Chapter 212
In my dad’s family, three generations have been government officials. They’ve always stuck to their guns, never abused their power.
My mom and I have always stood by my dad’s principles. We were really proud of him.
“Neil, I know you’ve got beef with my family. I get it, but can you separate personal feelings from business, okay?” I asked with sincerity.
Neil heaved a big sigh, “How can you expect a jerk to keep things professional?”
His gutsy confession of being a jerk left me at a loss for words.
Suddenly, Neil stood up and walked over to me. He bent down close to me, so close that I could see his eyelashes.
I held my breath, taken aback.
“I didnt target your family intentionally, but I could make SaintlyBio Corporation change their minds. You need my help?” he asked in a low voice.
“Yes. That’s exactly what I need.” I tried to keep it cool.
Neil grabbed my chin, forcing me to look at him. He winked, looking curious. “Your dad can’t interveng, but what about your mom’s family?”
I was caught off guard. My mom’s family had some complex connections and old scores to settle, so I didn’t want to go into it.
Unless it was a life-and-death situation, my mom wouldn’t ask her family for help.
“If you step in and tell SaintlyBio Corporation not to target my family, this problem should be a piece of cake.” I didn’t resist Neil’s grip.
“You really think highly of me, your ex-husband. That’s kind of flattering” Neil chuckled. His face softened, but I didn’t let my guard down.
I just grunted a hmm, not saying much.
Neil’s gaze shifted from my eyes to my lips. His look made me feel uneasy. He was like a beast that spotted its prey
Why did I put on lipstick? Was I out of my mind?
Neil’s thumb gently rubbed over my lips, then he frowned. This color is too tacky, it doesn’t suit you”
I was speechless
Then Neil’s lips covered mine. His smokey breath made me feel like I was smoking a soft cigarette.
I was taken aback, my pupils dilating. Neil’s unexpected kiss shattered my cool composure. Just as I was about to push him away, Bonnie’s voice came from the door
“What the hell are you guys doing?!”
Neil stopped. He let go of me, and my lipstick still smeared around his mouth.
Bonnie stood in the doorway, holding a thermos, apparently bringing Neil dinner. She looked shocked and furious, glaring at me and Neil.
I quickly stood up, wiping my lips clean with a tissue, then fixed my hair and clothes.
Bonnie stormed over to me. Her eyes were red. She looked at Neil, then at me.
“Bonnie, it’s not what you think.” I started to explain.
Suddenly, she slapped me across the face. My ears rang.
I touched my cheek, unable to believe Bonnie had slapped me.
Neil instantly grabbed Bonnie’s wrist, pushing her onto the couch. His face was dark and scary. He demanded, “What the hell are you doing?!”
Bonnie was taken aback. She didn’t expect Neil to defend me. With tears in her eyes, she was full of resentment and injustice, “Nejl, I’m your girlfriend now! We’re about to get engaged. How could you do this with her?!”
‘It has nothing to do with her. I forced her.” Neil took all the blame. His voice was cold when he spoke to Bonnie.
Bonnie was even more shocked. Her lips were trembling, and her eyes were full of hatred and anger towards me.
I touched my still-stinging cheek, then raised my hand and slapped Neil across the face!
“Jerk!” I cursed, grabbed my purse, and stormed out without looking back,
Bonnie must have been stunned. She hit me, Neil protected me, and yet the person being protected slapped Neil.
She cherished Neil so much; how could she possibly hit him?
“Irenell Bonnie’s shrill scream came from behind me. I didn’t stop; instead, I quickly entered the elevator and left.
When I got home, I slumped on the couch, exhausted. Surprisingly, my mom was still awake. She asked, “Rena, where did you go this afternoon?”
“I met some friends, looking for potential suppliers to replace SaintlyBio Corporation.” I replied.
‘Any progress?’ Mom sat next to me and asked.
I shook my head. Disappointment and tiredness filled my mom’s face, “Actually, there’s a suitable company, but we couldn’t strike a deal”
Which
company?” I asked curiously.
“The company that is under the Dawson family. I contacted Russel’s father, but he turned me down.” My mom is smart. She held my hand and said, “Tena, you and Russel are okay, right? His family doesn’t have any issues with you, do they?”
If they really supported my relationship with Russel, why would they reject my mom? The price my mom must have offered would have been!
the market price.
I didn’t want my mom to worry about both the company and my personal issues, so I comforted her, “We’re really good. Maybe the Dawson family has other partners that are more suitable, Mom, it’s best not to mix feelings with business. Look at our previous partnership with Whitmore Co. After Neil and I divorced, it was a loss for both of us
Mom nodded, “Yeah, you’re right”
It was really late I took a shower and was ready for bed when Russel video called.
I remembered the Dawson family turning down my mom. Feeling melancholy, I still answered his video call.
The backdrop behind Russel was his hospital office. Looked like he would be pulling an all-nighter.
“Aren’t you asleep yet?” He removed his glasses, lightly massaged his temples, and asked
“Nope” I sounded a bit down.
“What’s up? You seem off Russel picked up on my mood and instantly got worried,
I forced a smile, “Nothing much, just work stuff”
Russel knitted his brows, “We agreed to be honest with each other about everything. We’re supposed to face challenges together. You shouldn’t lie to
me.”
I remained quiet, unsure of how to break the silence.
We both just sat there in silence. After a while, I asked, “Russel, what do your parents think of me? Can you tell me?”
