Never Too Far Novel

Chapter 961-970

“You…” Angela, who was slightly dazed, looked up at Richard in bafflement. She knew what he was about to do when she noticed his relatively heavy breathing. In the past, Angela had thought the man was cold and indifferent. But when she got to know the man, she didn’t expect to find that underneath that icy exterior was a heart that burned so fiercely that it could melt her.

As he prepared to kiss her, she instinctively reacted by blocking his lips. Nevertheless, the man quickly locked her arms above her head. She was so angry that she was on the verge of passing out due to being forced to act in such an embarrassing manner. Given her predicament, she would be helpless to stop the man from doing whatever he wanted to her. “Let me go. Richard Lloyd, you better let me go before I–”

She was about to vent her frustration when the man cut her off. Her mind went blank as a firework display went off in her consciousness. She shivered slightly under the man because his kisses had always been aggressive. She had no way out of the man’s grasp and was helpless against him.

Angela felt like she was dying inside from this feeling. It wasn’t just the intensity of his kisses that left her feeling overpowered; it was also the weight of her guilt. Her guilty conscience grew more significant when she realized she was losing herself in the man’s tender kisses. At this point, she might as well have been a villain because she was robbing Annie of her happiness. She finally gave in to the weight of her emotions, and tears streamed down her face. Only when she started crying between the man’s kisses did he realize what was going on, so he stopped and let her go. “You…” Angela, who was slightly dazed, looked up at Richard in bafflement. She knew what he was about to do when she noticed his relatively heavy breathing. In the past, Angela had thought the man was cold and indifferent. But when she got to know the man, she didn’t expect to find that underneath that icy exterior was a heart that burned so fiercely that it could melt her.

“Why are you crying?” Richard looked at her, perplexed because he knew she didn’t mind the kiss and had even reciprocated it.

She averted her gaze to avoid looking at him. Then, there was a knock on the door. She was so startled that she pushed the man away in response. He showed his cooperation by sitting up and allowing her to leave. After that, she said, “I’m sleeping.”

“Angela, I know you’re still awake. I’d like to speak with you,” Daphne insisted.

Angela’s face turned as white as a sheet when she heard the door being pushed open. She grabbed Richard’s arm and dragged him into her dressing room before opening her enormous cabinet door. “Hide inside here and don’t come out,” she said sternly.

Despite feeling melancholy, he obediently hid in the suffocating cabinet, his tall body slightly curled up.

Just as she shut the door to her cupboard, she heard her mom call out, “Why didn’t you answer me?”

Angela turned her head, terrified, and said, “Mom, I’m looking for my pajamas.”

“Are you not wearing them now?”

Her face immediately flushed as she looked down at herself. She was not only dressed in her pajamas, but she was also not wearing any undergarments. It was only now, as a result of the events, that she realized she had forgotten to put it on. Does this mean that man could feel everything when he was on top of me? Oh, no!

“Why are you taking so long? Come out and talk to me!” Daphne demanded.

Daphne sighed after Angela sat on the couch. “I’m just so happy that I couldn’t sleep, so I wanted to talk to you. I’ve decided it’s time for you to take over the company. You should take over my responsibilities now because I’m already old and have been suffering from headaches since the car accident.”

She nodded calmly as she listened to her. “All right, Mom. I’ll try to take over your company.”

“Well, I’m sure you’ll do just fine. Come to the office with me tomorrow. It’s time I introduce you to everyone.”

“Okay,” Angela responded. Anyway, it’s time for me to find something to do.

Daphne was pleased with how her daughter had matured in the aftermath of the incident. Afterwards, she combed her daughter’s hair and said, “Okay, get to bed early. You look so tired.”

“Sure, I will. You should go to bed early as well.” Angela stood up and led her mom to the door. She went straight to her dressing room after closing her room door.

Richard had already left the cabinet and was standing in the room when he realized the door was closed. Standing tall in the dressing room, he was overcome with emotion as he spoke to Angela, who had just entered the room. He mentioned, “Tomorrow, I’ll call Annie and tell her I’m breaking off our engagement.”

Richard didn’t want to delay it any longer.

“How are you going to tell her?” Angela’s chest tightened as she worried his comments would be harsh.

“I’ll tell her the truth that I’m in love with another woman and convince her to call off the engagement.” He would never fabricate a story about his feelings.

She looked at him calmly and replied, “Please, don’t mention that it’s me.”

With a glimmer in his eyes, Richard nodded, hesitant yet kind, and said, “Alright, I promise.”

“Try not to hurt Annie,” she pleaded.

