ethan had just hung up too. "Nathan's coming to see Daniel," he said flatly.
No way out now. Objecting would only raise suspicion.
Within minutes, Nathan strode in.
Daniel forced himself awake to exchange pleasantries. Then Nathan turned to me. "Have you eaten?" When I shook my head, he suggested grabbing food outside—he hadn't eaten either. Ethan volunteered to stay with Daniel, telling Nathan to bring back takeout.
I didn't want to go, but Daniel kept insisting, so I gave in.
Behind the hospital, the night market buzzed with life even past ten. Neon signs glowed, crowds jostled, and lines snaked outside popular stalls. A rowdy group nearly plowed into me as they passed.
Nathan seized my hand. I tried to yank free, but his grip was iron. Seeing no one I knew, I stopped resisting.
I had no appetite, so when he asked what I wanted, I just shrugged. We ended up at a noodle shop—he ordered a light broth for himself and fried sauce noodles for me. He devoured his bowl while I barely touched mine.
He kept trying to make conversation. I stayed silent, refusing to engage.
Eventually, he ordered two more bowls to-go, and we left.
Nathan gestured ahead. "Let's cut through here. It's faster."
I didn't care. I just wanted to get back, so I followed without a word.
The alley was dimly lit, eerily quiet. Dread prickled my skin. The second I turned to leave, Nathan yanked me into a shadowed corner.
His eyes gleamed in the dark, his smirk sending a jolt of fear through me.
I tried to wrench away, but he clamped a hand over my mouth and locked an arm around my waist, trapping me.