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    Loweing her voice: “It’s all Maureen’s fault.”

    Jonathan patted her shoulder, his gaze fierce.

    “I know, sweetheart. I know everything.”

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    Outside the vi.

    Geoffrey sat in his car lighting one cigarette after another.

    Wayne reported recent developments–everything progressed smoothly except Gareth’s projects.

    “Our loss–leading strategy has shareholders quietly sharing their discontent.”

    Wayne phrased it tactfully.

    With Geoffrey preupied by datestely, those old board members started ordering people around again.

    “How much longer can Gareth hold out?”

    Geoffrey asked.

    Wayne shook his head. “I used to have a handle on things, but now I can’t gauge it. The group

    behind Gareth isn’t to be underestimated.”

    If it were any ordinary overseas grouping here, Geoffrey’s pressure would’ve driven them

    out within six months.

    But Gareth has held out for five years.

    Geoffrey knew this well, though the losses didn’t concern him.

    “Keep tightening the screws. Let’s see if he’s really an iron wall.”

    He knew exactly how many assassination attempts Gareth had survived abroad.

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    Gareth had powerful backers and deadly weapons.

    Time to step up his own game and make that bastard die faster!

    “Understood.”

    Wayne finished his report but made no move to leave.

    “Boss, did Ms. Ramirez get upset again?”

    If Maureen hadn’t been angry, Mr. Sutton probably wouldn’t even spare time to see him, let alone smoke together in the car.

    Geoffrey shot him a re.

    “Get out if you’re done.”

    Wayne recalled how smoothly he’d appeased his girlfriend recently and couldn’t resist sharing his wisdom.

    “Boss, women are simple really. Just more ttery, sweeter words, some gifts…”

    Before finishing his advice, Wayne sessfully rolled out of the car.

    The bodyguards standing behind were all stunned. How could Mr. Xu, always so proper in his gold–rimmed sses, look so disheveled today?

    This was a first.

    Night deepened, the rain outside showing no sign of stopping.

    Maureeny in bed, finally drifting into a light sleep, when suddenly arge arm pulled her into an embrace.

    The faint scent of tobo and alcohol still clung to the man. She didn’t need to look to know who it was.

    He’d picked up quite a few bad habits in the five years she’d been gone.

    “Heartless thing, already asleep?”

    Geoffrey, thinking she was unconscious, pulled her tighter against him with a resentful tug.

    He hadn’t slept a wink in the car tonight.

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    He’d thought this month would make her humble herself, finally see who truly cared for her.

    Yet barely two weeks in, she was angry again.

    Maureen kept her eyes tightly shut, refusing to acknowledge him.

    Those cruel words he’d spat during the day–liar!

    Cripple!

    She’d wait until tomorrow, when her emotions settled, to carry out her n. Otherwise, she might lose control and provoke him again.

    Geoffrey wasn’t about to let her rest. Holding her close, he began caressing her.

    “Will you dream of me like this?”

    Maureen kept her eyes tightly shut, body trembling slightly.

    Geoffrey paused, knowing she wasn’t asleep, and didn’t continue.

    Beads of sweat dotted Maureen’s forehead. Relieved he’d stopped, she exhaled.

    Late into the night,

    Geoffreyy holding Maureen, sleepless. He finally rose and stepped outside.

    By dawn when Maureen woke,

    he’d long left her side.

    Last night felt like a dream.

    Maureen didn’t dwell on it, heading to wash up.

    Before the mirror,

    she steadied her breathing before finally stepping out of the bedroom.

    The study door stood open. Passing by,

    Maureen glimpsed Geoffrey sitting upright at his desk.

    His usual cool indifference had returned as he sharply scanned documents.

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    :

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    Remembering her n, Maureen swallowed her pride. She approached and knocked.

    “What is it?”

    The man didn’t look up.

    “About yesterday…” Maureen spoke against her true feelings. “I was overwhelmed. Said things I shouldn’t have.”

    Geoffrey held a file, eyes stuck on the first line yet absorbing nothing.

    He shut the folder, lifting his gaze to Maureen.

    The woman wore in clothes, face pale, dark hair slightly disheveled over her shoulders–a pitiful sight.

    This posture felt so familiar, yet not quite…

    He couldn’t pinpoint why–just a gut feeling.

    “Come here.”

    Maureen walked in, stopping before him.

    “Let’s return to the old residence. I’ll apologize to Jessica.”

    Geoffrey studied her, lips parting slightly. “Why do I sense reluctance?”

    Her hands clenched slightly. “I am reluctant. But for your sake, I’ll apologize.”

    Geoffrey scrutinized her intently.

    Her submissive demeanor used to be familiar, yet now he sensed no sincerity.

    “Do you still love me?”

    The question escaped him unexpectedly, startling even himself.

    He’d asked before, but Maureen had answered “I don’t know…”

    Maureen paused, then lied: “…I do.”

    Though hearing the expected answer, Geoffrey felt strangely heavy inside.

    “Get ready. We leave for the old residence soon.

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    He averted his gaze. “No need to apologize to Jessica. It’s unnecessary.”