“That is unavoidable. But I’ll try to be as gentle as possible for you.” Of course, he would try to be nicer to Annie for the sake of Angela.

She nodded. “Thank you.”

Richard glanced at her with a trace of disappointment as she remained silent. “Don’t you have anything else to say to me?”

“No. Please leave immediately, Captain Lloyd.” Angela restrained her emotions and requested him to leave.

He suddenly stretched his arms and embraced her against his chest. She struggled a bit as he whispered in her ear with a deep voice, “Don’t worry. We have our whole future ahead of us.”

Angela tilted her head up in surprise. Her eyes reflected some of the room’s light, and she hid her excitement about the future under those reflections.

“Believe me.” Richard locked his gaze on her before turning around and leaving the room.

“Let me take you out the front door, or you can even leave through the basement!” She called out to him because she didn’t want him to risk going out the same way he came in. Richard didn’t want to delay it any longer.

“How are you going to tell her?” Angela’s chest tightened as she worried his comments would be harsh.

“No need.” He went off the balcony and disappeared into one of the corners. She rushed over only to see his figure sliding on the thin pillar and vanishing toward the large column. She was tensed by the thought, This man likes to take unexpected routes.

Only at midnight that night had Angela been able to drift off to sleep. She heard her phone ring and answered the call after stretching her hand to get the phone. “Hello.”

“Angela, Richard wants to meet me! Goodness! He asked me out!” Annie exclaimed enthusiastically.

She was awakened by Annie’s enthusiastic voice, and she immediately opened her eyes and sat in bed. Then, Annie asked, “What shall I wear? Shall I apply heavy makeup, or will light makeup suffice… Angela, do you know him? Tell me how to dress to make an impression on him!”

Angela answered calmly, “Annie, it’s fine if you just dress normally.”

“Angela, I’m hanging up now. I must be at the restaurant by eleven-thirty, so I must get ready now.” Saying that, Annie ended the call.

Angela looked at the time while fixing her unruly hair and saw that it was 8.30AM. She got up and prepared herself because she had promised her mom to accompany her to the company. She eventually decided on a professional-looking suit as her outfit for the day.

Daphne was already waiting downstairs for Angela. After finishing their breakfast, the two of them headed for the company. Although her mom only managed a few dozen real estate properties, she built her business gradually due to her steady and consistent approach to business. As a result, the company’s business performance and reputation were outstanding.

She accompanied her mom to the company, where everyone treated her with respect because they all knew she was the company’s successor. After showing her around the various departments, Daphne led her into a conference room. Angela discreetly glanced at her watch as she listened in on the conference where her mom and the shareholders discussed the company’s plans. It was already 11.00AM. She became nervous out of nowhere with a guilty conscience. She hoped Annie could accept the breakup of their engagement without being hurt.

11.30AM.

Annie arrived on time at a particular restaurant and was already at the restaurant’s entrance. She chose attractive feminine clothing to present her best self in front of Richard with light and delicate

makeup for their date. Any woman would want to look her absolute best while meeting a man she has her eyes on.

Annie finally encountered the man at the table next to the window for the second time. He sat there with the sun streaming through the window, looking like a gorgeous sculpture, radiating its attractiveness and masculinity.

Annie admired and worshiped Richard from the bottom of her heart since he had a significant presence that drew admiration from those around him. She went to see him alone, her breathing hastened with her hands clasped tightly. “Richard.” She greeted the man before taking a seat in front of him.

Breaking away from his thoughts, he gazed at her, who pursed her lips and turned her eyes away since she didn’t dare to look at him. “You’ve come.” He returned her greeting while handing her the menu. “Let’s order.”

“You do it. I’m not particular about my food,” Annie replied shyly.

Richard beckoned the waiter and, after considerable thought, chose four dishes. After placing his order, he poured a cup of tea for her.

She leaped to her feet. “I can do it on my own.”

“Ms. Annie, I have something personal to say to you,” he said as courteously as he could.

“Go ahead.” Annie wanted to hear what he had to say as she blinked expectantly at him.

“I want to cancel our engagement,” Richard remarked, his gaze fixed on her.

The cup held by Annie dropped to the table with a loud crash. Fortunately, it only caused a tiny spillage, and the cup remained intact. She trembled, staring at the table because she had not expected him to break off their engagement after inviting her out. “Why?” She felt an incredible amount of grief, and

despair overcame her. Annie admired and worshiped Richard from the bottom of her heart since he had a significant presence that drew admiration from those around him. She went to see him alone, her breathing hastened with her hands clasped tightly. “Richard.” She greeted the man before taking a seat in front of him.

