Chapter 27 Chapter Twenty Six

Eve returned to New York and stayed in a hotel in the middle of the city as instructed.An hour later, Brad Rogers called. "Your grandmother called from Paris, Eve, apparently something went wrong between the two of you." "It's nothing," Eve laughed, "just a little family—" She was about to spin some elaborate lies when she suddenly realized the danger that lay ahead.From today onwards, she has to be very careful.She never cared about money before, money was easy for her.But now money has become important to her.For the first time in her life, Eve was afraid.

"Did she tell you she was going to draw up a new will?" Brad asked. "Yes, she mentioned it." Eve decided to pretend to be chic. "I think we'd better talk about it. How about 3pm on a Monday?" "Very well, Brad." "In my office, okay?" "I will definitely go." ※※※ At five to three, Eve walked into the building of Kruger-Brent Ltd.The guards and the elevator staff saluted her respectfully.People know me, Eve thought, I belong to the Blackwell family.The elevator took her to the manager's office area of ​​the building, and a few minutes later, Eve was sitting in Brad Rogers' office.

Brad was surprised when Kate called to say that he was planning to disinherit Eve, because he knew how much Kate cared and loved her special granddaughter, and he also knew the future Kate planned for her.Brad couldn't imagine what was going on.It's none of his business, though.If Kate wanted to discuss it with him, of course she would.His job is to carry out her orders.For a moment he felt pity for the lovely girl sitting before him.When he first met Kate, she was not much older than the girl, and he was still young.But now he was a gray-haired old man, foolishly looking forward to the day when Kate Blackwell would realize that someone loved her deeply.

He said to Eve: "Here are some documents that need your signature, please take a look, and then—" "no need." "Eve, it's important for you to understand these documents." He began to explain, "According to your grandma's will, you are still the heir to a trust estate of more than five million dollars, and your grandma is the legal guardian of this money ...she decides to pay you sometime between the ages of twenty-one and thirty-five." He cleared his throat, "and now she has decided to pay you when you are thirty-five .” It was tantamount to a slap in the face.

"Starting today, you will receive an allowance of two hundred and fifty dollars a week." How is this possible!Two hundred and fifty dollars can't even buy a decent dress, and it's impossible to live on two hundred and fifty dollars a week.They did it to humiliate me.This old bastard must be with my grandma to plot against me.He sat behind his large writing desk, comfortable and triumphant.She really wanted to pick up that big bronze ruler and throw it at his face, smashing his head.She could almost feel his skull crunching and cracking under her hands. Brad began again in Chi's deep voice: "You can't have any account at the store, personal or otherwise; and you can't buy anything in Blackwell's name anywhere. Anything you buy must be pay in cash."

It's been a nightmare, and it's only getting worse. "Also, if any rumor concerning you should appear in any newspaper or magazine—whether domestic or foreign—your weekly stipend would cease immediately, is that clear?" "Understood." Her voice seemed to be humming. "Regarding your grandma's life insurance, you and your sister Alexandra each have $5 million in coverage. Your policy was canceled this morning. After a year," Brad continued, "if your grandma If you are satisfied with your performance, your weekly allowance will be doubled." He seemed a little hesitant and said, "There is one last rule."

She wanted to hang me up to show the public, and Eve asked while thinking, "What rules?" Brad Rogers looked uncomfortable and said, "Your grandma doesn't want to see you again, Eve." But I still want to see you, old woman, I want to see you die of anger. At this time, Brad's voice was sent unhurriedly into Eve's boiling brain: "If you have anything to do, you can call me. Your grandma doesn't want you to go into this building again, and don't Don't want you walking into any of the family's properties." He once argued with Kate: "My God, Kate, she's your granddaughter, your own flesh and blood. You treat her like a leper."

