Chapter 51
Pamela’s grip ughtened on Gwyneth’s hand. I… I think about it. But Gwennie, are you really going to stand up to your father at the Jenkins Group? Things won’t be easy for you after this…”
Her gaze
flicked to Harrison, heavy with meaning. She wasn’t sure where his loyalties lay–with Gwyneth or the Jenkins Croup–so she held back from saying too much
He understood Pamela’s hesitation. Though Pamela seemed to like him well enough, his marriage to Gwyneth had been arranged, and some family matters naturally remained private.
Harrison rose from his seat. “I have another meeting.” he said, excusing himself to wait in the car.
Pamela noticed Gwyneth’s gaze following him and smiled. “You two seem to be getting along better than expected?
“He’s not what the rumors made him out to be,” Gwyneth said, brushing a hand across her face. “We may not be in love, but we respect each other
Then she updated Pamela on everything since returning to the Jenkins family, especially the situation with Diana.
Pamela’s brow furrowed, “Can you handle them?”
Those two aren’t worth my time, Gwyneth said dismissively. “Right now, I need to focus on reclaiming control of the Jenkins Group
Whether through direct takeover or systematically rooting out the corruption, she would see it through.
Pamela’s eyes lit up at her determination. That’s the spirit. But if Joracity becomes too much, promise you’ll call. She pulled Gwyneth into a gentle hug. “Il always be here to listen even if I can’t fix things?
Gwyneth sank into her aunt’s embrace. “You’re the best, Pamela”
“Then stay a little longer,” Pamela murmured, her chuckle warm and muffled against Gwyneth’s shoulder.
But they didn’t forget that Harrison was waiting outside. As the sun dipped lower, Pamela finally urged her to go,
At the door, Gwyneth hesitated. Just think about coming back to Joracity, okay!”
TIl consider it,” Pamela said, waving from the doorstep, her gaze tender. “Drive safe”
The car
car rolled smoothly onto the road. Harrison drummed his fingers on the steering wheel. “Any decent restaurants around here?”
“Sorry for the wait” Gwyneth said. There’s a good spot nearby–I’ll show you the way
With easy familiarity, she directed him to a sanall eatery tucked into the shopping district.
The restaurant had been quiet before. She remembered coming here with her aunt’s family whenever she fled to them after fights with Zachary,
But then Zachary started showing up to drag her home, all sweet words and false promise After that, she stopped visiting this place
When she came back after all this time, the place had changed–freshly redone and packed with people.
Galvocity’s elite mingled around them, but Gwyneth ignored the chatting crowd. “Can w
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we get a quiet corner! It’s too loud out here,” she said to the
“Of course,” the server said, hurrying off to check
As Gwyneth began explaining the menu, Harrison noticed a familiar face–a businessman approaching from the exit
“Mr. Lopez, fancy seeing you here the man called out, beaming
Harrison gave a brief nod. They clearly knew each other.
Recognizing the man as one of Calvocity’s influential figures, Gwyneth assumed they had business to discuss. She leaned close, her voice low. “Til wait in the lounge,” she murmured before stepping away.
Harrison nodded, oblivious to the attention their relaxed demeanor was attracting from the man.
Across the room, Zachary stopped dead, his gaze locking onto Gwyneth.
He’d just taken a call from his grandfather about the Lopez Group’s new mall project in Galvocity. Fresh off his flight and stopping for lunch, the
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Chapter 51
last person he expected to see was Gwyneth–especially with Harrison.
“Why does she never listen!” Zachary growled under his breath, shrugging off Bella’s touch.
Bella gasped and clutched at his arm. “Zachary, what happened?” But he was already striding away without a backward glance
She stood rooted to the spot, stunned, as Zachary marched directly toward Gwyneth. What’s that woman doing back in Galvocity: Why can’t she just stay away?” she thought.
In moments, Zachary was looming over Gwyneth,
She looked up from where she’d been heading toward the lounge
found herself facing his furious glare
“What are you still doing with Harrison!” he demanded.
Gwyneth’s frown deepened at the sight of them. “Since when do I need your approval for my relationships? Who are you to question me?” she snapped.
Bella hovered behind them, putting on her best innocent act. “Zachary’s just concerned you might get hurt. You know how protective he’s always been of you. If someone were to take advantage-
“He should worry about himself first. Gwyneth cut in, arching one eyebrow. Her piercing stare fixed on Bella–the real liar.
Bella squirmed under the scrutiny, eyes darting away. “Zachary can spot a fake,” she mumbled.
“Even smart people get fooled,” Gwyneth countered. “Look at you–supposedly bedridden with asthma, yet always energetic enough to stalk people. How would he know you’re faking? He’s no doctor
Bella’s mouth worked soundlessly, gaping like a stranded fish.
Zachary stepped forward at the sight of Bella’s distress. “That’s enough! Don’t take your issues out on Bella. I’m only looking out for you. Instead of playing Harrison’s mistress, you should-
Gwyneth cut him off with an icy glare. “Not interested. All I want is for you to stop bothering me and leave me alone.”
Zachary seized her wrist. “You think Harrison is some saint? He’s married and still chasing after you.
“You really believe you can just waltz into the Lopez family? When he’s done with you, you won’t know what hit you,” he lectured, sure his warnings would make Gwennie give up.
Gwyneth met his gaze without blinking. “I want this,” she said, biting off each word.
Zachary’s jaw clenched, fury rendering him speechless.
Gwyneth tried to pull free, afraid Harrison might walk in and get the wrong idea. Her gaze landed on Bella, then the diamond on her finger–the
Zachary had given her when he proposed.
lation settled in her chest. ‘How pathetic. He recycled my engagement ring. Zachary never deserved a single tear, she thought bitterly.
Gwyneth said, her voice dripping with frost, is identical to the one Zachary used when he proposed to me.”