“I’m sorry. I have someone else I like.” Richard frowned. He didn’t know how to tell her politely, so she was bound to be hurt.

“But why didn’t you tell me at the dinner party last time? Perhaps you should have said that you already have someone in your heart at that time. I wouldn’t have…” Annie made a sorrowful expression with her lips puckered. She had experienced a bitter unrequited love in just three months. Ultimately, their engagement was canceled, which was hard for her to accept.

Things were unpredictable, as usual. His love life was still empty at the last dinner party. However, after barely three months, a woman had wholly captured his heart. “I’m sorry.” He apologized to her.

She raised her head, her eyes reddening, and asked, “What type of woman is she? Is she more talented than I am? Is she better than me?” She couldn’t admit she wasn’t as good as the lady Richard adored. Annie also considered herself a good choice as she was a confident and cheerful woman.

He said hushedly, “She’s not a woman with many talents, but in my heart, no one can replace her.”

Annie reached for the tissues next to her and dabbed her eyes with them as tears slid down her cheek. The waiter arrived and served their food. Richard watched her body tremble without touching the food and sobbing as he attempted to comfort her. “I believe you will meet a man who is better than me.”

She felt sad, but the thought that the happiness and anticipation of her family members over the marriage would be shattered increased her misery. However, she was not someone who clung to the past. Despite her struggle to accept this fact, she maintained her manners. She inhaled deeply, raised her head, and looked at the man across her. “Mr. Lloyd, I know in my heart that I am not good enough

for you, as you are an amazing person. I wish you… I’m sorry… Enjoy your meal.” She then took her bag and left the restaurant while wiping her tears. What she needed right now was a place to cry uncontrollably.

Annie left the restaurant and went to a nearby café. While still crying, she quickly grabbed her phone and called Angela.

Angela was eating lunch with her mom in the office cafeteria when her phone rang. Looking at her phone, her heart skipped a beat as she saw Annie had called. She answered the phone at once. “Hello, Annie?” Annie’s rapid cries, rather than her voice, greeted her on the other end of the line as if she were too distraught to talk at the moment.

“Ann.” Angela called Annie’s name out of concern.

“Angela… T-The engagement is canceled. Richard called off our engagement. H-He says that he likes another woman.” Annie sobbed in dejection upon recounting that.

“Where are you? I’ll come to you,” questioned Angela in a gentle voice.

“I’ll send you the location.” Annie just needed someone to confide in. She sent the location to Angela as soon as she terminated the call.

Angela informed her mother before hitting the road by car toward the coffee shop. By the time she found Annie, the jilted woman was sitting right there with puffy eyes and a long face.

Angela sat next to her and gave her a hug. At that moment, Annie threw herself into her embrace as tears trickled down her cheeks again.

“Everything’s gonna be fine. Don’t cry. It’s fortunate that he’s honest with you about his feelings before it’s too late.”

“Angela, I wonder what kind of girl a rigid man like him left me for. She must be an amazing and beautiful person to have won his heart.” The sorrow in Annie was laced with crumbs of frustration nonetheless.

Angela held her tongue for a moment before offering some comforting words. “Let’s not think about that. Just let him be! You’re not bad yourself.”

“Hmm, but I’m not sure how I’m going to face Grandpa, Dad and Mom. They must be disappointed in me.” Not only Annie had to accept the called-off engagement, she also needed to face her family’s disappointment. “Ann.” Angela called Annie’s name out of concern.

“Angela… T-The engagement is canceled. Richard called off our engagement. H-He says that he likes another woman.” Annie sobbed in dejection upon recounting that.

“Don’t worry about it. They’ll understand.” Angela then primped Annie’s messy hair strands. “You must believe that your family loves you the most.”

Annie sniffed and nodded like an obedient child. “Hmm. Angela, I actually sensed his indifferent attitude during the engagement ceremony back then. I’ve texted him numerous times, but he never replied at all. It is true that he doesn’t care for me.”

Angela’s chest tightened as her heart ached for Annie, yet she could not help her sister, which ensued a wave of guilt in her. If I didn’t fall in love with Richard at the base; if I didn’t exist in the first place, would he give it a shot with Annie?

“I asked whether the girl he likes is an outstanding person, but he said that that was not the case. It’s just that no one can take away her place in his heart. Angela, I’m so jealous of that girl!” Annie blinked her teary eyes while she unbosomed her genuine thoughts and sorrow without hiding anything.

Angela’s heart was squeezed by an invisible string and she took a deep breath. “Ann, actually—” She just wished she could tell the truth.