"She's a leper," Kate replied.That's the end of that debate. Now Brad can only say awkwardly, "That's it, I think I've given you all the details, any questions, Eve?" "No." She was almost in shock. "Then, please sign these documents..." Ten minutes later, Eve was walking down the street with a $250 check in her wallet. ※※※ The next morning, Eve called a real estate agent to find an apartment.In her imagination, she was looking for a beautiful rooftop apartment overlooking Central Park; whitewashed walls, modern furniture, and a large balcony where she would receive guests.The reality gave Eve a blow. There is no house on Park Street that can accommodate a person with an income of only two hundred and fifty dollars a week.Finally, find a single room in an apartment in Little Italy.There was a couch that doubled as a bed, a nook that the real estate agent euphemistically called a "study," a tiny kitchen and a tiny bathroom with dirty tiles.

"This—is this your best house?" Eve asked. "No," said the agent, "I own a twenty-room townhouse in the Sutton section of town for half a million dollars plus maintenance." You bastard!Eve thought. ※※※ The real desperation for Eve came when she moved into the house the next afternoon.It's literally a prison.At home, her dressing room was the size of this room.She imagined that Alexandra was now enjoying everything in her grand mansion on Fifth Avenue.Oh, God!Why not burn Alexandra to death?It was almost that time!If she died and Eve became the sole heir, things would be very different.Grandma didn't dare to deprive her of her inheritance.

However, if Kate Blackwell thinks that Eve will easily relinquish her inheritance rights, then she really doesn't know her granddaughter.Eve was never going to live on two hundred and fifty dollars a week.There was still five million dollars of hers there.Lying quietly in the bank.But that wicked old woman kept the money far away from her.Gotta get the money, I gotta get it. Eve had an idea the next day. ※※※ "Then what can I do for you, Miss Blackwell?" asked Alvin Seagram gallantly.He is the deputy general manager of National Union Bank.In fact, he was ready to do anything for her.What good thing had brought this young girl to him?If his bank got hold of the Kruger-Brent deposits, or a portion of them, his career would skyrocket.

"There is an escrow of my money," Eve explained, "five million dollars. According to the escrow regulations of this money, this money can only be handed over to me when I am thirty-five years old." She smiled innocently Laughing, "For me, the time is too long." "From your current age, I think it's a long time." The banker smiled. "Are you—nineteen?" "twenty one years old." "And beautiful, if I may say so, Miss Blackwell." Eve smiled seriously, "Thank you, Mr. Seagram." Things went better than expected.What an idiot this man is. He felt an air of rapport between them, and she liked me, "So specifically, how can I help you?" "I thought, would it be possible for me to pre-borrow that escrow money, you know, I need that money more now than I ever will. I'm engaged and planning to get married, and my fiancé is an architect working in Israel. Engineer, he's going to work there for another three years before he can come back." "I totally understand," said Alvin Seagram sympathetically, his heart beating wildly.No problem, he could accommodate her request.You can get an advance on that escrow deposit at any time.Today fulfilled her request, and she would introduce the rest of the Blackwells to him, and he would please them.what!How he could satisfy them!Thereafter, he will be on the board of directors of National Union Bank.Maybe one day, he will become chairman.And it's all thanks to the petite blonde sitting across from her. "No problem at all." Alvin Seagram assured Eve, "It's very simple, you know we can't lend you all the money, but of course we can lend you some, such as a Millions. Does that satisfy you?" "Wonderful," Eve