Chapter 179

Chapter: 179

“They're enchanting,” Millie whispered, awestruck. She had heard about glow-in-the-dark goldfish but witnessing their luminosity

was an entirely different experience.

It was true, she had ventured into a goldfish shop earlier that day, captivated by their cuteness. She had wanted to purchase a

few, but she already had a sizeable collection back home.

With the corridor lights back on, Patrick beamed shyly.

“Thad a feeling you’d appreciate them.”

Millie nervously rubbed her palms together. Was Patrick under the impression she was single? Was he courting her?

Marcus, his face clouded with irritation, breezed past the pair, uttering a curt, “Excuse me.” His intrusion forced them to step

back, resulting in the fish tank tumbling to the floor. The fish began to flop helplessly on the cold tiles, struggling for survival.

Millie seethed with anger. “Can’t you watch where you're going?”

Marcus reached the door, swung it open, and retorted without addressing her accusation, “Aren’t you coming inside? Do | have

to carry you?”

Patrick’s face darkened. “Mr. Thomas, you and Miss—”

Marcus interjected with a dismissive snort, “I’m not the kind to share, so kindly refrain from presenting my wife with gifts in my

presence.”

“I'm sorry, I’m married,” Millie managed to say, struggling with her words.

Her gaze dropped to the floor where the goldfish lay lifeless.

Their struggle for life had abruptly ended, their sudden demise causing a pang of sorrow in her heart. Even though she held no

romantic feelings for Patrick, she couldn’t help but empathize with his plight.

This couldn't be real. Patrick was reeling from the revelation.

“Miss Evans told me that you are single.”

“Rhea said | was single?”

Millie’s eyes widened in disbelief. She suddenly recalled how Rhea had chased after Patrick in the orchard earlier that day. So, it

was a ploy, she concluded. Rhea had devised this scheme to lure Patrick into pursuing her, which in turn would fuel Marcus’

disdain for her.

Rhea’s manipulative streak was unnerving.

“| apologize for the misunderstanding. | shouldn't have troubled you.”

Patrick was drowning in embarrassment. The woman he had been attracted to was already taken. Disheartened, he excused

himself and quickly left.

As Millie watched Patrick’s retreating figure, Marcus jeered, “If you don’t want him to leave, go after him. | won't stop you.”

“Does me looking at him mean | want him to stay? | just feel sorry for him. He's a vibrant, intelligent man who's been fooled by

Rhea. Do you think everyone is as cold-hearted as you?” Millie retorted, anger simmering in her voice.