“What?” Annie stared at her in curiosity.

Gazing at Annie’s tear-stained face, Angela heaved a sigh as she figured that it had been a rough day for Annie. “Nothing. You’ll get over it soon.”

Following that, Annie rested her head on Angela’s shoulder wearily. “Angela, do you know? I heard that his uncle is the vice president of the country; even his mother is from a powerful family. I bet a lot of wonderful women will like him.”

Angela’s brows slightly furrowed. Is Richard from such a powerful family? Is the vice president his uncle? But I remember that the vice president is still young! There’s only about two years difference in their age, though.

“Angela, I’m starving. I haven’t eaten anything until now.” Annie suddenly thought of her rumbling stomach.

“What? He didn’t even buy you a meal?” Rage suddenly rushed in Angela’s veins.

A surprised Annie looked at her with baffled eyes.

“How dare he!” It was almost 1.00PM at the moment.

“No, it’s not like that. I left the restaurant without eating anything. Don’t blame him.” Annie attempted to put in good words for Richard as Angela seemed like she was going to punch someone right then.

Angela inhaled deeply to regain her composure before taking hold of Annie’s hand. “Let’s go. Just grab anything you want. All on me.”

“Let’s go for a feast! I wanna have the most expensive seafood buffet.” Annie decided to efface her sadness with a feast.

Annie knew her place very well. After some thought, she realized that it was not a big deal as Richard was not the man she could get along with anyway.

During the meal, she was in the mode of binge-eating her sadness away whereas Angela had not much of an appetite. All these years, Angela had been playing her role as the elder sister to look after Annie since they were young.

“Angela, what are you staring at? Dig in!” asked Annie as she raised her head.

“I don’t feel like eating right now. You can enjoy them yourself,” soothed Angela.

“I’ve been on a diet for the past three months because I’m afraid that Richard will not like it if I’m chubby, but none of that matters now! I can quit my diet and eat whatever I want. You don’t know how difficult it’s been for me.” Annie chewed on her food adorably as she found the reason for her happiness despite the bad day.

Angela broke into a smile. “Well, have as much as you want then.”

At that moment, her phone rang upon receiving a message after which she fished it out to take a look at it.

‘I’ve called off the engagement.’

She could tell who the sender was right away and she replied, ‘I know. I’m with Annie right now.’

‘I’ll give you another week. Please be my girlfriend.’ The domineering aura seeped into his words.

Staring at his text, she eventually zoned out as her mind was in a mess. She could never be his girlfriend as soon as Annie’s engagement was called off. Not to mention the fact that she did not have the guts to be with him! Annie knew her place very well. After some thought, she realized that it was not a big deal as Richard was not the man she could get along with anyway.

In the end, she chose to ignore his message and set down her phone while Annie asked curiously, “Angela, I heard that you broke up with Dexter. Is that true?”

“Hmm, it’s been a while.”

“Angela, honestly, I think that he’s not the guy for you. Look at how he behaves in front of you. What is it called again? Oh, like a simp! I hate him so much.” Annie was vexed. “By the way, I haven’t told you about something. When I went abroad to visit you, he wrapped his arm around my shoulder on purpose at a restaurant!”

“Really? Did he do anything to you?” The ire was sizzling in Angela’s eyes, for she merely gave Dexter a call to end things with him. She should have given him a few slaps in the face!

“Nope, but he definitely crossed the line because he was still your boyfriend at that time. I didn’t dare to tell you about it,” recounted Annie.

Angela took a deep breath. “He’s going to get it from me if I see him again.”

“Angela, you deserve someone better. You’re prettier and more capable than I am. You’re going to take over the company in the future as the charismatic president.” Annie laid out her genuine thoughts.

Angela smiled lightly. “I am going to take my mother’s place.”

“For real! That’s awesome!” Annie gave Angela a thumbs up.

Angela stared at her sister. Due to the sincere bond they mutually shared, never once had she thought of putting Annie in harm’s way. That was why she forsaked every chance she had by backing off when it came to her relationship with Richard.

After completing his mission, Richard had made up his mind to keep his grandfather company for a while at Lloyd Residence. There was a week for him to spend time with his family before undertaking his next mission.

At 12.00PM, Phillip was feeding the fish at the yard when Richard returned home. He walked toward Phillip’s back and sprinkled the flakes into the pond while saying, “Grandpa, there’s something I gotta inform you about.”

“Go ahead.”

“I’ve called off the engagement with Annie.”

Phillip turned to look at him in confusion. “Why didn’t you discuss with me first?”