said, trying not to show her excitement. "Very well. Can you give me the details of that escrow payment..." He picked up his pen. "You can contact Mr. Brad Rogers of Kruger-Brent. He will give you the details you need." "I'll call him right away." Eve stood up and said, "How long will it take?" "Not more than a day or two. I will press the matter myself." She stretched out a lovely and slender hand: "You are so kind." ※※※ When Eve walked out of the office, Alvin Seagram picked up the phone: "Put me Mr. Brad Rogers of Kruger-Brent Co., Ltd." tremor. ※※※ Two days later, Eve walked into the bank and was ushered into Alvin Seagram's office.His first words were: "I'm afraid I can't help you, Miss Blackwell." Eve couldn't believe what she heard: "I don't understand, you said it was easy, you said—" "Sorry, I didn't have everything that day." The conversation with Brad Rogers was ringing clearly in his ears again. "Yes, there is five million dollars in escrow in Eve Blackwell's name, and your bank is completely free to advance any amount on it, but I feel I am obliged to warn you: Kate Blackwell would consider this an unfriendly move." Brad Rodgers no longer has to say what the outcome will be.Kruger-Brent had rich friends everywhere, and if those people withdrew their savings from the National Union Bank, then Alvin Seagram's future would be self-evident. "I'm sorry," he said to Eve again, "I really can't do anything more." Eve looked at him, very upset.But she couldn't let this man see the blow to her, "Thank you, please, there are other banks in New York, goodbye." "Miss Blackwell," said Alvin Seagram, "there's no bank in the world who would lend you a penny for that sum." ※※※ Alexandra was puzzled by the ways in which Grandma had shown preference for Eve in the past.Now, overnight, everything has changed.She knew something terrible might have happened between Kate and Eve, but she couldn't imagine what it would be. Whenever Alexandra tried to bring up the subject, Grandma always said, "There's nothing to say, Eve chose her own life." Alexandra didn't get any news from Eve either. Kate Blackwell started spending a lot of time with Alexandra.Alexandra found it amusing.She not only appeared beside grandma, but actually became a part of her life.Kate seems to be meeting her granddaughter for the first time.Alexandra felt as if she was being evaluated. Kate is indeed getting to know her granddaughter for the first time, because she has been deeply deceived, and she observes Eve's sister doubly carefully in order to really understand her, to know her.She spent all possible time with Alexandra, testing her, asking her questions, and listening carefully to her answers.In the end she was deeply satisfied. It's not that easy to get to know Alexandra.She is an introvert, much quieter than Eve.Alexandra was born with intelligence and understanding, and the perfect combination of her innocence and beauty made her even more amiable and lovable.She was constantly getting invitations to parties, to dinners, to the theater, but now it was up to Kate to decide whether Alexandra would accept or decline each invitation.One qualified suitor is not enough—absolutely not.The condition of the person Kate is looking for is that he has enough ability to help Alexandra manage Kate's money kingdom.She hadn't spoken to Alexandra about the idea.There will be plenty of time to make that clear when Kate finds a qualified candidate for her granddaughter.Sometimes, in the lonely, sleepless morning hours, Kate thought of Eve again. ※※※ Eve was having a great time.The blow to her when her grandmother broke with her temporarily made her forget for a moment the one important weapon she possessed: how attractive she was to men.At the first party she was invited to after moving into her house, she gave her phone number to six men at the same time—four of them married—and within twenty-four hours all six of them called. Talked to her on the phone.From that