Leave Me Alone, Mr Shaffer Free Preview

Isabella Symons frowned as she awoke from a restless dream and turned over uncomfortably. As she moved, she suddenly realized there was someone else beside her. She clenched her teeth and reached for the bedside lamp, which, when turned on, caused the man next to her to exhale in frustration.

The dim light revealed the man's naked back, casting intriguing shadows on his well-defined profile.

She got out of bed and tiptoed to the closer to change clothes before returning to the bed. She touched the man's back and said, "Mr. Shaffer, it's 6.06AM. You have a meeting at 7.30AM."

The man let out an exasperated sigh and brushed off her hand. In a raspy voice, he ordered, "Go away!"

Isabella was accustomed to such treatment, so she calmly got up and quietly headed downstairs to prepare breakfast. She ate her meal stoically and then hailed a cab to the company. All of that was done without disturbing Seth Shaffer.

Once the lights were switched off in the room, she transformed into Seth's personal plaything. However, once outside the room, she was the executive secretary for the Shaffer Group's president.

After arriving at the company, she efficiently organized everything and stood outside the conference room with a cold expression, waiting. Everyone who walked past her would respectfully greet her.

At 7.28AM, the president's private elevator chimed, and Isabella felt relieved. She then left the conference room and stood in anticipation.

Seth was nearly six feet tall and appeared imposing from a distance. With his thin lips and fair complexion, his face always seemed stern, giving the impression of a naturally cold personality. Even though she stood at just 168cm, she appeared frail when facing him.

Without glancing at her, he acted as though they hadn't been in bed together last night.

Since it would be a long meeting, she returned to the secretarial office to order breakfast for him. While perusing the menu, another secretary, Fiona Knox, approached her and inquired, "Isabella, have you seen Mr. Shaffer's schedule for this afternoon?"

Isabella shook her head. "Is there something wrong with it?"

After smacking her lips, Fiona whispered, "Mr. Shaffer has a business dinner tonight with Louis Kessler, the Shine Corp.'s regional executive director."

Isabella racked her memory for information on that name and instantly recalled it. Louis was notorious for using his status to harass female employees. There was even once when he drugged the head secretary of a partner company. According to rumors, he had audaciously pursued Seth's aunt, Lara Shaffer.

If Seth was meeting Louis, he would surely bring a secretary with him. Given the circumstances, it was apparent that the other secretaries were likely hesitant to accompany Seth. This was the reason Fiona had come to discuss it with Isabella.

Isabella pursed her lips and calmly replied, "Don't worry. Mr. Shaffer may not choose any of us."

However, once she finished speaking, the door to the secretarial office was pushed open, and the newbie, Norah Monroe, peeked out before cautiously glancing at Isabella. "Isabella, Mr. Shaffer is looking for you."

After quickly placing her food order, Isabella left the secretarial office impassively. It had been five years since her relationship with Seth started. She had just joined the company not long ago and was already tricked into sleeping with him inside his lounge. Though he had encountered several demanding customers, he had never made her do anything despicable.

Inside his office, Seth calmly signed a document without lifting his gaze. "Get ready. There's a business dinner tonight."

Her steps faltered momentarily.

Not hearing her response, he frowned and raised his head to look at her. "Isabella?"

She quickly returned to her senses, but she remained unfazed. "Yes, Mr. Shaffer."

He threw the document at her with a cold expression. "How long have you been with me?"

Not understanding what he meant, she replied calmly, "Five years."

"Then, act like it and do your job properly."

"Yes, Mr. Shaffer." Without showing any change of expression, Isabella's hands felt cold as she pondered, Who would stick with just one mistress for five years? He must have grown tired of me and is looking for an opportunity to dump me.

After composing herself, she returned to the secretarial office and ate grapes for the rest of the afternoon. Besides that, she also placed a dagger into her purse—a precaution to stay alert if she were to be drugged.

When Seth left his office that night, Isabella rose from her seat. At that moment, the secretaries around her exchanged sympathetic glances, well aware of her situation.

Once inside the car, he closed his eyes to rest but then spoke up unexpectedly. "Human Resources mentioned that you requested your employment contract two days ago."