“There’s no need for that. I have someone I like.” Richard’s tone was firm.

The old man was on the brink of flipping out, but his attention was diverted to Richard’s confession. “Oh? Who is it?”

“Not now. I’ll tell you some other day.”

“Don’t you dare pull a trick on me. I won’t let you off if it’s a lie.”

“Grandpa, please inform Meyers Family about it in my stead. I will send my apology to them.”

Needless to say, Phillip would not permit Richard to do that since he was the one forcing the engagement on him in the first place. If there had to be someone to apologize for it, Phillip should be

the one doing it. He then patted Richard’s shoulder. “A week later, bring over the girl you like. I would like to have a meal with her.”

Richard took a few seconds to ponder over it. “Okay. I’ll do my best to persuade her.”

That night, everyone was notified to have dinner at Meyers Residence. Phillip had phoned Joshua to apologize about the called-off engagement. Considering that it was a big family event, prudent notice was necessary.

Angela and Annie headed straight to Meyers Residence from the mall in the city center and their parents arrived soon after they did. Dinner was served as usual on the dining table in which every member of the family was present.

“Ann, don’t take it personally and don’t blame the Lloyd Family,” Joshua comforted Annie before turning to face his youngest son and daughter-in-law. “You too. Don’t be too upset about it. It’ll do no good to both families.”

“Relax, Dad. We’re chill.” Matthew eased his father’s worries.

“Yeah. Ann is just down on her luck.” As the mother, Jennifer was a little resentful about the outcome as she had been looking forward to her daughter’s marriage. “Grandpa, please inform Meyers Family about it in my stead. I will send my apology to them.”

Hearing that, Daphne piped out as her sister-in-law, “Jennifer, look at the bright side. Ann is still young and pretty. She’ll find herself a good match sooner or later. Think about it—no matter how outstanding of a person Richard is, he has to be away from home often for his missions. Ann might live a widow-like life after marrying him. She’s better off being single.”

“Pfft!” Angela spat her tea out onto the floor, drawing everyone’s baffled gaze. She covered her mouth as she coughed. “I choked on the tea.”

“What’s the hurry? No one’s snatching it from you,” Daphne commented.

“Daphne, I think you’re right. I’d rather see someone doting on Ann and stay by her side. She is timid and tends to depend on others. Richard is not her Mr. Right.” Jennifer came to terms with the outcome.

“That’s right. Angela should find someone like that too. It’s easy to have problems when the man is rarely present round the clock,” Daphne added.

“True. So, it’s a good thing that the engagement is called off. Though that Richard guy has the looks and capability, we’re not lucky enough to be his family. Let’s just forget it. We’ll find someone reliable for Ann.”

“Yeah, so put your worries at rest. Ann is still young and there’s no need to rush. The fact that Richard calls off the engagement himself shows that he doesn’t want to string Ann along. He’s a mature one. The last time I met him, he stands out in every way, but his attitude is too cold. He doesn’t seem like a caring and loving person.”

Speechless, Angela gazed at her mother as she wished for her to stop. Though she was clueless at the moment, she was afraid that her mother had to take back her words one day.

Seeing how her family was not let down by the issue, Annie was in a good mood as she muttered, “I won’t marry anyone for now. I wanna go on a trip to loosen up myself.”

Following that, the conversation revolved around how men should pay more attention to either the family or career under Daphne and Jennifer’s lead. Angela left her seat unobtrusively to take some fresh air in the garden. Lifting her head, she gazed at the starry sky, which reminded her of the time Richard accompanied her to watch the stars at the base.

On that very night, not only did she watch the starry sky, she was also deeply enchanted by the man. However, could she have that kind of life? Could she even rewind the time?

It’s awful of me to think about this when Annie’s engagement has just been called off.

As an afterthought, she shook her head to shrug off those notions.

When she returned home, she sat in her room and stared out of the balcony in a daze. Will he come again?

At that moment, her phone binged and it made her heart flutter. She quickly grabbed it as she had a hunch that it was Richard—it really was him.

‘I’m at the doorstep. Can we meet?’

Her heart was racing and she sprang to her feet to run to the balcony at which she could see a car parked under the trees outside of the house; her breathing became slightly heavier.

He’s really here! Should I go?

However, before she found the answer to her dilemma, her phone rang. She sighed and answered the call.

“Come down.” The man’s low voice resounded.

“It’s late. I should—”

“Then, I’ll come to you,” he interrupted.

“No! You can’t!” A surprised Angela stopped him.

“It’s up to you.” He coaxed her into making a decision.