day on, Eve knew she would never worry about money again.The gifts kept coming to her: expensive jewelry, paintings and, most often, cash. "I just ordered a new sideboard and my allowance check hasn't arrived yet, can you help me dear?" Of course, they must help. When Eve is out in public, the men she chooses to accompany her are bachelors.She only meets the married men in her apartment in the afternoon.Eve is very cautious.She was careful to keep her name out of the newspaper's gossip column, not because her allowance would be stopped, but because she was determined to see her grandma crawl to see her one day.Kate Blackwell needs an heir to Kruger-Brent Ltd.Alexandra doesn't have the skills to do such a big job, she only deserves to be a stupid housewife, Eve thought smugly. One afternoon, flipping through a new issue of Town and Country, Eve came across a photograph of Alexandra dancing with an attractive man.Eve didn't pay attention to Alexandra. Her eyes were focused on the man. She wanted to find out if Alexandra got married and had children, which would be a disastrous blow to her plans. She stared at the picture for a long time. Over the past year, Alexandra has often called Eve to invite her to lunch or dinner, but Eve always finds various excuses to refuse.Now Eve thought it was time to talk to her sister.She invites Alexandra to her apartment. Alexandra had never seen the apartment Eve lived in, and Eve was ready to suffer pity, but Alexandra said: "It's very cute, Eve, very comfortable, isn't it?" Eve smiled and said, "This house is perfect for me. I want something small." She has pawned off enough jewelry and paintings to rent a nice apartment, but Kate will find out and will To find out where the money came from, caution is the first priority right now. "How's grandma?" Eve asked. "She's fine," Alexandra said hesitantly, "Eve, I don't know what happened between you and Granny, but you know, if there's anything I can do to help, I'll— " Eve sighed and said, "Didn't she tell you?" "No, she doesn't want to talk about it." "I don't blame her. Poor dear grandma, she's probably dying of guilt. I met a very nice young doctor and we were going to get married, so we moved in together. Grandma found out and she told me to get out Home, she said she'd never see me. I'm afraid our grandma's too hard-headed, Alex." She saw a dejected look on Alexandra's face. "Too bad," said Alexandra, "you two should go see Granny, I think she must—" "He died in a plane crash." "Oh, Eve! Why didn't you tell me before?" "I'm so ashamed that I don't want to tell anyone, not even you," she said, squeezing Alexandra's hand hard. "You know, I tell you everything." "I'm going to talk to Grandma, I'm going to explain—" "No! You know, I have a lot of self-esteem. You have to promise that you will never talk about this with grandma, never!" "But I'm sure she'll—" "you promise!" Alexandra sighed, "Okay!" "Trust me, I'm happy here. I can go where I want. Very happy!" Alexandra looked at Eve, thinking how much she missed her. Eve put her arms around Alexandra and said a little teasingly: "Enough talking about me, now, you should tell me how you are doing, have you met Prince Charming? I bet you seen!" "No." Eve looked at her sister, who was literally her reflection in the mirror, and she was going to destroy it! "You'll find it, dear." "I'm not in a hurry. It's time for me to be self-reliant. I've talked to my grandma and I'm going to meet with the head of an advertising agency next week to discuss my work." They had lunch in a small restaurant not far from where Eve lived, and Eve insisted on paying for the meal.She doesn't want anything from her sister. As they said goodbye, Alexandra said, "Eve, if you need money—" "Don't be silly, my dear, I have enough money." Alexandra insisted: "If you lack something, you can take anything that is mine." Eve looked into Alexandra's eyes and said, "I believe that." She smiled, "But I don't really need