Blanche’s expression remained cool and indifferent at his sudden appearance. Even her voice dropped a few degrees colder. “I don’t know him.”
In that instant, Eddy felt his heart plummet. He couldn’t tear his eyes away from Blanche’s delicate face.
He had never imagined things between them would come to this.
Since Blanche claimed not to know him, and Eddy didn’t contradict her, everyone simply accepted that they were strangers passing by.
Blanche was strikingly beautiful–any man’s eyes would linger on her during a first encounter–so no one really noticed Eddy’s unwavering, almost rude stare.
After all, even her fiancé, Ablett, had only glanced briefly at Eddy Simmons, giving
no sign of concern.
“I didn’t expect Rebekah’s friend would be you. You never accept invitations from women, not since your wife…” The one speaking was Ablett’s uncle, Patrick, a man only a few years older than the others at the table.
He noticed the shadow crossing Eddy’s face and broke off mid–sentence, suddenly recalling the situation. “I thought you’d never come out of hiding. It’s good to see you here.”
Patrick turned to the others. “Allow me to introduce you all–this is Mr. Simmons, the wealthiest man in Novandria. We’ve worked together overseas.” He signaled for a servant to arrange a seat for Eddy, placing him right beside him, making it clear how much he valued the connection.
“So you’re Mr. Simmons… Please, have a seat,” said Susannah Lopez warmly.
Everyone had heard at least a few rumors about Novandria’s richest man–a man supposedly devoted to his wife.
Eddy merely nodded and took his seat. Directly across from him sat Ablett and Blanche, their hands entwined on the table. The sight stabbed at Eddy’s heart, the pain barely contained beneath his stoic facade.
As the dinner progressed, Eddy’s gaze never left Blanche. It was as if he feared that if he looked away, she might vanish altogether.
Blanche, for her part, remained serene, sometimes chatting quietly with Ablett, other times answering questions from the Lopez family.
10:01
Yet when the Lopezes learned Blanche worked as a secretary in Mr. Jordan’s off their expressions soured. More than once, they shot meaningful glances at the McCarthy parents.
But the McCarthys didn’t seem to mind at all.
They couldn’t understand their son’s unwillingness to marry or have children. If anything, they worried Blanche would be scared away by their son’s cold and
distant nature.
Watching Blanche endure the Lopez family’s thinly veiled disdain, Eddy burned with
anger.
She used to be his treasure, precious and cherished. He had never allowed her to suffer such humiliation. What enraged him even more was Ablett’s indifference–he didn’t defend Blanche once.
After the dinner, the Lopezes arranged rooms for their guests. Ablett and Blanche were given a suite.
Blanche glanced at Ablett.
He bent down, his face close to hers, and said quietly, “Let’s go.”
She nodded. “Alright.”
She followed the maid out, two plainclothes officers trailing behind, making it impossible for Eddy to get anywhere near her.
Seeing the intimacy between them just moments before, Eddy was seething with jealousy. He strode toward Ablett.
The plainclothes officers immediately blocked his path.
Ablett looked up slightly, and the officers stepped aside.
“I never signed the divorce papers. Laney is still my wife.” Eddy’s voice was cold and firm as steel. “You can’t marry
marry her.”
Ablett looked at him–silent, detached.
Eddy felt as if he’d punched a pillow, the lack of reaction only fueling his Ablett’s calm and composure were infuriating.
stration.
“I was with her for ten years,” Eddy continued, his voice trembling with emotion. “I watched her grow, stood by her side, nurtured her from a shy girl into a confident, elegant woman. I’m a part of her life. She’s just angry–she’ll come around. She always does.”
10011
Chapter 215
