Chapter 34: Wade Hudson

Chapter 34: Wade Hudson

Her body trembled and her knees buckled. Eve’s feet stayed rooted on the spot. And whether it was the impact of the taxi or something else… The next moment, she was lifted high in the air before her knees hit the ground.

“Ouch!” Eve whimpered and shut her eyes, waiting for the worse to happen.

The sound of the car coming to a screeching halt made her open her eyes. And instead of the taxi, a tall figure towered over her.

Eve’s eyes followed the screeching sound. The taxi was a few feet from her. But despite this realization, her heart didn’t stop beating wildly.

“Are you alright, Young Lady?” The figure standing in front of her extended his hand toward her.

People gathered around and stared down at her.

“Is she alright?”

“Thank heavens the car didn’t hit her.”

“Drivers can be reckless nowadays. I wonder if he’s drunk.”

“She looks so scared. Why is she wearing a mask?”

Eve took the man’s hand and he helped her to her feet. Somehow, he looked familiar.

“It’s okay, she’s fine.” The man reassured the crowd. The people murmured some words and dispersed.

“You’re a hero, Young Man.”

“If you haven’t acted fast, I bet this Young Lady will be lying unconscious now.”

“We need more people like you around here.”

“And can someone please apprehend the reckless driver?”

After the crowd left and Eve’s anxiety died down, she finally had time to access the man. Turned out he was the one that saved her in time before the car hit her.

“Th–Thank you. Thank you for saving me.” Her voice shook even as she spoke.

“It is my pleasure.” The man smiled at her.

“M–Ma’am. Are you alright?” The taxi driver scampered out of the car and wailed. “I am very sorry, Ma’am. I wasn’t looking and the car suddenly lost control. I hope you didn’t get wounded. Please let me make up for it.”

“No, it’s alright. I’m fine.” Eve dusted her dress and waved her hand. “Just be more careful next time. The street is nowhere to drive recklessly.”

“Thank you– Thank you, Ma’am,” the driver apologized profusely. “I’ll be more careful next time. You’re so generous.”

He turned around and jumped back into the taxi before driving off.

Eve’s eyes followed the car then she sighed and shook her head before leaning down to take her bags. But the man who was still standing in front of her reached for the bags before she did.

“Weird.” He chuckled. “I bet that taxi man has something up his sleeves.”

Eve couldn’t care less about the taxi driver. She tilted her head to the side, frowning and smiling.

“Well, we meet again.” The man shrugged and extended his hand. “I am Wade Hudson, but you can call me Wade. It is a surprise to see Mrs. Anderson wandering the streets alone at this time of the day.”

“Nice to meet you, Mr. Hudson. I’m Evelyn.” Eve shook his hand. “It is also a surprise to see someone like you in this kind of place and at this time of the day.”

As the memory finally returned to her, Eve could remember where she saw him last.

“Then I think that is something we have in common. Not all socialites like to be restricted at home or always followed by an entourage of guards.”

“You make that sound like a punishment, Mr. Hudson.”

“Please call me, Wade.” The man smiled. “At least, we’ve been through memorable situations more than twice. That should fend off any formalities.”

“Oh, but we just met.”

“Officially, is it?” Wade released her hand. “I have to compliment you for handling those lunatics well at that party.”

“The feeling is mutual, Mr. Hudson.” Eve walked to the side. “Although you suddenly disappeared. I would have believed I imagined you standing there.”

“I had my reason for leaving early.” Wade followed her. “Do you mind if we make a stop at the next coffee shop, Eve?”

Eve stopped walking as her stomach grumbled. “It is Mrs. Anderson, please. And I’m sorry I’ll have to disappoint you. I’m in a hurry.”

She held out her hand for another taxi and took the bags from him.

“Oh, that’s a bit disappointing.” Wade shrugged. “I hope we meet again, Eve. Then you can treat me to a nice coffee, at least for saving you twice.”

“You mean once.” Eve entered the taxi and smiled. She was pretty sure she handled Cole and Mia well that night.

“And please it is Mrs. Anderson, Mr. Hudson. And next time we meet, I will make it up to you for saving my life today.”

“It is a promise.” The man winked and waved her goodbye.

Eve melted against the car sit and breathed out a sigh of relief. The taxi started and the driver asked where to take her.

Home?

Eve had something else to take care of before heading home. And she asked the taxi driver to speed up to her destination.

When she arrived at Ethan’s company, Eve left the taxi and paid the driver. Then she looked up at the skyscraper and her hand wandered up to her face to push the strands of hair away from her eyes.

Her fingers grazed the face mask and her brows furrowed. How did that man recognize her?

That was strange.

She removed the face mask and entered the company. After answering the receptionists’ greetings, she headed straight to the elevator which took her to the top floor.

On her way to the president’s office, Eve bumped into Ethan and Jessie coming out.

“Evelyn.” Ethan did not look pleased and he had so many questions in his eyes.

“Oh, Mrs. Anderson, you’re here.” Jessie greeted with a soft smile. “Unfortunately, Mr. Anderson and I are going out on a date. Too bad, you’re–”

“Are you doing out on a date with her, Ethan?” Eve ignored Jessie and faced the man.

“What are you talking about?” Ethan narrowed his eyes.

“Oh, please don’t misunderstand, Mrs. Anderson. Mr. Anderson and I have a business date with a client who we’re about to meet in a few minutes. I guess you misheard us on the phone.”

Eve folded her hands and accessed the so-called Jessie and her fake smile. She didn’t mishear anything on the phone. Jessica must have deliberately made it sound like Ethan was going on her date with her because she knew Ethan was on the phone with Eve.

“Ethan.” Her eyes snapped to Ethan. “I want you to fire her, now!”