anything, Alex." It wasn't the crumbs she wanted, it was the whole thing. cake.The question is: how to get it? ※※※ There is a weekend party in Nassau. "Won't be as good without you, Eve. All your friends come." The caller was Nita Ludwig, a girl I met at school in Switzerland. She was going to meet some new men, and the ones she had known so far were really weary of her. "Sounds like fun," Eve said, "I'm definitely going." That afternoon she had pawned a pair of emerald bracelets that had been given to her by a man who had had a crush on her a week earlier, an insurance executive with a wife and three children.She bought some summer clothes at Lord & Taylor, bought a round-trip ticket to Nassau, and got on the plane the next morning. ※※※ The Ludwig Manor is a large complex of buildings built along the coast.There are thirty rooms in the main building, and the smallest one is bigger than the one Eve lives in.Eve was ushered into the room prepared for her by a maid in uniform, and while she was doing her make-up, the maid unpacked her luggage.Eve then went downstairs to meet her friends. There are sixteen guests in the living room, and their common feature is that they are all rich.Nita Ludwig is a firm believer in the philosophy that "birds of a feather flock together".These people have a common view of things, and they get along in harmony because they speak a common language.They both grew up in the best boarding schools and colleges, both lived in luxurious estates, enjoyed yachts, private jets and of course had the same tax problems.A columnist dubbed them the Jets Salon, a title they pooh-poohed in public but proud in private.They are a privileged class, a minority selected by the gods who are different from others.Let the rest of the world believe that money can't buy everything, these people know that money can do everything.Money can buy them beauty, love, luxury and luxury, and buy them a place in heaven.Eve, on the other hand, is excluded from everything at the whim of the narrow-minded crone.But it won't be long, Eve thought. She went into the living room.Conversation in the room ceased.Although the living room was full of beautiful women, she was the prettiest of them all.Nita takes Eve to say hello to her various friends and introduces Eve to people she doesn't know.Eve is cute and charming. She looks at every man with alert eyes and looks for her target with skill.Most men are married and that just makes things easier. A bald man in baggy gingham pants and a Hawaiian sweatshirt approached her: "I bet you're tired of people saying you're beautiful, baby." Eve gave him an affectionate smile: "I'll never get tired of it, sir—what's your name?" "Petersen, call me Dan. You deserve to be a Hollywood star." "I'm afraid I have no talent for acting." "But I'm sure you must have many other talents." Eve smiled mysteriously and said, "You'll never know until you try, will you, Dan?" He licked his lips and said, "Are you here alone?" "yes." "My yacht is in the bay, maybe we can go for a ride tomorrow?" "Sounds tempting," Eve said. He grinned: "I don't know why we've never met before, I've known your grandmother Kate for years." Eve still kept a smile on her face, but it was very difficult for her. "Grandma is very sweet," Eve said, "I think we'd better hear what other people have to say!" "Of course, honey." He winked. "Remember, tomorrow." After that conversation, he couldn't be alone with Eve.She avoided him at lunch, and after dinner she borrowed a car for guests from the garage and went into town.She sailed past Blackbeard's Tower and the lovely Ardastra Gardens.At that time, brightly colored flamingos were flying in the sky.She stops near the harbor to watch the fishing boats unload their catches of giant turtles, fat lobsters, tropical fish and colorful and glorious conch shells to be polished and sold to tourists. The bay was calm, and the blue waters shone like diamonds.Across the bay, Eve could see the