It was Felipa.
Fernando glanced at his phone and saw the signal had completely vanished–a realization struck him. He turned to the ever–calm Eddy and spoke slowly, “I’m in the middle of signing a contract with Mr. Simmons. We’re almost finished. Did need something?”
you
“Professor, Healy’s birthday party is today and the whole class is going. Terrell got a special invitation! He asked me to check with you–can he go? He’s really looking forward to it, and he’s already picked out a present,” Felipa blurted out in one breath.
“Alright.”
Fernando hung up, and only then did a wave of dread wash over him.
He hadn’t expected Eddy to be so shrewd–every move was calculated, every test seamlessly connected to the next. He’d almost fallen right into his trap.
But Felipa would never have been able to reach him on her own.
Laney must have helped.
The thought that Laney was still watching out for him filled Fernando’s chest with a sudden, surging energy.
The contract was signed without a hitch. Eddy shook Fernando’s hand firmly. “About Terrell being pushed into the pool by Healy, and the time my wife went missing-I lost my head and nearly smashed up the research facility. I apologize.”
Fernando returned the handshake. “The Al–designed pharmaceuticals project offers. almost no profit for The Simmons Group. Your dedication to scientific
advancement, Mr. Simmons, is far more valuable than any apology. On behalf of the institute, thank you.”
Eddy squeezed his hand tighter. “But let me be clear–if I ever find out Professor Reese has any improper intentions toward my wife, I can build this institute from the ground up, and I can tear it down with my own hands. I hope you know where
the line is.”
Fernando refused to back down. Remembering how devastated Blanche had looked the night before, he shot back, “If you truly loved her, how would I even get the chance? Maybe, Mr. Simmons, you’re not treating Mrs. Simmons as well as you think you are.”
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Eddy’s dark eyes narrowed. Was this man seriously provoking him?
If it weren’t for the fact that his wife would be upset, he’d have thrown Fernando out of Novandria right then and there.
As if this guy deserved to hover around his wife.
He let go of Fernando’s hand. “Don’t worry–you’ll never get the chance.”
As Fernando walked away, the signal in The Simmons Group’s building flickered back on. Eddy’s phone rang immediately.
“Sir, Mrs. Simmons went to lvycrest University.”
At that moment, on the Ivycrest University campus-
Blanche’s gaze drifted from the old desktop computer to the man in front of her, her eyes full of apology. “I’m sorry. I had no idea things would turn out this way. I only heard you’d moved.”
The man, walking with a limp, now ran a small print shop near Ivycrest. “It’s not your fault, it’s-”
Even after all these years, just mentioning Eddy made him shudder.
All he’d ever done was send Blanche a love letter, and suddenly, contract after contract was canceled at his parents‘ company. Their once–comfortable life collapsed overnight, and he was forced to drop out of school.
But he couldn’t let it go. He-
He ran a hand over the old scar on his leg. “Forget it. I’m doing fine now. I’ve got a son and a daughter. Just–please–don’t let him know I’m back in Novandria.”
“Eddy is the jealous type. He doesn’t tolerate the smallest slight.” There was a wistful softness in his eyes as he looked at Blanche. “Guess I was naive to think I ever stood a chance.”
“The per
person you were worried about earlier–he’s alright, isn’t he?” He’d noticed Blanche’s panic after learning what had happened to him, and how she’d hurriedly borrowed the computer, frantic with worry.
“He’s fine,” Blanche said, gratitude in her voice. “Thank you.”
“We probably shouldn’t see each other again,” the man said suddenly, a shadow of fear passing over his face.
Blanche nodded, guilt twisting in her stomach.
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Years ago, Ingrid had offhandedly mentioned in front of them that someone pursuing her had been rejected, lost face, and moved away with his whole family.. She’d even praised him for knowing when to give up.
Back then, Eddy had just pulled Blanche into his arms and replied coolly, “At least he knows his place.”
She’d always known he hated other men approaching her. He’d have Kelvin issue a warning if anyone tried, and after a while, no one dared come close.
But to destroy someone’s family, to leave him crippled….
She thought of her husband–the man who’d shared her bed for six years–capable of such ruthless acts behind her back. Fear welled up from deep inside, and a wave of nausea made her rush to the bathroom.
After learning what had happened to the man, Blanche’s heart had been in her throat when she got Felipa’s call. She’d hurriedly hacked into the traffic surveillance system near Simmons Tower, using the institute’s custom–built control chips in Fernando and Felipa’s phones. As long as they were within range of the local signal, they could communicate.
Chapter 1431
