Chapter 165: Chapter 166

Chapter 166

Armand gulped as he strode down the stairs and squatted by the pool.

“Genevieve.”

Genevieve had just finished swimming laps with several children. When she heard Armand’s low voice, she emerged from the water and swam toward him.

With wet hair clinging to her cheeks, she raised her head and looked at Armand in confusion.

Armand’s gaze swept across her features as he got down on one knee and bent down. Reaching out, he cupped the back of her head before lowering his head and kissing her gently.

“Ah!” the surrounding children exclaimed in surprise. Some even covered their eyes.

“Mom said that children can’t watch adults kiss.”

“That Mister is so shameless! He kissed her without her consent!”

“That’s right! We have to call the police to catch him!”

At the rest area, Patrick reclined lazily against the chair as he listened to Steven talk when he saw Armand approach the swimming pool, lean down, and kiss Genevieve.

The intimate gesture was an eyesore to him.

Patrick got up from the chair, grabbed a glass of water from the table, and gobbled it down as he turned around.

Glancing at him, Steven looked toward the swimming pool.

Perhaps he had seen it too many times before, or maybe it was because he was getting old, but Steven was immune to such scenes. His expression remained calm.

“You’re not young anymore.” Steven thought Patrick was embarrassed. He tapped the latter on the shoulder with a document and said, “My friend’s niece is one year younger than you. She graduated from a prestigious university and is beautiful. I’ll ask my friend to arrange a meeting for the both of you, okay?”

Patrick paused and pursed his lips. “Steven, don’t worry about me. Look at yourself. You’re in your thirties but still don’t have a girlfriend.”

“How could you talk to me like that!” Steven slapped the document on Patrick’s shoulder harshly.

Patrick rubbed his shoulder with one hand to soothe the pain.

His eyes darkened when he caught a glimpse of Armand leaving the swimming pool with his arms wrapped around Genevieve.

Steven caught sight of them as well and started to pack up Armand’s phone and belongings.

“Let’s go. I’ll speak to my friend later to ask for her niece’s WhatsApp contact so you can get to know her.”

“You should become a matchmaker, Steven. You’ll be a popular one.” Patrick snorted and grabbed his jacket from the back of the chair. However, he did not have a firm grip on it, and something small fell out of the pocket.

It bounced twice on the floor and landed beside Steven’s feet.

Just as Patrick was about to reach out to pick it up, Steven had already done so. It was a small wooden figurine. The figurine had a detailed carving, and the girl’s features were lifelike.

Upon realizing who it resembled, Steven was stunned, his eyes widening.

Before Patrick could take it back, Steven raised his hand and slapped the former across the face harshly.

Patrick’s face whipped to the side from the force.

Although Steven was strict with Patrick and had beaten the latter before, he had never been this harsh.

“Patrick, have you lost your mind!” Steven growled under his breath, feeling the urge to slap the other again. “Don’t you know who she belongs to? How dare you harbor feelings for her! Are you crazy?”

Patrick wiped the blood on the corner of his mouth with his thumb as his lips moved. “I’m not-”

“Do you think I’m blind?” Steven interrupted with an ashen face. “I thought you were in a bad mood these few days because you blamed yourself for not protecting her well. I never imagined… You’re really too bold! Go back to your room and pack your things immediately. I’ll have someone send you back to Epea.

You don’t have to return to Jadeborough anymore.” Steven took out his phone to make a call as he headed outside.

Hearing that, Patrick rushed forward and grabbed Steven’s arm. “Steven, don’t make me leave. I didn’t do anything-”

Steven gave a backhanded slap on his left cheek and snapped, “You didn’t do anything? Then, what are you planning to do? Do you want to wait for Mr. Faulkner to deal with you? Go to Epea. You’re not allowed to come back until I say so!” Steven shook him off and stormed away.

Licking the blood from the corner of his lips, Patrick stood there alone with his eyes lowered.