crescent-like silhouette of Paradise Island Beach.A motorboat is leaving the waterfront pier.Gradually accelerating, a person suddenly appeared against the blue sky, dragging behind the boat, it was an amazing scene.He appears to be hanging from a metal pole attached to a blue sail.His slender and lean body was unfolding against the wind.Eve watched and couldn't help being fascinated; the motorboat roared towards the port, and the people in the sky could see it more clearly.As the motorboat approached the pier and made a sharp turn, Eve caught a glimpse of the man's dark and handsome face, and then it disappeared. ※※※ Five hours later, he walked into Nita Ludwig's living room.And Eve felt as if she was hoping for him.She had known for a long time that he would be here.Up close, he looks even more handsome.He was six feet three inches tall, with a perfect statuesque dark face, bright black eyes, and a dashing athletic physique.When he smiled, he showed his white and straight teeth.He smiled at Eve when Nita introduced him to her. "This is George Mellis. Eve Blackwell." "My God, you belong in the Louvre," said Georges Mehlis.His voice was low and hoarse, with an inscrutable accent. "Come on, honey," Nita greeted him, "I'll introduce you to other guests." He waved at her and said, "Don't worry, I've seen it all just now." Nita looked at the two of them thoughtfully and said, "Well, call me any time you need me." She walked away. "Aren't you a little too rude to her?" Eve asked. He smiled and said, "I'm not responsible for what I do, I'm in love." Eve smiled. "I mean it, you are the most perfect work of art I have ever seen in my life." "You do the same to me." Eve doesn't care whether the man is rich or not, she is already fascinated by him.This is not entirely because of his handsome appearance, but a kind of magnetism, a powerful force that excites her.Never before had a man made her feel this way. "Who are you?" she asked. "Nita told you, George Melis." "Who are you?" she asked again. "Oh, you mean the real me in a philosophical sense. I'm afraid there's nothing wonderful to say. I'm Greek and my family grows olives and stuff." That's Melis!Food products labeled Melis can be found in grocery stores and supermarkets in every corner of the United States. "Are you married?" Eve asked. He smiled: "are you always so direct?" "No." "I'm not married." This answer gave her an unexpectedly pleasant feeling.Just looking at him makes Eve desperate to possess him.Hope to be possessed by him. "Why didn't you have dinner?" "Tell the truth?" "yes." "That's a personal matter." She waited for him to speak. "I was busy dissuading a young woman from committing suicide," he said indifferently, as if it were a common occurrence. "I hope you succeed." "By now, I hope you're not the suicidal type." "No, and I hope you aren't either." George Melis laughed out loud. "I love you," he said, "I really love you." He took Eve's arm, and the touch made Eve shudder. ※※※ Throughout the night, he accompanied Eve.He was so absorbed in his hospitality that he forgot about everyone else.His hands were slender and agile, and he kept doing various things for Eve: pouring wine, lighting cigarettes, and touching her gently.His proximity made her feel extremely high, and she couldn't wait to be alone with him. At midnight, when the guests gradually dispersed, George Mellis asked, "Where is your bedroom?" "At the north end of the hall." He nodded, his eyes with long eyelashes stared deeply into Eve's eyes. Eve took off her clothes and took a shower, putting on a new sheer black nightgown that clung to her body.At 1 o'clock in the morning, there was a soft knock on the door.She hastily opened the door, and George Melis walked in. He stood looking at her with delighted admiration: "Ah, Madonna, you make the Venus of Milo look like an ugly woman." "I'm a little better than her," Eve whispered, "I have arms." She put both arms around George Melis and drew him towards