Chapter 123: Chapter 131

Angeline’s heart clenched at Evander’s words. She dared not even raise her head to look at him.

Internally, she was flailing as though she was desperately trying to escape a trap.

She stammered, “I-I don’t know what you mean.”

She hoped changing the topic would deter Evander from his original line of questioning.

More importantly, she could not put a name to her feelings toward Evander.

That being said, Angeline admitted that her heart fluttered when she was around Evander. However, she was simply not ready to enter a relationship.

Angeline got to her feet, attempting to leave. However, Evander promptly foiled her attempt. He grabbed her elbow and swiveled on the couch, pulling her into his embrace.

“Oof!”

A muffled grunt escaped Angeline’s lips.

Evander stared intently into her eyes, and she fumbled under the heat of his gaze.

He declared, “I’m a businessman, Angeline. I don’t waste my time on frivolous matters.”

Even a fool would understand his intentions. Alas, Angeline had no choice but to respond.

“Why… and that person is me?”

She thought she must be dreaming. After all, Evander could have any wealthy and elegant socialite he wanted with a mere hook of his finger.

Still not breaking eye contact with her, Evander declared firmly, “No particular reason. I just want you.”

I just want you…

His short reply held so much conviction and crumbled Angeline’s defenses completely. He was clearly determined to dispel her doubts about his sincerity.

The room abruptly fell into silence. Angeline could only hear the furious pounding of her heart. Her vision began to blur as tears pricked her eyes.

All these years, she had suffered from humiliation alone and trusted no one. As such, she never imagined meeting a man who would protect and treasure her.

Evander’s lips suddenly closed over hers without warning. His kiss was tender and reassuring without a hint of its usual aggressiveness.

Angeline subconsciously linked her arms behind his neck, tilting her head up to deepen their kiss. At that moment, she no longer wished to conceal her feelings.

Knock! Knock!

They had been kissing for an indeterminate amount of time when someone suddenly knocked on the door. Then, it opened with a click, and in walked Sylas.

The noise startled Angeline, who immediately broke free from the kiss and leaned away from Evander.

Meanwhile, Sylas almost wanted to blind himself for his actions. He stumbled over his words while apologizing, “I-I’m sorry, Mr. Golding. I came in after noticing that the door wasn’t closed. I didn’t know… Erm… I’ll leave right now.”

How could I stupidly disturb Mr. Golding’s romantic gesture? He’s going to dock my pay, for sure!

To no one’s surprise, Evander’s expression darkened at the interruption. He demanded, “What’s the matter?”

Sylas explained, “One of the employees sent an e-mail saying that there have been some new developments on the tender for Project Serenity, Mr. Golding. Your assistance is required in the matter.”

“Okay.” Evander instructed sternly, “Ask the driver to prepare the car.”

“Yes, Mr. Golding.”

Sylas left after acknowledging his orders.

Angeline scrunched her brows, her gaze turning thoughtful. She did not claim to be a business expert, but she had heard from Jonathan that Evander and Hanson were competing in the Project Serenity tender.

Hanson had done a number of despicable tactics to improve his odds of winning the project.

“Are you upset?” Evander’s comment startled Angeline out of her thoughts.

She only understood Evander’s implied meaning some time later. Her gaze darkened as she replied bitterly, “Why would I be? My relationship with Hanson is a thing of the past.”

Plus, he was now Joseline’s fiancé, which added to Angeline’s disgust.

Her answer greatly improved Evander’s countenance.

He stared at her and said, “I’m still waiting for your reply.”

Angeline pursed her lips, realizing she could no longer escape his question. After taking a deep breath, she returned his gaze and uttered, “I’m sorry, Mr. Golding. You know my current situation. I haven’t found my child, and Joseline still hasn’t been brought to justice. I can’t throw myself wholeheartedly into a new relationship.”

She would not forgive herself if she carelessly agreed to Evander’s request.

Maybe she was timid or even plain foolish, but she could not allow herself to love another without considering the consequences like an innocent young woman in her twenties.

Angeline sensed that Evander’s expression cooled instantly. He settled her on the other end of the couch before turning away to pack his things.

Conflicting emotions warred in her chest as her gaze eventually landed on the boxes of medicine on the coffee table.

I can’t say his reaction is unexpected. After all, Evander must be used to getting things his way. My refusal definitely upset him.

Angeline thought she could sympathize with Evander. Just before he left the hotel room, she grabbed the medicines off the table and chased after him.

Silently, she stuffed the boxes into his luggage.

“I can wait for you.” His attractive baritone rang out, and Angeline’s hand froze.

She raised her head and shot him a stunned look.

Did he just say he would wait for me?

“But don’t let me wait too long.”

He turned and left the hotel room after leaving her with those parting words.

Angeline stepped closer to the door and clenched her fingers around the door frame. Her emotional gaze was locked onto Evander’s back.

An inexplicable emptiness assailed her soul, almost as though she had just lost the most important thing in her life.

In any case, Angeline could not return to Hallsbay for the foreseeable future.

Regrettably, she would miss all the advertisement shoots Nancy had lined up for her. She called Nancy, instructing the latter to cancel her shoots and apologize to the brand sponsors on her behalf.

She had mentally prepared herself for an earful from Nancy criticizing her hopelessness. To her utter amazement, Nancy began comforting her, “Don’t worry. I’ll settle everything here in Hallsbay. Focus on your affairs there. Call me if you need anything.”

Angeline muttered in disbelief, “What the heck happened to you?”

Over the phone, she heard Nancy taking a bite of cucumber.

Her manager teased, “You’re the future Mrs. Golding. With Mr. Golding around, we’ll never be short on resources. I was wrong to say you were married to your work. Turns out you were biding your time for the perfect opportunity.”

“That’s a load of nonsense.” Angeline hastily denied Nancy’s claims, fearful that her misguided manager would try some funny stunt.

She continued explaining, “Mr. Golding and I are just friends. There’s no Mrs. Golding in the picture.”

“Fine, I get it. Everyone gets it. Mr. Golding has a massive crush on you.”

Her explanation went over Nancy’s head, and the latter thought Angeline was being bashful over the whole situation and teased, “Time to put up the best performance of your life! Give me the deets when you’re back.”

“Hey…”

Nancy hung up before Angeline could protest further.

Angeline gripped her phone tightly while listening to the disconnect tone. A wry smile curved her lips.

I can’t dig myself out of this hole now. Still, is it really so obvious that Evander likes me? Does everyone really know about it? Am I the only blockhead who hasn’t realized?

Meanwhile, Darlene had fainted from shock after her rescue from the hospital roof.

Angeline was in her hotel room till five in the evening before receiving a call from an unknown number.