Chapter 68
I didn’t dare look him in the eye after that. I quickly turned away and left the winery, barely managing a quick goodbye.
It was drizzling when I stepped outside. No umbrella, and turning back wasn’t an option. I just had to take the chance and hop in a taxi.
A fre minutes later, I was sitting in the backseat of a cab. I gave the driver the address, and as he started the engine, he glanced at me through rearview matter. “Mis, are you okay?
I froze. He handed me a tissue and said, “It’s alright, don’t cry. It always passes.
the
Had I been crying! I took the tissue and realized tears were still streaking down my face. I quickly wiped them away and turned my gaze to the window, forcing a small, awkward umile
He was right. Things always pass, Eventually, I would forget about Quinn.
It seemed like Quinn was giving me space, though. He didn’t reach out again during this time. I stuck to my routine, going to work and going home, hearing nothing from him.
Then one day, while I was buried in paperwork, in my office, Harlynn knocked and came in. “Ms. Hinton, you’ve got a delivery”
She brought in a big bas, simuggling a linke with its weight. “What did you order? This thing’s heavy
1 shrugged, guessing. “Maybe it’s a gift from a partner.
I don’t shop ordine much, and 1
never send n
send personal packages to work, so
was curious but didn’t have a clue what it could be
Karlynn placed the box on my desk with a smile and left. I grabbed some scissors and opened the package, and my stomach dropped. Inside was an
Sull in shock. I checked the shipping label. It was sent anonymously, no other in
info.
“Your coffer is ready” Kaelynn came back in a minute later with my coffee. Trying not
g not to let my nerves show, I quickly covered the box with some
“Thanks” I sud, keeping my voice steady. Just put it down there?
She didn’t seem to notice anything off and leth without a word. The rest of the afternoon. I couldn’t shake the uneasy feeling in my chest Who could send something like this!
I thought about it for a second. There weren’t many people who could have a grudge against me
was back in Nordia. Elijah had his leverage. That pretty much left Skylar, with her usual arrogance.
Gould it be hier1 If so, it would probably just be some prank. Annoying, but nothing more. That thought helped me feel a little better.
that time work wrapped up. I got a call from York “You done? I’ll wait downstairs”
Why are you waiting for me?” I asked, already feeling a bit tense. The sound of his voice already set
ly set off my stress response.
He laughed softly, his con light. “Mom wants me to bring you home for dinner Grandma is back today too.”
I couldn’t really tum that down. Mary only came back to the South family once a month, and I didn’t want to disappoint her on such a special day.
down soon! I said, trying to sound casual
When I walked out, the elevator was packed. As I stepped outside Madden Group, I noticed a group of female employees gathered around, chatting
ihat guy is so but
Whos le parking up in
sports cart Wait… could someor from the company be marrying richt
ow him? Turn that Mr. Smith, the young CEO of Maple Medu
York leaning against a red Ferrari, parked right in front of the building, ma
with black sunglasses, his legs looking way too long for those pants. walked over. The guls around us fell silent, staring My Lace turned flat. It was bei York was aloing this on purpose.
Natalia e speed an
1/2
sure everyone sim
12:00 PM ₫
Chapter 68
Before he could reach me, I walked straight to the car. As I passed him. I shot back. “Mr. Smith, you’re really showing off today. Get keep Grandma waiting
York chuckled. “I still want to hear you call me brother”
I wanted to snap back at York, but a sudden chill ran down my spine. My stomach dropped before I even turned around, However, then York smiled easily and greeted a man behind me like an old friend. “Mr. Madden, long time no see.”
in the car. Don’t
I saw Quinn standing just a few feet away, his expression as cold as carved ice. His eyes shifted to York before locking onto me, their weight sufferating
Unfazed, York draped an arm over my shoulders, his casual touch igniting an uncomfortable heat. “Thanks for looking after Natalia,” he said, his voice dripping with syrupy sweetness. “You can relax now, she’s in a good hand”
The deliberate implication in his words made Quinn’s jaw tighten, his face darkening further.
He didn’t speak, but his summering anger was practically radiating off of him. My chest tightened, I could feel the storm brewing between them.
I shrugged York off and turned to face Quinn, wanting to say something–anything–but his cold voice cut me off.
“I didn’t think someone like you would senle for this, Quinn said sharply, his tone dripping with disdain as he looked York
The words caught in my throat 1 didn’t owe him an explanation, not when he had discarded me like I was nothing. suppressing the sting in my chest. I turned back to York, glaring at him. “You two have fun. I’m out of here Before I could escape, York grabbed my hand, his grip firm but annoyingly casual.
kover.
“I let you leave alone. Grandma and Mom–will have my head for neglecting you,” he said, throwing a smu “Besides, some people don’t recognize treasure when it’s right in front of them, Mr. Madden.”
a smug glance at Qui
at Quinn, Then, he added.
I didn’t dare look back at Quinn. I could feel the tension rolling off him like heat from a fire. York tugged me toward his car, and I let him. Inside the car. York was practically glowing with satisfaction. “Feel better now?” he asked, throwing me a cocky grin as he started the engine. I scoffed, crossing my an
arms. “Do you ever stop being this in
insufferable!”
st wanted to push Quinn’s buttons,
Quinn had no idea about my connection to York. And York wasn’t here out of kindness, he just
That was why he showed up in that flashy sports car, making a scene outside my office. I had no clue what he got out of this, but right now, he was seriously getting on my nerves
York chuckled, clearly amused with himself. Then, out of nowhere, he asked, “Do you love Quinn that much?”
Stunned, I turned to lum, searching for some kind of him in his expression, but York just kept his eyes o
the road, like his question was no big
deal.
I thougia for a moment before answering, “Doesn’t matter if I love him anymore. We’re divorced. Honestly, I’m just glad I found my real parents and still have Henedict with me”
added, “York, I don’t know why you seem to hate me or against me being back with the Smith family, but it’s not something I can
open up.
No matter how complicated things were with him, York was still my brother. I wanted to be upfront, but it was obvious he wasn’t going to o He smiled a little, then after a beat, said quietly, “You’re not the one I hate.”