her.His kisses set her on fire, and his lips pressed against hers so tightly that she felt his tongue slip into hers. "Oh my God!" Eve moaned. He starts to take off his coat, and Eve helps him.In a moment, he had taken off his trousers and French shorts, and stood in front of her naked.He had the most flawless physique Eve had ever seen. He hit her hard on the back of the neck with his arm.Eve lost consciousness.She vaguely felt him lift her hips up and press his body against them. She begged: "Oh, please don't, you hurt me..." He kept coming in, deeper and faster, and the last bit of Eve's awareness was a bestial moan from deep inside him that seemed to explode in her ears. When she regained consciousness and opened her eyes, George Melis was dressed and smoking in a chair.He walked to the bed and stroked her forehead.She felt a shiver of terror when he touched her. "How do you feel, dear?" Eve tried to sit up, but the pain prevented her from sitting up, and she felt like her whole body was being torn apart. "You bloody beast..." Her voice was an exhausted whisper. He smiled and said, "I'm kind to you." She looked at him incredulously. He smiled and said, "Sometimes I'm very rough," and he stroked her hair again, "but I love you, so I'm gentle, and you'll get used to it, I promise you." If she had had a gun in her hand, Eve would have killed him. "You're crazy!" Eve scolded. She saw a gleam in his eye and at the same time he clenched a fist.In an instant, she felt intense terror again.He really is a madman. She said right away, "I didn't mean that, it was just me - I've never been in this situation. Please go back, now I'm going to sleep." George Mellis stared at her for a long time, then finally relented.He got up and walked to the dressing table, where there were two pieces of Eve's jewelry.A platinum bracelet and an expensive diamond necklace.He picked up the necklace, looked at it carefully, then put it in his pocket and said, "I'll keep this as a souvenir." She dared not raise any objections. "Good night, honey." He leaned over to the bed and kissed Eve's lips lightly. She didn't climb out of bed until he left, her body ached like a fire.Every step is like torture, until the door is locked, I feel safe.Not sure if she would be able to crawl into the bathroom, she flung herself back on the bed, waiting for the pain to pass.The anger at the insult was too intense for her to believe.He sodomized her - horrible and brutal.She really didn't know what he did to the girl who wanted to commit suicide. When Eve finally dragged herself into the bathroom and saw her face in the mirror, she was petrified: her face was swollen, blue from the beating, and one eye was swollen almost to a slit.She put a pool of hot water and crawled into it like a wounded animal, letting the hot water massage wash away the pain in her body.Eve soaked in the bathtub for a long time, and finally when the water temperature began to cool, she climbed out of the bathtub and tried to walk a few steps.The pain has lessened, but is still unbearable.She lay on the bed and didn't close her eyes all night, worrying that he would come again. ※※※ At dawn, when Eve got up, she found that the sheets were stained with blood.She wanted him to make compensation, so she walked into the bathroom cautiously and put another pool of hot water.The face became more swollen, and the wound turned black and purple.She soaked a washcloth in cold water and applied it to her cheeks and eyes.Then, lying in the tub, I thought about George Melis.There was something puzzling about him besides that brutal, sadistic behavior, and suddenly she realized what it was.That necklace.Why did he take it? Two hours later, Eve went downstairs to have breakfast with the other guests. Although she had no appetite at all, she desperately needed to talk to Nita Ludwig. "My God! What happened to your face?" Nita asked. Eve smiled dejectedly and said, "Did a stupid thing. I got up at night