Chapter 204
Russel replied, “Yeah, her funds are solid, but starting a new company is always tricky. Neither her connections nor her rep can hold a candle to yours. No
need to sweat it.”
“If it’s a fair game, I wouldn’t be worried. But I fear Bonnie might play dirty”
“Right, tackle the problems as they come.” I said, perking up. Then I asked Russel, “What brings you here?”
I’m off today, so I thought I’d pick you up for lunch” Russel said with a gentle smile. “You’ve lost some weight. You should eat more.”
A bit helpless, I replied. “But I just can’t seem to put on any pounds. I wish I had some curves too. I put on a bit while I was abroad these past couple of years. Better than before, right?”
Russel reached out and pinched my arm, then circled it with his hand, comparing it. Worry flashed across his face. “You’re still too thin. I’m worried you’re
malnourished”
He had made my arm itch, and I couldn’t help but laugh. I quickly pulled my arm away Tm ticklish!”
A faint smile tugged at the corners of Russel’s mouth. “So if you tease me, I’ll tickle you.”
He really thought I would tease him? I laughed, standing on my tiptoes to pinch his handsome face. “Try me?”
Our sweet exchanges seemed like those of a loving couple. But I knew that I was working hard to become a real couple with Russel; it wasn’t just for
appearances.
Although I didn’t get the same thrilling tension with him as I did with Neil, I didn’t mind the physical contact with him.
Maybe if we stick with it, we’ll end up with a happy ending.
“Ms. Finch, you and your boyfriend look so sweet together.” Gloria suddenly interrupted us, standing not far away with a limited edition LV bag in her hand. Dressed head to toe in high-end brands. She looked extremely luxurious.
Bonnie’s style was probably influenced by her.
Behind Gloria was a black Lincoln. Under the sunlight, it was very eye-catching and attracted a lot of attention.
What was she doing here?
“Let’s go get some food” I said, ignoring Gloria and taking Russels hand.
“Sure, what do you feel like eating?” Russel, like me, ignored Gloria,
Gloria didn’t get angry, she was much more composed than Bonnie.
She took a few steps forward, blocking my way. ‘Ms. Finch, can we have a chat?”
I coldly stared at the middle-aged woman in front of me. And what would we have to talk about?”
“Plenty. We can talk about Bonnie of about our companies” Gloria replied with a smile.
“Sorry, but I don’t think either of those topics are necessary. Please move aside.” I frowned.
Just then, the window of the Lincoln not far away rolled down, revealing Bonnie and Kate Aaron’s faces. They were looking this way.
Bonnie didn’t look too happy, and her eyes were filled with hostility when she saw me.
Kate whispered something in her ear, and then she rolled up the window.
Gloria tried to grab my hand, but Russel rudely blocked her. He didn’t look too happy. “She already said she doesn’t want to talk to you. Have some self-respect”
“You must be Mr. Russel” Gloria turned her attention to Russel. “I’m finally meeting you in person. You certainly live up to the hype I heard from Bonnie that you and Neil are good friends. If he becomes my son-in-law, we’ll be even more closely related.”
I was not only surprised by Gloria’s patience but also her way of thinking.
Russel frowned, “You’re mistaken, he and I are no longer friends”
Gloria raised her eyebrows in surprise “Really? Because of Irene?”
Russel didn’t answer, which was as good as admitting it.
“Haha “Gloria suddenly laughed coldly “My Karina was so into you, but you didn’t care. Because of you she met Neil and then met her end. Don’t you feel guilty at all?
Her words trade me look at Russel
Karina Aaron was into Russel from the start, but since he didn’t reciprocate, Gloria only officially met Russel today.
And indeed, Kanna met Neil because of Russel
“Love can’t be forced. I’m not responsible for the path she chose ‘Russel replied coldly
He had liked Karina, but only just When Karina started liking Neil, he let go
So in Russels mind, he wouldn’t feel as suffocated and gualty as Neil did
“Just like that?” Gloria’s eyes were filled with hatred. “My daughter, whom I raised with so much hardship, just died like that, and you don’t feel any responsibility?
Russel answered quickly, “Yes, I’m not responsible. I didn’t do anything wrong
Chapter 204
Gloria’s expression was complex. Her expression was full of hatred, but it was also mixed with patience. Her current status didn’t allow her to lose her temper on the street.
Soon, she composed herself, regaining the composure and grace of a lady. She continued to smile at me. “Ms. Finch, our issues are in the past. We should discuss the future development of our companies.
“There’s no need. You started a company just to talk about development with me?’ I found it somewhat amusing.
“Here’s my card. Feel free to call me when you’re ready to talk. Gloria, unfazed by my reaction, handed me a business card.
I didn’t throw it away Something told me to be careful.
After seeing me take the card, Gloria turned and got back into the Lincoln, which drove away immediately
“Irene.” Russel began, “Whatever happens, we can’t keep secrets from each other. If you need help, you need to speak up, okay?”
I was taken aback and then put the card away. “Okay, let’s go eat.”
“Sure, let’s go.” Russel naturally took my hand, and I didn’t shake him off.
Man, I’ve been feeling super on edge all day. The only time I felt a bit at peace was when I had dinner with Russel. I couldn’t shake the feeling that something bad was about to happen.
Because I was so out of it, I nearly crashed into Neil’s car on my way home from work.
His car was parked right there, and I just spaced out and forgot to steer. Lucky for me, I hit the brakes just in time and managed to dodge a fender bender.
“Are you trying to hit me or what?” Neil got out of his car, and with his long strides, he walked up to me, looking puzzled.
“No, I’m just used to there being no cars parked here, so I didn’t notice.” I said, trying to brush it off.
Back when my neighbor wasn’t around, this parking spot was always vacant. I was used to just driving straight through to park in front of my house.
