CHAPTER 137: CHAPTER 79: TO STAY AWAY FROM HIM, YOU MUST ACHIEVE A COMPLETE WITHDRAWAL1

Four years later, how could she still be the Rebecca Quentin of six years ago—that naïve and clueless girl who had just met him? Aunt Clare says he’s cunning and ruthless; how could she not know this? She remembered well the first time he had taught her how to be "good"; the methods he used were still vivid in her mind. It was just that, four years later, while she had changed significantly, grown much harder, the one thing that hadn’t changed was her heart, which even she couldn’t control. Even now that they were together, she knew very well that perhaps he had found some new exploitable value in her, which was why he had sought her out again. That fifty million Isabella Joanna had mentioned... Heh. What was that paltry sum to him? Giving it to her was like bestowing alms. How could she ever think he cared about her? So she understood clearly: if he hadn’t cared for her in the past six years, how could things abruptly change now? She hadn’t been blinded by love. She knew very well that despite any sweet words or lingering affection, she should stay as far away from him as possible. But women truly were the most foolish creatures in the world. Even knowing his motives were impure, even though she dared not believe, she was still willing to plunge headfirst. This was only because a sliver of longing still remained deep in her heart. She was genuinely scared; what if she was wrong? She might miss him just like that, and she wasn’t willing for that to happen. If it all turned out to be just a fleeting dream in the end, she wouldn’t have regrets, because at least she would have tried. Besides, when she chose to be with him, she had already prepared an escape route for herself. That being the case, she shouldn’t waste time arguing with him. She had to show her most sincere and considerate side, to let him know she was worth cherishing. It wasn’t that she lacked pride, nor that she lacked reason; it was simply that the one who falls in love first is destined to be the loser.

With these thoughts, Rebecca Quentin wiped away the fresh tears that had slid from her eyes and, as if nothing were amiss, picked up her phone to dial Howard Geoffrey’s number.

It rang twice before he answered.

Rebecca was the first to speak, "Hello, where are you?" Her voice was soft and faint, yet it was clear she had calmed down, her tone somewhat conciliatory.

Howard Geoffrey’s voice was hoarser than usual. "I thought you were still angry with me and wouldn’t want to see me."

Rebecca maintained her softer stance. "I don’t want to argue with you anymore. Are you coming back tonight?"

"Baby, open the door."

"Huh?"

Puzzled, Rebecca got out of bed.

She opened the door, and before she could even open it fully, he was already pushing his way in, holding a bouquet of yellow roses—a symbol of apology.

Instantly, the roses fell to the floor, and he pinned her against the wall.

His kisses, wild and fervent, assailed her like a tempest. She found herself unable to resist, her hands eventually, slowly, creeping up to his neck, her lips meeting his in a deep, lingering entanglement.

Then, he carried her to the bed.

What followed was a scene not suitable for younger audiences.

After sex, Rebecca curled up in Howard Geoffrey’s arms, exhaustedly holding onto him.

Howard Geoffrey playfully toyed with Rebecca’s hair, his forefinger slowly twirling a strand, then releasing it, only to slowly twirl it again.

Howard Geoffrey’s actions reminded Rebecca of an ancient saying—’Tempered steel transformed into a tender coil around a finger.’ Could this represent him now? she wondered.

Her slender, beautiful fingers brushed across Howard Geoffrey’s chest as lightly as a dragonfly skimming water. Rebecca spoke softly, "Howard, let’s not argue anymore, okay?"

Howard Geoffrey caught Rebecca’s hand as it naughtily traced patterns on his chest. His voice was low as he said, "Did I frighten you today?"

Rebecca chose not to answer.

Howard Geoffrey chuckled softly. "So you were frightened?"

Rebecca pouted her lips slightly, still not speaking.

Howard Geoffrey leaned down and kissed Rebecca’s pouting lips, saying tenderly, "I’m sorry. From now on, I won’t be so harsh with you again."

Rebecca hooked her arms around Howard Geoffrey’s neck, mimicking his earlier kiss by pecking his lips. She said considerately, "I was wrong too. I’ve always been willful and never considered things from your perspective."

Howard Geoffrey looked down at her, a glint of jealousy in his eyes. "Baby, Skyler Jones was almost your fiancé. How could I let you get too close to him?"

Rebecca blinked, her beautiful face breaking into a smile. "Is someone getting jealous now?"

"Damn it! You’re not allowed to call him "Oversky" anymore, and you’re not to call me Howard Geoffrey anymore either!"