Her heart skipped a beat, but she remained calm and replied, "I couldn't recall the exact date I started working and wanted to check when I'll be eligible to change my permanent residence."

He opened his eyes and looked at her side profile with a slight smile. "I thought you disliked Shaffer Group and were planning to leave."

"You're flattering me. I feel fortunate to have the opportunity to be your secretary." Isabella flattered Seth calmly, but her mind was racing.

Although he didn't say anything, her heart continued to race. She had contemplated resigning because he had become increasingly demanding, and leaving Shaffer Group would bring her closer to her desired life. Five years ago, she had dreamt of marrying him, but she had long since awakened from that dream.

"Mr. Shaffer, we're here."

Isabella's thoughts were still in turmoil as they pulled up at the Basilicus Hotel. At that moment, the hotel staff, led by the manager, awaited Seth's arrival with utmost respect.

She composed her thoughts and followed behind Seth. When they reached the top floor, they were greeted by a breathtaking view of a river at night through a massive floor-to-ceiling window.

Once the elevator doors opened, a strong scent of perfume filled the air. A blonde man in his forties approached Seth and wanted to hug him. However, Seth was unafraid to displease anyone and tactfully moved aside, causing Louis to bump into Isabella.

The man's eyes lit up as he grabbed Isabella's hand. "Shaffer, this woman you brought with you looks divine." Once those words fell, his hand moved up her arm.

She gritted her teeth and tried to suppress her disgust but didn't retreat. Behind her, Seth frowned slightly, then continued walking inside as though he didn't see her there.

In no time, Louis became bolder and directly embraced her.

Despite her smile, she searched for an opportunity to escape but found none. She even glanced at Seth multiple times, but he remained impassive, occasionally indulging in the flattery of an accompanying executive.

When everyone had taken their seats, Louis, still holding Isabella, turned to Seth and tentatively inquired, "Shaffer, how much would it take for you to part with this secretary of yours?"

An uncomfortable silence fell over the room as the executives all glanced warily at Seth, afraid he would get angry.

At the same time, she held onto the chair's armrest, and her back unconsciously tensed up.

"Her?" Seth raised a brow as he gave Isabella an intriguing glance. Then, he casually mentioned, "She's been with me for five years, so she probably wouldn't agree to a small amount."

Once those words were spoken, everyone understood what he meant. They knew no powerful man could maintain a five-year relationship with the same woman, so Seth must have grown weary of her.

Listening to the repulsive laughter and wanton flattery, Isabella took a deep breath. She met Seth's calm eyes while enduring Louis' approach to kiss her ear. She moved aside, dodging Louis' kiss.

However, Seth, seated across from her, raised an eyebrow.

"Mr. Keller, a toast." She smiled and placed the red wine glass beside Louis' lips. "Thank you for liking me."

The others were in an uproar, and Louis was overjoyed. Finishing the wine with help from the beautiful woman, he said, "Babe, you're such a sweetheart."

Sensing the burning gaze coming from opposite her, Isabella smiled even brighter. She refilled Louis' glass and placed it beside Louis' lips. "Have another glass."

Along with the encouragement from the men around him, Louis was influenced by his desire and agreed. Then, with a tilt of her hand, she accidentally spilled half the glass of wine onto his chest.

"Oh, no! I'm so sorry... I didn't mean to…" She frantically apologized, her panicked demeanor resembling that of a trapped animal.

However, Louis wasn't angry and grabbed her hand. "Don't be afraid, babe. It's just a shirt. We can just get changed inside the lounge."

Initially, Isabella's plan was to give him something to do. She didn't expect the scum would plan to head straight into the lounge. She knew accompanying him to the lounge implied an intimate encounter, so she was slightly flustered and subconsciously looked across the table.

"What's the matter? Do you still need to ask your boss for permission?" Louis grabbed Isabella's chin and glanced mischievously at Seth.

Meanwhile, Seth arrogantly leaned against the chair and didn't even spare her a glance. Instead, he picked up his wine glass and took a sip. "Since you stained his clothes, you should clean it up." His tone was monotonous and unwavering, causing Isabella to clench her teeth in frustration.

