Chapter 40

Chapter Forty

Third Person POV.

Richard sat in the plush backseat of his car, his thoughts consumed by the events of the day. The entire day had been incredibly tiring for him, and all he wanted to do was go home and get some

rest.

The gentle hum of the engine and the passing city lights outside did little to ease his restless mind. In the rearview mirror, he noticed his assistant and secretary, Ethan, studying him intently.

Irritated by the unrelenting gaze, Richard finally broke the silence.

“Ethan, for the love of God, why have you been staring at me like that?” Richard exclaimed. “If you have something to say, just spit it out instead of giving me this constant scrutiny.”

Ethan sighed, his eyes flickering with concern and respect. “I apologize, Mr. Romero,” he started cautiously. “But I can’t help but wonder why you allowed Miss Amber to go and meet Colonel Miller on

her own.”

Richard furrowed his brow, genuinely puzzled by Ethan’s comment. “Why would I need to follow her?” he asked. “We had discussed her meeting with Colonel Miller, and it’s nothing but a simple conversation in an open space. Was I supposed to hold her hand the whole way?”

Ethan exhaled. “I’m not saying you should have followed her, sir,” he replied. “But Colonel Miller has a reputation for harassing women. It wouldn’t be surprising if he tried to be inappropriate with

Miss Amber.”

Richard rolled his eyes dismissively, unable to fathom Ethan’s worry. “Do you really think I would just send Amber there without taking precautions?” Richard retorted, his annoyance growing. “I have someone watching her closely, ensuring her safety. And trust me, Amber is more than capable of handling herself. She’s no damsel in distress.”

Ethan’s concern deepened as he absorbed Richard’s words. “Forgive me, sir,” Ethan replied. “I was just worried about Miss Amber’s well–being, especially since she might not be very familiar with men like the Colonel, and I felt like it wouldn’t hurt to have someone by her side as an extra precaution, especially given Colonel Miller’s reputation. I just hope nothing happens.”

Richard let out an exasperated

continued to pry. “Ethan,

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please, stop worrying about every little has

“I appreciate your honesty, but I don’t

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need you constantly questioning my decisions.”

Ethan hesitated, his eyes filled with a mix of hesitation and determination. “I understand, sir,” he replied. “But there’s something else I need to address. Please hear me out, even if you might be

upset.”

Richard rolled his eyes, his irritation mounting. “Fine,” he grumbled.. “Spit it out, Ethan. What else

his eyes. do you have to say that’s going to rile me up further?”

Ethan took a deep breath, steeling himself for the discussion ahead. “Sir, I can’t help but wonder if you’re ever going to tell Miss Amber the truth about what really pushed you to propose to her,” he began cautiously. “And, well…why you hate Kayden Black and his family?”

Richard scoffed, recalling Ethan bringing up this question before. “Why do you keep harping on abou this?” Richard asked dismissively. “That’s not something she needs to know, and she certainly doesn’t have to be concerned about it for now.”

Ethan’s expression softened. “Sir, I just thought it might be better if you were the one to tell her,” he explained gently. “If she were to find out through other means, she might feel deceived, used, and upset. That would not be good for you in the long run.“ORA

Richard let out a frustrated sigh. “Amber is fully aware that our arrangement is based on mutual benefits, so there’s no way she’d feel used when she already knows she’s being used,” he retorted, his voice tinged with impatience. “And as for my reasons for marrying her, I will only tell her the truth when I am certain she can handle it.” /

Ethan shook his head slightly, his concern deepening. “But sir, this secret involves Miss Amber’s late mother,” he stated gravely. “Wouldn’t it be better if she found out now? It might help her understand why everything that happened to her, happened.”

Richard’s face hardened. “Amber is only just starting to come out of her depressed shell, Ethan,” he countered, his voice firm. “She’s still mentally fragile, and anything too overwhelming might send her spiraling back into a state of depression and detachment. I will not risk that happening because it would ruin all my plans.”

Ethan’s tone shifted, a touch of sarcasm creeping in. “So, you’re keeping it from her for your sake, not hers,” he remarked pointedly.

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Chapter Forty

Richard’s face hardened. “Amber is only just starting to come out of her depressed shell, Ethan,” he countered, his voice firm. “She’s still mentally fragile, and anything too overwhelming might send her spiraling back into a state of depression and detachment. I will not risk that happening because it would ruin all my plans.”

Ethan’s tone shifted, a touch of sarcasm creeping in. “So, you’re keeping it from her for your sake,

not hers,” he remarked pointedly.

Richard’s eyes narrowed, his patience wearing thin. “I am keeping it for both our sakes. But more importantly, I am protecting her, Ethan,” he snapped back. “This is not entirely about me. I am

prioritizing her well–being and ensuring she is ready to handle such life–alformation. When the time is right, I will tell her.”

Ethan sighed, his frustration evident. “Very well, sir,” he conceded. “I just hope you’re making the right decision.”

Both Ethan and Richard sat in silence for the remainder of the car ride. Ethan’s focused driving came to a halt as he pulled into Richard’s place, the sound of the engine stalling momentarily breaking the silence.

“We have arrived, sir,” Ethan announced wearily, trying to shake off the heaviness that had settled

in his chest.

Richard nodded curtly, his weariness apparent in the lines etched on his face. He half–heartedly opened the car door but paused before fully stepping out. He turned back to Ethan, his voice laced with a cautious seriousness.

“Ethan, I want to make this very clear,” Richard began. “You must never, under any circumstances, make the mistake of telling Amber about the connection between her late mother and Kayden.”

Ethan’s eyes widened at Richard’s stern tone, his brows furrowed in confusion. “Of course, sir,” he replied quickly, a sense of understanding dawning on him. “I won’t utter a word about it. You have my word.”

Richard nodded once, his gaze intent on Ethan’s face, searching for any signs of doubt. Satisfied with what he saw, he stepped out of the car.

As Richard approached the entrance of his house, a flash of movement caught his attention, causing him to freeze in his tracks. His heart skipped a beat as he recognized the figure standing before the

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Angela.

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Angela turned towards him, a bright smile on her face as their gazes locked. “Hello Richard,” she greeted warmly, her eyes twinkling with a bit of mischief.

Richard’s confusion was evident, his voice tinged with disbelief. “What are you doing here, Angela?”

he asked.

Angela shrugged nonchalantly, her smile never faltering. “I heard you’re a married man now,” she said. “I thought I’d come and see if the rumors were true.”

Richard’s eyes narrowed, a mixture of annoyance and irritation bubbling in him. “This is hardly the time or the place,” he replied curtly.

Angela’s smile wavered for a moment, but she quickly regained her composure. “Oh, come on, Richard, she quipped. “I just wanted to congratulate you on finally settling down. It’s not every day that a playboy like you takes the plunge.”

Richard’s jaw clenched his irritation mounting. He wanted nothing more than to dismiss Angela and send her on her way. But he knew that she had a gift for causing trouble.

Regaining his composure, Richard mustered a forced smile, his eyes glinting with a steely resolve. “Thank you for your kind words, Angela,” he said. “But I must ask that you leave now. I’m tired at

the moment and I’d like to rest.”

Angela’s expression hardened. “Always the one to push away, Richard,” she murmured. “Sadly, I won’t be going anywhere until you and I talk. So how about we grab a drink together like the good old

days?”

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