to go to the bathroom, didn't bother to turn on the light, and ended up banging on one of your beautiful doors." "Do you want to see a doctor?" "It's okay," Eve assured her, "just a little swollen." She looked around and said, "Where's George Mellis?" "He's out playing tennis. He's one of the best players. He said he'd see you at lunch, and I think he really likes you, honey." "Can you talk about him?" Eve said casually, "His family situation?" "George? He was born in a wealthy Greek family. He is the eldest son and has a lot of money. He works for a brokerage firm in New York called Hansen & Company." "He doesn't work in his family's company?" "No, he hates those olive trees. Anyway, with the money of the Melis family, he doesn't have to work. He's out there just to pass the time." She said with a grin. "He's full at night. " "yes?" "George Mellis is the most eligible bachelor here, my dear, and the girls can't wait to strip for him if he wants to. They all see themselves as future Mrs. Mellis. Honestly, if my husband If I wasn't a bloody jealous, I'd look for him too. Isn't he the most desirable piece of fat?" "Most pleasing," Eve said. ※※※ On the balcony, Eve was sitting alone, and George Melis walked over, and Eve couldn't help feeling a strong sense of fear all over her body. He walked up to Eve and said, "Good morning, Eve. Are you okay?" His face was full of genuine concern.He gently touched Eve's injured cheek and said, "My dear, you are so beautiful." He pulled up a chair, rode on it, pointed to Eve, pointed to the shining sea and said, "See Have you ever had such a beautiful view?" To him, it was as if what happened last night had never happened.Eve listened to him continue talking, and once again felt the man's powerful attraction.Although the nightmare she experienced last night is vivid, Eve can still feel this, which is unbelievable.He looks like a Greek god, he belongs in a museum.But he should be in a madhouse. "I have to go back to New York tonight," said George Melis. "Where should I call you?" "I just moved," Eve said hurriedly, "I don't have a phone yet, I'll give it to you." “好吧，我亲爱的，”他咧嘴笑着说，“昨晚你一定过得很好，不是吗？” 伊芙简直无法相信自己的耳朵。 “有许多东西还得我教你，伊芙。”他悄悄地说。 而我有些东西要教教你，梅利斯先生，伊芙心里暗暗下决心说。 ※※※ 回到家，伊芙就给多萝西·霍利斯特打电话。在纽约，媒体上总有一部分版面无休止地报道那些所谓漂亮人物的行踪。而多萝西就是这些信息的源泉。她曾与一社会名流结婚，后来丈夫为一个二十一岁的女秘书而抛弃了她，她被迫出去工作。她找到一项最适合于她天性的工作：一个写风流韵事的专栏作家。因为她了解她所写的每一个人，而且那些人认为她是可以信赖的，所以很少有人向她保密。 如果说什么人能够告诉伊芙有关乔治·梅利斯的具体情况，那么非她莫属了。伊芙请她在金字塔饭店吃饭。 霍利斯特是一个硕大无朋的女子，长着一张肥胖的脸，染着红头发，嗓门又粗又大，发出驴叫一般的笑声。她身上挂满了珠宝首饰——不过都是些假货。 她们点了菜后，伊芙随便地说：“我上星期去了巴哈马一趟，那儿可真美。” “我知道你在那儿。”多萝西·霍利斯特说，“我这里有一张路德维格的客人名单。那是个愉快的聚会吧？” 伊芙耸耸肩说：“我见到了许多老朋友，还遇见了一个人名字叫——”她停住了，皱着眉头想了想说，“叫乔治什么来着，梅洛吧，希腊人。” 多萝西·霍利斯特笑了起来，那轰雷一样的响亮笑声整个餐厅都能听到。 “梅利斯，亲爱的，乔治·梅利斯。” “对，梅利斯，你知道他吗？” “我见过他，当时觉得自己要变成石柱了。我的上帝，他长得可真吸引人。” “他的背景怎样，多萝西？” 多萝西·霍利斯特看看周围，神秘地朝伊芙俯过身去说：“没人知道这些，你要保密，能做到吗？乔治是他家族的败类。他家做着大宗的食品生意，富得没法形容，亲爱的。乔治本应继承这生意，但他在希腊和姑娘、小伙子及那些色鬼胡混，弄得臭名昭著，据我所知，他父亲和他的兄弟们最后忍无可忍，把他送出了那个国家。” 伊芙认真听着，记住了每一个字。 “他们拒绝给那可怜的家伙一分钱，所以他只好出来工作挣钱养活自己。” 这就是为什么他拿走那串项链的原因！ “当然，他无需着什么急。某一天他会成为一个大富翁的乘龙快婿的！”她瞅着对面的伊芙问道，“你有兴趣吗？宝贝？” “没什么大兴趣。” 何止是有兴趣，乔治·梅利斯可能正是她物色的关键人物。她得到财产的关键。 ※※※ 第二天一早，她给他工作的经纪公司打电话。他立即听出了她的声音。 “为等你的电话我都快疯了，伊芙，今天晚上一起吃晚饭——” “不，午饭，明天。” 他有些吃惊，踌躇地说：“好吧，我已和一个客户约好吃午饭，但我可以跟那位先生说推迟一下。” 伊芙不相信那是位先生，“到我的公寓来。”她说。她告诉了公寓的地址后说：“12点半见。” “我一定去。”她可以听出那口气中的洋洋自得。 乔治·梅利斯届时将会大吃一惊。 他迟到了半小时，伊芙看出这种行为正是他的特点。迟到对他来说并不是有意地表示无礼，这是一种满不在乎，知道他要享受的东西总会在那儿等着他，随便他什么时候高兴去取。凭他那迷人和玩世不恭的外表，他就拥有世界上的一切，除了一件事：穷。而这正是要害之所往。 乔治环视了一下那小小的房间，内行地估价了屋里东西的价值。“非常可爱。” 他移到伊芙身边，伸出胳膊说：“我每一分钟都想着你。” 她躲开他的拥抱说：“等会儿，我有事要告诉你，乔治。” 他用黑眼睛盯着她的眼睛说：“咱们待会儿再谈。” “现在就谈。”她慢慢地一字一板地说，“如果你再敢像上次那样碰我一下，我就杀了你。” 他看着她，嘴角似笑非笑。 “这是开什么玩笑？” “这不是开玩笑，我说的是正经话。我有笔生意要和你谈。” 他露出困惑的神色。“你叫我来是和我谈生意？” “是的，我不知道你欺骗那些傻老太婆买股票和公债能挣多少，但我敢肯定，那远远不够。” 他的脸凶愤怒而阴沉起来：“你疯啦？我的家庭——” “你的家很富有——但你很穷。我的家有万贯家财——而我却一贫如洗。我们都在同一条漏水的小船上。亲爱的。但我知道有一个办法能使我们踏上一条豪华的游艇。”她站在那儿，看着他脸上的愤怒渐渐被好奇取代。 “你最好告诉我你到底想说什么。” “很简单，我已被剥夺了一笔巨额财产的继承权，而我的妹妹亚历山德拉没有。” “这和我有什么关系呢？” “如果你和亚历山德拉结婚，那笔财产就会属于你——我们。” “对不起，我决不能接受把我跟某个人捆在一起的想法。” “如果事情成功，”伊芙向他保证说，“那将不成为问题。我妹妹经常出事故。”