Before she could gauge Seth's expression, Louis held her by the waist and pulled her up from the seat. Surrounded by men, they all looked at her mockingly, and none intended to speak up for her. Feeling devastated, she could not stop Louis from leading her away.

"Babe, don't be afraid. I've always been gentle to pretty women like you." Sensing Isabella's reluctance, Louis tightened his grip on her waist and led her away.

The lounge area was a private space, and as they approached, the attendant promptly closed the door and left them alone.

Once the door was pushed open, she felt Louis shove her toward the door, and she could sense him getting closer, his breath unsettlingly warm against her skin. She instinctively turned her face, and his kiss landed on her cheek, slowly trailing down.

The man was too strong and was well-experienced in such acts, so he easily trapped Isabella's hands and reached under her clothes. "Babe, I've been anticipating this the whole night."

She struggled to grit her teeth but couldn't stop the man from groping her. "Stop… We're in the lounge…"

"Don't worry. No one will come to bother us." He chuckled. His words were a mix of warning and mockery as his disgusting tongue traced her neck.

She lifted her head to avoid his kiss, and tears streamed down her face. She couldn't help but think, Seth Shaffer, how could you give me up to this man?

Suddenly, there was a snap, and Isabella's eyes widened as Louis' cold hands skillfully undid her bra.

"Be a good girl and let me love you…"

In her mind, she was resolute, thinking, No way, not a chance! With an unexpected surge of courage, she screamed and sank her teeth into his shoulder.

He couldn't believe it and quickly released her. Then, he cursed in his native language, "Are you f*cking looking for death?"

As Louis processed the unfolding situation, he instinctively cradled his throbbing shoulder. Frustration welled inside him, and he wanted to kick Isabella. However, she remained seated on the ground, strangely unperturbed by the impending kick. Instead, she suddenly looked up at him and uttered, "Lana Shaffer."

He stopped his actions, squinted at her, and slowly squatted down. He grabbed her by the neck and pulled her toward him. "What did you just say?"

"You have feelings for Lana Shaffer, don't you, Mr. Keller?" She gulped and used her fingers tremulously to tidy her frazzled hair. With her cheek toward the vile man, she smiled at him.

He ran his tongue across his teeth and chuckled. He tightened his grip on her neck. "So, what if I do? She's as insensible as you and lacks proper training."

With a strained smile, Isabella met Louis' gaze with teary eyes. "Only those who plan to be together or get married require affection. Satisfying one's sexual desires doesn't require affection, right?"

His eyes lit up as he followed her implication. "Can you help me with that?"

With trembling lips, she promised, "Miss Shaffer is returning to Imperia soon and will surely visit the Shaffer Group. I can arrange to be in charge of welcoming her."

"Why should I trust you?" He seemed skeptical.

"Miss Shaffer is Mr. Shaffer's aunt and the Shaffers' eldest daughter, the gem of the Shaffer Family." Isabella tugged her lips and pulled up her collar, coldly retorting, "Isn't that worth the risk of believing me?"

"Aren't you afraid of what will happen to you if you help me scheme against Seth Shaffer's aunt?" Louis studied her expression.

Her expression fell, and she said impassively, "I wouldn't be here if it weren't for Mr. Shaffer."

A sly smirk played on his lips, and he burst into laughter. "Very well. I'll spare you this time!"

Isabella breathed a sigh of relief, but Louis abruptly pulled her back into his embrace. He whispered menacingly into her ear, "If you dare to deceive me, I promise I'll make your life a living hell."

…

Meanwhile, the driver glanced at the rearview mirror in a black MPV. Since Seth had drank some wine, he was resting with his eyes closed, but his eyebrows were deeply furrowed, and he was exuding an oppressive aura.

"Mr. Shaffer, Miss Symons—"

Seth opened his eyes, revealing his dark pupils filled with ruthlessness. He frowned and said, "She won't be coming out tonight."

"Then, what should we—"

"Drive," Seth ordered, his tone now stern and cold.