She was rendered speechless as she wondered, Since when do I always listen to him?

“Just go. I’m tired today. I don’t wanna see you.” Still, her guilty conscience was pricked by the fact that Annie’s engagement was just called off. It would be tactless to see him right now.

“You have five minutes,” said the man before hanging up the phone. Apparently, there was no room for discussion in this.

She stared at the car, which had its headlights turned on, and bit her lips in frustration because of his antics. At that moment, her phone binged and it made her heart flutter. She quickly grabbed it as she had a hunch that it was Richard—it really was him.

Nevertheless, she gave in as she did not wish him to climb over the window again. It was perilous.

After changing into something casual, she headed downstairs where Daphne was watching the television in the living room. She lied, “Mom, a friend of mine is here to take me for a hangout. I’ll be home soon.”

“Who? A guy or a girl?”

“It’s a girl.”

“Well, be careful, honey. You know it’s dangerous when it’s dark out there.”

“Got it. I’ll be back as early as possible.” Angela then pulled open the door and left.

She strode toward the black SUV when the window on the driver seat was unwound. The man’s intense gaze landed upon her while he let out a faint smile.

She hopped onto the passenger seat and asked, “Say it. I’m heading back after we’re done talking.”

Suddenly, he started the car engine and she frowned. “Where are you taking me?”

“For a walk. Let’s get some fresh air.” He turned the steering wheel and drove the car away, but she did not thwart him as she looked out of the window in silence.

“How’s Annie doing?” Richard questioned concernedly.

“She’s doing fine. She’s going for a vacation soon,” replied Angela.

“When are you going to tell her about us?” he added.

“Let’s put that aside first.” She turned to take a glimpse of him with a flushed face.

He glanced at her as well. That was not an explicit answer, but it meant that there was still a chance for them.

Silence filled the car; as though her thoughts were surging aloud in her mind, she turned her head to zero in on Richard. The street lights shafted upon him and enhanced his engaging features. Despite wearing only a black sweater, he could not hide the polished air around him.

Angela finally knew why he gave her such a sophisticated impression—it was due to the inherent elegance that ran in his family and blood. She had done research on his mother, who looked gorgeous and graceful in the pictures spread online. Furthermore, she discovered that Richard’s mother had a husband.

“It’s said that your uncle is the vice president of the country. Is that true?”

He hummed in response without any detailed elaboration.

“Did your mother remarry?” She tried to keep her voice gentle while asking that very question.

She knew almost nothing of him. Besides him, her knowledge pertaining to his family and background was close to nil.

Richard nodded. “When I was one year old, my father passed away and my mother remarried.”

Angela’s heart went out for him while she looked at him. She was born in a happy family and her parents showered her with unreserved love. As she compared him to herself, her heart ached to know his past.

“Sorry. I shouldn’t have asked.” She regretted in a worry that it might remind him of bad memories. NôvelDrama.Org is the owner.

“You should ask to know me better before becoming my wife,” he said seriously.

Words failed her as she thought, Why am I suddenly becoming your wife? We aren’t even going out yet!

“Cut it out.” She bit her lips and stared out of the window with cheeks tinged with red. Now that Annie and his engagement was called off, the worries in Angela’s head dispelled, but she could not act recklessly either.

“It’s just a matter of time before it happens.” Richard was certain as he took a glimpse of her with confidence.

Meanwhile, she did not reciprocate to it because she did not know how to. At that moment, he parked the car near a bustling park. “Let’s take a walk.”

Angela nodded and alighted from the car as well. Unlike the arctic mountains, it was quite warm in the city. Although it was the beginning of the winter, the temperature was not that low and the ambience lingered with remnant crumbs of late autumn.

After she took merely two steps forward, the man held her hand at which she attempted to shake him off. However, it was a futile endeavor due to his strength, so she just let him be in the end. Whenever

there were crowds, he even wrapped his arm around her shoulders like couples did. Richard nodded. “When I was one year old, my father passed away and my mother remarried.”

“Wanna drink something?” he asked.

She happened to see a coffee shop. “I want some brewed coffee. Let’s have one as we walk.”

“I’ll get it for you.” He then released her.

Her lips pursed into a thin line as she tried to smother a smile while nodding. She watched his upright figure striding toward the coffee shop; the tight knitwear and black pants displayed the alluring yet sturdy outline of his broad shoulders and slim waist under the streetlights in the park.

Her heart palpitated at such a pleasing sight as if she had returned to the moment when she first fell for him in the base.

