Chapter 17
Before he even had a chance to speak, the call was abruptly cut off.
When he tried to call back, Kenyon discovered he had already been blocked.
He opened the refrigerator; on the left side of the third shelf was honey, and on the second shelf of the freezer was a perfectly prepared hangover
cure.
Kenyon heated up the hangover cure. The alcohol in his system had already faded somewhat, leaving only loneliness in his eyes.
Whenever there was a social event, Kenyon would always drink himself into a stupor, and the next day his head would inevitably feel like it was exploding. But when Marlene was around, she always took care of everything.
Habit is a terrifying thing. He had grown used to Marlene’s presence, but Marlene no longer needed him.
On the eighth day after returning to New York, Marlene started her new job.
Marlene’s professional abilities were beyond question. Even during the five years she worked with Kenyon, everyone in the industry knew that Kenyon had an outstanding secretary by his side.
The new company’s boss, Gareth Emery, smiled as he extended his hand to Marlene. “Marlene, looking forward to working with you.”
Marlene smiled in return. “Looking forward to working with you.”
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On the fifth day after joining, Marlene went to sign a contract at Gareth’s
request.
When she arrived at the designated hotel, Marlene froze in place. It was no one else but Kenyon.
But after just three seconds, Marlene regained her professional
composure. Her face betrayed no emotion, and she greeted him flawlessly with a handshake. “Mr. Burt, hello.”
Kenyon’s gaze lingered greedily on Marlene’s face, his tone aggressive.
Marlene, you look beautiful today.”
Marlene smiled and nodded. “Thank you.”
Kenyon pressed further with his words. “Marlene, you’re so beautiful. I wonder if you have a boyfriend?”
Marlene’s new company had no business overlap with Kenyon’s, so at first she thought it was just a coincidence that Kenyon was the client. But now, Marlene knew very well this was no coincidence.
Sensing the atmosphere was about to turn sour, Gareth quickly intervened, stepping between them. “Come on, let’s have a drink.”
But in the next moment, Kenyon held down Gareth’s glass. “Mr. Emery, the food hasn’t arrived yet. Why don’t you go check on it?”
Gareth immediately understood and hurriedly got up to leave. After all, in New York, Kenyon was not someone to cross.
The private room was left with only Kenyon and Marlene. Kenyon stepped forward, instantly closing the distance between them.
“Marlene, you still haven’t answered my question.”
His warm breath brushed against Marlene’s cheek. Marlene turned her
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Chapter 17
head, her eyes cold. “Mr. Burt, did you go to all this trouble just to ask me that? Besides, my private life is none of your business.
“Since Mr. Burt isn’t here to talk business today, I’ll be leaving now.
Marlene picked up her bag and turned to leave, and at that moment, Kenyon finally felt a surge of panic.
“Marlene, don’t go. I mean no harm, I just want to talk to you.”
“Marlene, I’ll call off the engagement. Let’s start over, okay? Marlene, Marlene…”
Kenyon hurried forward, and in the next moment, another figure appeared in his line of sight.
Alaric.
Seeing Marlene, Alaric instinctively draped his coat over her shoulders. “It’s chilly tonight. Why are you wearing so little?”
For a moment, their eyes met. Alaric saw Kenyon behind her and a mocking smile appeared on his lips. “What a coincidence, Mr. Burt. You’re here too?”
www
Kenyon rushed forward and grabbed Marlene’s wrist, his eyes full of pleading. “Marlene, let’s talk.”
But Marlene simply turned back and pried Kenyon’s hand off her wrist, bit by bit. “Kenyon, there’s nothing left for us to talk about.”
Kenyon watched as Marlene got into Alaric’s car, powerless to do anything. He remained frozen in place until the car disappeared from view, still holding his pose.
When his assistant found Kenyon, he was sitting alone in dejection by the roadside. Cars passed by one after another, but not a single one stopped
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“It really seems like she doesn’t want me anymore.” Kenyon lowered his gaze, repeating the words over and over.
Suddenly, as if struck by a thought, he looked up sharply at his assistant. “Do you think there’s any chance we could start over?”
Even though Kenyon knew deep down that there was no possibility left between them, he was desperate to hear an answer that would satisfy him even if it was a lie.
But his assistant did not indulge the fantasy Kenyon held in his heart.
“Mr. Burt, everyone in the company knows about the photos. Marlene definitely won’t…”
Kenyon’s eyes immediately grew alert. “What photos?”
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Lateefa Khanam is a spirited writer who finds freedom in horse riding. She cherishes her mare and the newborn foal, calling them her little happy family.