Not daring to defy his orders, the driver was about to start the car's engine when he suddenly spotted a frail figure emerging from the hotel.

"Mr. Shaffer, it's Miss Symons."

Seth's eyebrows relaxed as his stern gaze shot outside the window and quickly fell onto a familiar figure under the streetlights.

With her purse in hand, Isabella walked calmly toward the car and leaned in slightly to pull the door open. "Mr. Shaffer."

Seth looked at her with a complicated gaze but didn't stop her from getting in. However, his gaze never left her side profile.

While sitting in the car, Isabella sat with her back straight and said nothing, seemingly as though nothing had happened earlier.

"Pulling out so soon?" The man's chilling voice entered her ear.

Isabella smiled and turned her body slightly toward him, her eyes filled with mockery. "Didn't think I'd be able to do it, Mr. Shaffer?"

With slightly narrowed eyes, Seth suddenly withdrew his scrutinizing gaze and scoffed, but no one could tell if he sounded pleased or not. "You do have some potential."

The smile on Isabella's face instantly disappeared. She turned to look in another direction and subconsciously lowered her head, making her face seem somewhat blurred under the dim lights. "Thank you for your guidance over the years, Mr. Shaffer. I've learned quite a lot."

Seth lightly brushed his lips with his fingers as scrutiny and confusion gradually filled his eyes. Then, he looked into the mirror above him.

From the mirror, he could clearly see Isabella.

Despite having gone through a traumatic experience, she looked like nothing had happened and was still as perfect as a robot. No matter how Seth looked at her, he couldn't see the liveliness she used to have several years ago.

Following a flash of light, he caught a glimpse of the hickey on the woman's neck, and the smile in his eyes instantly disappeared. Then, he turned to look at her with grim eyes.

"Stop the car."

The driver reacted quickly and stopped the car beside the road before tactfully getting off.

Unable to control her anger, Isabella wanted to take this chance to open the door, but just as her hand touched the door, a hand appeared on her waist, and she was forcefully pulled backward.

Her figure fell into a broad embrace, and the familiar smell of sandalwood entered her nose. The man hugged her from behind and placed his chin on her shoulder.

While gritting her teeth, Isabella huffed as she rejected him, saying, "Mr. Shaffer, we're in public, for God's sake."

As soon as she spoke, she heard him click his tongue while moving her hair away from her neck to look at the bruise. "You can follow that pig into a lounge but can't get in the same car with me, huh?"

While slowly speaking, his icy hands arrived behind Isabella and habitually pulled down her zipper.

The fear from half an hour ago suddenly surged inside Isabella as she bit her lips, chastising the man inside. B*stard!

"Keep your voice down later. The driver is still outside." The man placed his thin lips against her earlobe, but his eyes were staring at her side profile, not wanting to miss any change in her expression.

Isabella trembled with anger and reprimanded the man in her head, but since she was restrained, she couldn't move an inch.

Seth could feel her body relax, so he instinctively loosened his grip around her. After lowering his head, he placed his lips against her neck.

"Mr. Shaffer?" Isabella took the time to call out to him.

However, the man didn't stop, and the dense kisses kept raining down on her neck. She could feel his heavy breaths.

Isabella turned her head to the side and gazed at the car's ceiling while asking, "Don't you find it dirty?"

With a slight frown, Seth stopped what he was doing, and Isabella uttered, "I was alone with Louis for twenty minutes. That's enough to do everything."

Seth's pupils contracted, and his jaw tightened as a trace of disdain appeared in his eyes. Taking the chance, Isabella struggled free from the man's grasp and slowly tidied up her messy clothes.

Even though the man behind her didn't move, she could still feel his burning gaze on her. She took a deep breath and grabbed her purse, wanting to open the door. "Mr. Shaffer, I hereby inform you that I quit."

As soon as she was done speaking, she ignored the man's expression and straightened her back, ready to exit the vehicle.

When the driver heard the commotion, he was a little confused and ran over. "Miss Symons?"

At first, Isabella still wanted to say something to cover the situation, but the man's angered voice boomed from inside the car. "Let her leave!"

