Love’s Unexpected Arrival The Bride Who Came Knocking by Rochelle

Chapter 9 Hawk Is Protective of Maria

These last couple of days, Hawk had been swamped with the new contract. He hadn’t received the information from Keith yet. Keith knew how to enjoy life. The Gray’s residence was nestled near mountains and a river, allowing him to bask in the melodies of birds and the scent of flowers every day. The only downside was the considerable distance from the city center, necessitating a two-hour journey. Hawk couldn’t spare time to visit the Gray’s place. Keith’s detective agency had recently taken on a fresh case, and the client requested an in-person meeting with Keith. In exchange for the promised 5 million dollars, Keith consented. He brought the materials Hawk had requested a few days ago. Keith phoned Hawk before entering the café. “I have something to attend to at Canvas Café. I can make it to the Cullen Group in twenty minutes.” “Canvas Café?” Hawk lifted his head and glanced around. Realizing he was already there, he promptly replied, “There’s no need for you to come to my office. Which private room are you in? Send me the room number. I’ll be there in twenty minutes.” “Mr. Cullen, if you’re so eager to find out who drugged you, why have you done nothing in the past few days?” Keith jested over the phone. “Got to go now. See you later!” “Okay!” Keith ended the call and stepped into the coffee shop. The case was worth 5 million dollars. Investigating feuds among affluent families was the quickest route to a substantial payday. Hawk expedited negotiations and within twenty minutes finalized an exclusive material supply agreement with Jason White, the president of White Group. Engaging in a brief exchange of pleasantries with Jason, he exited the private room. Jason watched Hawk’s departure and sighed. “It’s true that the new surpasses the old. Hawk is not even thirty yet, and his acumen is remarkable. There isn’t a businessman who doesn’t relish a win-win situation!” Jason mused on his daughter Ashley White, who was twenty-one and in need of a partner. Checking the time on his wrist, Hawk noted that nineteen minutes had elapsed. Punctuality was his forte. He couldn’t abide being late, even for meetings with close acquaintances. He pursed his lips and sneered coldly. Who could have employed such despicable means against him, unmoved by the potential consequences? Walking toward Keith’s private room, he caught sight of a somewhat familiar figure as he passed another chamber. Was that Maria? She wore a smile as she said, “And it was you who suggested we break up, wasn’t it?” Hawk sensed the edge in her smile, causing him to pause and furrow his brow. Her tone resembled that of someone speaking to an ex-partner. What was happening there? The man grasped Maria’s hand and spoke in a chilly, incensed tone, “Even after you betrayed me, I’m supposed to look after you?” Another woman consoled the man softly, “Chris, it’s all in the past, isn’t it? We’re on the brink of marriage. I will take good care of you!” Maria smiled again. “You’re about to marry, yet you can’t forget me. Mr. Anderson, is that appropriate?” “You’re disgusting!” Chris shook off Maria’s hand. Hearing the disgust in Chris’s voice and observing him cast Maria aside, Hawk swiftly approached to assist her. He cared little about Maria’s connection with Chris. At this moment, she was being mistreated by Chris. Hawk had unintentionally had a tryst with her, and they were about to embark on a loveless matrimony. In any case, Hawk felt compelled to intervene. How could Chris deem Maria repulsive? She was still blameless when Hawk first met her. Wasn’t there another woman standing beside Chris? Hawk supported Maria, raised his lips, and uttered in a deeply dissatisfied tone, “Sir, you’re bullying my wife in broad daylight. Don’t you owe me an explanation?” Maria lifted her gaze and looked at him. Hawk discerned a flicker of gratitude in her eyes. Chris and Ruby were both taken aback at the sight of Hawk. Hawk was the most dominant figure in the private room. Ruby glared at Maria jealously. Chris scrutinized Hawk and queried with skepticism, “Is she your wife?” He found it hard to believe that the child Maria was carrying three years ago was Hawk’s. Maria still resided in Ferres City at that time. How could it be? “Must I have my wife carry her marriage certificate and present it whenever someone questions her?” Hawk responded icily. “That’s not what I meant,” Chris clarified. “Good. Now explain to me what you did to her.” Hawk seemed unwilling to let Chris off the hook. He marked Maria’s collarbone with his teeth and turned his head to glare at Chris, irked. His gaze lingered on her delicate collarbone. The imprint of his teeth quickened his pulse. He gradually moved up his lips and kissed her neck, face, and then her warm lips. With one hand up from her waist he held the back of her head. He deepened the kiss…