Soon, Richard approached her with two cups of coffee in his hands and she took one of them. To have a stroll in a park with a warm and tantalizing coffee in the onset of winter was a delight to relish in.

The both of them kept quiet while rounding the park; the ambiguous atmosphere lingering around them felt better than ever.

After a while, Richard piped up, “My grandfather wishes to see you.”

Angela looked at him in shock. “Did you tell him about us?”

“I didn’t tell him that it’s you. I just told him that I have someone I like and he wants me to bring her to him as soon as possible.” He gazed at her with comforting eyes.

“B-But I haven’t sorted out my thoughts yet. Let’s talk about it later.” She recalled the dinner she had tonight and the discussion shared between Jennifer and Daphne. It was evident that Jennifer was

irritated by the marriage cancellation.

Furthermore, her mother’s words indicated that it would be better for her to stay away from this man for now. Otherwise, Daphne would be a joke to others.

A glint flickered in his eyes and he sighed. “Fine. We’ll talk about it some other day. We’re not in a rush for a marriage anyway.”

Now, it was Angela’s turn to be confused. He was talking about how much he wanted to marry me right away, but why is he saying that there’s no rush?

In fact, he could not level with her that he had another mission to undertake, which would put his life on stake. Thus, he could not guarantee his safe return and hence the repose.

Just as she was about to question him, he wrapped his arm around her shoulders. “Let’s head home. The wind is strong.”

Her instincts were telling her that something was on his mind, but he had no intention of telling her.

Is he hiding something from me?

When they entered the car, someone in a nearby vehicle was holding a camera facing them. Angela’s face was in most of the photos.

However, Richard was oblivious of it due to the far distance in addition to the trees.

He started the car and drove toward Angela’s place. She kept glancing at him along the way back home. She realized that she was not the only one plagued by colossal thoughts in her mind; even his eyes were giving his deep rumination away.

Did something happen?

“Has something happened to you lately?” she inquired out of concern.

“No.” He shook his head.

The sudden sense of helplessness washed over her, for he would probably still keep it to himself even if there was a problem; not to mention she was keeping her distance with him now. It was normal for him to do so.

Once they arrived outside her house, she remained seated in the car as she suddenly felt like accompanying him longer.

“It’s still early. Let’s talk,” suggested Angela since she was not in a hurry.

His eyes fixated on her with a warm gaze. Cladded in a blue jacket, she appeared brisk and stylish tonight. Her beautiful face that was glowed up with some light make-up made his heart flutter.

At the same time, her heart was beating rapidly as Richard kept staring at her; her face was beginning to flush red. That untrammeled gaze of his gave her an illusion that he could devour her whole right at the spot.

“Forget it. I’ll just go home.”

I don’t think we’ll ever speak.

Before she could even leave, the man ordered in a gruff voice, “Come closer.”

She raised her head to see his engaging eyes that were visible under the illumination of the street lights. She could understand the emotions in them at a glance; he was communicating his feelings to her without a word. However, Richard was oblivious of it due to the far distance in addition to the trees.

Red perfused her cheeks almost instantly. Is he trying to do something right in front of my house?

“No.” Angela shook her head as she was a shy person.

He suddenly stretched out his long arm at her, causing her to open the door and get out of the car in great haste. Due to the armrest console, she was totally free from his control. Before closing the door, she flashed a smug smile at him. “I said ‘no’ means ‘no’.”

Having said that, she closed the door and took another two steps before turning her head to make eyes at him with a smile. Her slim waist and slender legs oozed sexiness as she trod, making the man in watch gulped his saliva.

Someday, I’ll make her pay ten times more for what she’s done tonight.

Angela had not learned her lesson about how horrible the consequences were for ticking on his nerves.

Still, it was a peaceful night for her as she pondered, I don’t have to rush things with Richard and we’re able to meet up secretly, where I can act my true self in front of him.

In an elegantly decorated parlor, a beautiful woman was sitting on the couch as she flipped through the received pictures. A satisfied smile appeared across her lips.

“Have you looked into the girl?”

“Yes. She’s Angela Meyers. Her father is a civil servant and her mother is a developer. They’re clean.”

She nodded in contentment. “Richard has an eye for women. She looks like someone from an educated family at first glance. I hope he’ll bring her home to meet me.”

The person taking pictures furtively was not a bad guy, but someone who was working for Scarlet Husson, Richard’s mother. She was merely curious about her son’s recent movements. After she

remarried, she did not take care of him and hence their petered out relationship. In addition to Lloyd Family’s strict upbringing on the boys, it was difficult for him to spare some time to visit her.

