Chapter 55
She raised her foot threateningly. “One more piece of stupid advice and Il aim higher this time. Try me
Bent double, Zachary stared in disbelief. The woman before him bore no resemblance to the adoring Gwyneth of his memories, the one who used to hung on his every word. Now she was kicking him without hesitation.
He couldn’t process this transformation. I’m only trying to “The words died in his throat as her heel connected again, wrenching a sharp cry from his lips.
“That’s one lecture, one kick. Keep talking” she warned.
“Gwyneth! After everything we “Another sharp impact cut him off
‘s foot answered–each strike more emphatic than the last
Words had failed. Now every time he opened his mouth, Gwyneth’s f
Zachary limped awkwardly around the room, gripping his injured leg. When he realized Gwyneth wasn’t backing down, he leaned heavily against the wall and bellowed, “Gwyneth, that’s enough!”
The door burst open with a crash, making the project manager jump.
Harrison charged in, his gaze immediately locking onto Gwyneth’s heaving shoulders and flushed face. Without hesitation, he moved behind her, steadying her with firm hands. “Easy now,” he murmured.
Gwyneth drew several steadying breaths, smoothing back her tousled hair. I’m fine,” she said, her voice deceptively calm. “Some people just need to be put in their place.” She shifted her weight forward. like she was considering another well–aimed kick.
Zachary stared at this unfamiliar, fiery version of Gwyneth. There’s no way Harrison actually likes this shrew. Mark my words, Gwyneth. Harrison’s true colors will show soon enough. You’re just his plaything,’ he thought bitterly
To everyone’s surprise, Harrison scooped Gwyneth into his arms.
Still processing what had happened, she found herself being carried to the lounge sofa.
Harrison knelt before her, his brow furrowed as he gently examined her leg. “Did you hurt yourself
elf when you kicked him?” he asked, his voice thick
with concem.
Zachary stood frozen, while even Gwyneth appeared taken aback by Harrison’s sudden concern. She rotated her sore ankle with a slight wince. “A little, she admitted.
Harrison’s expression darkened. “Explain, he ordered, his voice dangerously quiet
Zachary jolted back to the present, caught off guard by Harrison’s unexpected protectiveness over Gwyneth. Then, recalling the crucial still pending, he rushed to defend himself “She was the one who-
“I’m not asking you.” Harrison’s sharp dismissal cut through the air as he turned to the manager instead.
The manager repeated Zachary’s exact words, speaking evenly without changing a thing.
project
deal
Harrison’s face went dark. He stood up slowly, staring Zachary down. “You insulted my people on purpose? Thought you could make the Lopez family look bad?”
A cold sweat broke out on Zachary’s forehead. “I didn’t mean to—”
“Should we get ice for this?” Harrison acted like Zachary wasn’t even there, bending down to check Gwyneth’s ankle like it was the most important thing in the room.
Zachary’s retort caught in his throat. Even Gwyneth looked up, eye.
need ice.
sparkling with mischief. “Just a little sore from the kicking. No swelling. I don’t
It was an ordinary enough remark, yet something in her tone carried an uncharacteristic playfulness that didn’t go unnoticed.
“You were the one complaining about the pain, and now you’re refusing help,” Harrison countered, his stem expression melting into affectionate
frustration.
Gryneth rubbed her ankle, laughing at Harrison’s exasperation. “He’s a natural. His performance is almost too convincing, like he’s been rehearsing this role his entire life, she thought, amused.