The driver seemed a little awkward, unsure if he should make peace between them.

After shrugging her shoulders, Isabella smiled at the driver before walking toward the road in her high heels without turning back.

The late summer was transitioning into early autumn, so the cold night sent shivers down one's spine.

Isabella walked all the way home, and her legs were full of blisters.

After opening the door, she found herself in an empty space. She quietly undressed and took a shower.

The scalding water hit her, almost peeling off a layer of skin before she finally turned off the shower. Then, she vigorously scrubbed her body with a bath sponge, determined to erase all the filth on her.

She went through all of this with a blank expression, not once shedding a tear from start to finish. When she looked in the mirror and spotted the bruise on her neck, she stared at her reflection with bloodshot eyes for a long time before the tears suddenly came pouring down uncontrollably.

How did she end up like this? You're pathetic.

The figure in the mirror raised her hand and delivered a hard slap across her cheek. It seemed like once wasn't enough, so she did it again and again.

As soon as she felt pain, her mind became clear.

After wiping away her tears, she left the bathroom and dried her hair. Eventually, she calmed down.

Louis was a ticking time bomb, so she couldn't cross paths with him again, or she wouldn't be as lucky as she had been today. Also, she wasn't foolish enough to actually plot against Lola. No matter how annoying the other party was, it didn't warrant tarnishing her innocence. It seemed like resignation was the best way out. Leaving Imperia with her mother for a smaller city sounded like a good plan.

Seth was a generous benefactor. Over the years, she had acquired two properties and had a few million in savings.

With those plans in mind, she wasn't as stressed out. Without hesitating, she threw away her towel and promptly submitted her resignation letter to the human resources department. Once that was done, she felt like a rock had been lifted from her chest, but it was just a moment of relief. The terrifying feeling of emptiness rushed in like a tidal wave, and she felt as if her heart had been hollowed out.

Leaning against the chair, she covered her eyes with her hands, letting the near-overflowing emotions disappear through the gaps between her fingers.

She didn't know how long had passed, but exhaustion washed over her. Finally, she got up and collapsed onto the couch, falling into a deep slumber. Since she was resigning anyway, she simply turned off the alarm when it rang.

She slept until mid-morning, only to be awakened by a continuous barrage of phone calls. After fumbling for her phone, she answered it groggily. "Hello?"

"Miss Symons, this is Ollie Wallace."

Isabella opened her eyes in frustration and sat up. "What do you want?"

"Mr. Shaffer is at the hospital. Please come over."

"The hospital?" Isabella frowned but didn't move. "I can't."

Puzzled, Ollie Wallace paused for a moment and added, "Miss Symons, you understand Mr. Shaffer's temper. There's no need to make such a big fuss. Otherwise, I'm sure you can think of the consequences."

Isabella didn't say a word, and Ollie's voice sounded again. This time, his tone sounded gentler. "Miss Symons, I must remind you that the two properties are considered gifts, and Mr. Shaffer has the right to reclaim them."

Those words made Isabella tighten her grip on her phone as she clenched her jaw.

Ollie continued, "I heard your mother is still in a nursing home. Those expenses must be quite high, I presume?"

After taking a deep breath, Isabella calmed down. "Send me the exact location."

"Sure," Ollie respectfully replied before hanging up.

Feeling irritated, Isabella changed into a new set of clothes and headed out. However, she wasn't in a hurry. Instead, she took a cab and slowly made her way there, even cursing Seth along the way. It would be best if it isn't just a minor problem. Perhaps a painful stomach ulcer or something similar, just to make him suffer.

When Isabella arrived at the hospital, Ollie sent her a message, telling her to head up to the third floor and enter the second room on the left. Upon stepping out of the elevator, she glanced around and found herself in the gynecology department.

She paused for a moment, her mind momentarily blank. Then, she knocked on the door of the examination room hesitantly. "Hello..."

Inside the examination room was a single female doctor who glanced up at her coldly. "Are you Miss Symons?"

"Yes."

"Lay down while I get prepared."

Isabella was confused, and her feet felt like they were nailed to the ground.