chapter 792 There was no denying that he had shown her kindness in many ways.
Nevertheless, Laney also didnât want to wrong Garrett.
While tending to lanâs wounds, she inquired tentatively, âBy the way, what led to your scuffle with Garrett earlier?â
lanâs expression immediately turned tense, and he bowed his head down dejectedly. âI just told Mr. Harding not to bother you without your permission...â he muttered.
Laney probed further in a calm tone, âIs that really all that happened, lan? I wouldnât like for my assistant to lie to me.â lanâs fingers curled slightly as he began, âMrs. Harding...â
With her eyes fixed on lan, Laney continued in a composed tone, âlan, I need you to be honest with me. Did you deliberately set up Garrett? And...
were you responsible for sending him the fake divorce papers and wedding ring?â
lanâs complexion drained of color as Laney interrogated him. Desperate to explain himself, but noting the disappointment in her eyes, he realized further words were futile. âIt was me,â he admitted.
Laneyâs voice was sharp and distinct as she asked, âWhy? Why did you do that?â
In a hushed tone, Ian replied, âMrs. Harding, I merely want to remove obstacles for you. Since leaving Garrett, your life has flourished. No longer bound by the Harding family, youâve built a career you love and embraced a life of freedom and joy. Isnât that a blessing?â His eyes locked onto hers, his expression solemn. His voice was soothing, yet seemed to mask a torrent of emotion. âHad I not intervened, Garrett would have pursued you relentlessly, causing you trouble and casting you back into the depths of despair.â Laney averted her gaze, her voice trembling. âDonât do this again.
Youâre crossing the line between assistant and employer.â
âOh, my lady!â Ian sighed, resigned. âWhy donât you understand?â Her heart pounded in time with his words.
âUnderstand what?â His tender, steady voice whispered into her ear.
âLaney, Iâve stood by your side all this time, doing everything in my power for you, because I love you.â
Laneyâs entire being froze.
As lan reached for her hand, she snapped back to reality, stepping away from him.
In her retreat, she knocked over the medicine box, its contents scattering across the floor.
The tincture of iodine spilled, releasing a faint alcoholic aroma. Disappointment clouded lanâs features at her reaction. âLaney...â Laney halted him, her voice a flurry of emotion. âIâm sorry, I canât accept your feelings.â
His eyes downcast, lan remained silent for a moment. Then, discarding his crestfallen demeanor, he offered a gentle smile. âI understand, Mrs.
Harding.
Fear not, Iâll strive tirelessly until the day youâre ready to accept me.â
Laney was unsure of how to navigate the situation. He hastily gathered the fallen items and made a hasty exit.
lan watched her frantic departure, his eyes brimming with unspoken disappointment.
It was clear to him that Laney still harbored feelings for Garrett. Her excitement upon seeing him, followed by her fury at his violent actions, were unmistakable signs.
Love stirred emotions, while indifference bred a steady, unchanging state.
In lanâs presence, Laney had always maintained a calm, composed demeanor, revealing no emotions.
Dinner preparations unfolded in a heavy silence.
Laney couldnât fathom how to interact with lan. She forced down a few bites of food, but the stifling atmosphere soon became unbearable. Setting her chopsticks aside, she decided to clean up the trash can.
lan had always taken care of such tasks. Observing her actions, he stepped forward to intervene. âLet me handle it, Mrs. Harding.â âItâs okay, I can manage,â Laney replied.
âNo, please let me,â lan insisted.
As their conversation continued, both reached for the garbage bag simultaneously.
For a moment, they froze in place.
Their fingertips grazed one another, amplifying the already palpable awkwardness.
Laney jerked her hand back as if stung, snatched the garbage bag, and darted out the door.
The Double Life of My Billionaire Husband ï¤Chapter 791 The Return Of His Unrivaled Ex-Wife (Joanna)
ï¤Chapter 1329 Meet My Brothers by Red Thirteen ï¤Chapter 1187 Stepping outside and inhaling the crisp air, Laneyâs heart, which had been racing from the awkward encounter, slowly regained its composure.
Laney gazed skyward, wondering how to face lan upon her return. Truth be told, she harbored no romantic feelings for him.
In her eyes, lan was family, a friend but never a lover.
Sighing deeply, she prepared to approach the dumpster when she noticed a new family moving in next door.
Upon closer inspection, her expression darkened.
The new neighbor swaggered towards Laney, smirking as he greeted her, âHello, Iâve just moved in next door. Nice to meet you.â Laney clenched her teeth, glaring at him. âGarrett, why are you here? Havenât I told you to stop bothering me? Why move in right next to me?â
Feigning innocence, Garrett lied smoothly, âThe Harding Group is considering buying some land in this city. Iâm here to investigate and just happened to stay next door. I only came by to check on you and ensure my daughterâs well-being.â
The moment Garrettâs words hung in the air, Evan darted over, a business proposal clutched in his eager hands. In a solemn tone, he said, âBoss, feast your eyes on this proposal.â
Garrett scanned the document, nodding seriously. âHmm, itâs good. But give it some more thought.â