She tried to show off her body, hoping to stir up her husbandâs desire.
But McNeil just focused on her face, saying, âIf you really want it that badly, I donât mind if you find another man to satisfy you.â
With that, he walked past Xenia, heading towards his room.
Xenia felt deeply insulted. She was one of the campus beauties in her youth, and she had many suitors. But McNeil was the only one who didnât care about her.
This man, who was indifferent to her and only interested in her best friend, Marlinie Bagley, somehow made her fall head over heels. She was determined to win him over.
âMcNeil whatâs wrong with me compared to Marlinie? You donât even want to touch me? My body is way better than hers!â
At the mention of Marlinie, McNeil paused, then said in a deep voice, âDonât mention her.â
But Xenia insisted, âSheâs a fickle woman; she cheated on you and had a daughter behind your back and let you raise her! Am I worse than that kind of woman, McNeil?â
âShut up or get out of this house!â McNeil suddenly snapped.
Xenia was taken aback. McNeil was usually cold to her but rarely lost his temper.
Just the mention of Marlinie made him react so strongly. After all these years, he still hadnât forgotten about Marlinie?
McNeil didnât want to say more to Xenia, let alone listen to her. He went into his room and closed the door.
Xenia had to awkwardly button up her clothes and sort out her thoughts. She decided to put her emotional issues aside and find a way to help her daughter get out of her predicament.
On the other side.
Ellinor walked out of the Howard familyâs gate, heading towards the nearest subway station alone.
It was hard to get a ride, and there were no bus stops near this wealthy neighborhood.
A black car pulled up next to her. The window rolled down, and Balfour leaned out, saying gently, âEllinor, get in. Your brother will give you a lift to wherever youâre going.â
Ellinor glanced at him but didnât stop, âI donât have a brother.â
Balfour was disappointed but couldnât do anything about it. He sighed, âAs a friend then, can I give you a lift?â
Ellinor kept walking, not looking at him again, âMr. Howard, when did we become friends?â
Balfour fell silent.
He understood why his sister was rejecting him. After all, he hadnât treated her well before and had said many hurtful things.
He didnât have the courage to directly ask her for forgiveness. So he thought for a moment, told the driver to stop the car, got out, and decided to walk with her.
Ellinor noticed a tall figure next to her. She frowned and was not too pleased, âMr. Howard, if you want to take a walk, can you choose somewhere else? Youâre blocking my sun!â
âSorry.â Balfour said awkwardly, slowing his pace and moving to the other side of his sister.
Ellinor gave him a sidelong glance but didnât say anything else.
Although she was a bit annoyed, the road was public, and she had no right to stop Balfour from getting out of the car and walking.
The two walked in silence. After about ten minutes, they reached a crosswalk, with the subway station just across the street.