It was the very issue that was plaguing her. Forget about parental absence on Richard’s development, she wished to take part in his marriage, but she dared not interfere too much. Now she had to ask someone to tail her son just to take a look at her future daughter-in-law.

At that moment, a maid came in with a message. “Madam, Mr Husson is here.”

Worries sat on her brows as she nodded to acknowledge her. Before long, a towering figure marched to the parlor from the door. It was the handsome Ren Husson in a black suit, the contemporary pillar of the authorities.

Scarlet gazed at her younger brother and the serenity in her gaze was ever evident. Bearing the risk of a gestational pregnancy, their mother gave birth to an heir for the Husson Family. Scarlet could not help the delight to see the achievement and glory he procured as of today.

“Scarlet,” Ren greeted as he undid the buttons of his suit due to the warm temperature in the house. Removing his outerwear, he revealed the dark-colored vest and white shirt underneath it. They defined his enticing waist line perfectly whereas the long pants were covering his long and slender legs.

“Have you eaten?” asked Scarlet caringly.

“Yeah.” He seated himself opposite her with a slightly helpless expression. “I’ve just received news that Richard has hacked into the dark web and obtained a lot of information. I think he’s going to take action on his own.”

“What?!” Color drained from her face and her eyes reddened. “He hasn’t given up, has he?”

“Scarlet, why don’t we just let him join the mission?”

“Is there any other way to dissuade him?” She still held onto the hope that her son would not join this mission, for the worry that he might lose his rationality and risk his life just to kill the person whom had murdered his father. It would put him in danger too.

“There’s nothing we can do to stop him for now. I’ve met Old Master Lloyd and he wants Richard to make his own decision. He won’t intervene.”

“He knows Richard best. It’s useless to stop him.” Scarlet sighed before looking at her brother. “Ren, please help him.”

Knowing exactly what she meant by that, he nodded. “I’ll do everything in my power to help him.”

“And one more thing—Richard has a girlfriend. You should transfer him to another department, so he won’t have any mission abroad. He can at least stay in the country that way.” “Scarlet,” Ren greeted as he undid the buttons of his suit due to the warm temperature in the house. Removing his outerwear, he revealed the dark-colored vest and white shirt underneath it. They defined his enticing waist line perfectly whereas the long pants were covering his long and slender legs.

“Leave it to me.” Having said that, he smiled. “He got himself a girlfriend?”

She cast her gaze onto him. “Look. Even Richard is dating. Don’t you think that you should make some effort? Work is important and so is marriage.”

“I’m busy with work. It’s not the time for that yet.” It was a downright refusal.

“There you go again.” Scarlet then showed him the pictures. “This is her. Isn’t she pretty?”

He took a closer look at them. “Hmm. She is.”

Suddenly, she thought of something as she announced, “I wanna invite her to the dinner party this Friday.”

Meanwhile, a sleepless Angela was tossing and turning in the quiet bedroom. It was as if the suppressed feelings she had for Richard were surging in her like a waterfall, pushing her timid heart forward.

Some emotions grew stronger the longer they were smothered; like a fettered beast, they would pounce out of the cage abruptly once they seized the chance.

Lying in bed, she took her phone and tried to rein back her emotions after which she ended up dialing the man’s number.

A couple of seconds later, his husky voice rang into her ear. “Hey.”

The tranquility in her heart rippled. “Are you home yet?”

“Hmm. I just entered my room.”

“Oh. I’m just asking. I’m glad that you’re home now. Bye!” Angela was too shy to talk to him any longer. It was like she missed speaking to him so much.

“Are you free tomorrow? I’ll buy you a meal,” Richard inquired in a low voice.

“I gotta go to my mother’s company for a shareholder meeting. It’s compulsory for me to join them, but I can dine out for lunch.”

“Great. I’ll pick you up in the afternoon.”

“I’ll drive myself there. We can’t let my mother see you.”

“Why? Am I not presentable enough?” He huffed.

She chuckled. “It’s not like that.”

At the thought of her mother’s comment of him, she was at her wit’s ends although it was just her mother trying to comfort Jennifer.

“What are you doing?”

“I’m in bed and I’m going to sleep,” she answered honestly.

“Do you miss me?”

“Nope,” denied Angela.

“But I do,” confessed the man suddenly.

“Why?” she questioned back in embarrassment.

“What do you think?” He countered.

“Well, I don’t know!” She did not answer on purpose, but it was hilarious to her by how the conversation was revolving around such childish questions.

“I’m going to shower.” As soon as he blurted those words, the rustling sound of clothes could be heard from the other side of the line.