After She She Stopped Loving Him

Chapter 35

Chapter 35

Charles tapped ash from his cigarette, his posture relaxed but distant. Rachael took that as an invitation, sliding onto his lap and starting to work loose the buttons of her blouse.

But tonight, something was off. Charles usually had a fierce, almost careless appetite, but right now, he felt nothing. He stood abruptly, dislodging her as he reached for his suit jacket. “Nor tonight, he said, his tone flat.

With two rejections in one evening, Rachael’s smile tightened for a fraction of a second. Then she shrugged it off. “Whatever. He’s a restless spirit. He’s never really cared about any of his lovers. I really wanna see him crazy about someone!

Charles slung his suit jacket over his shoulder and stepped into the elevator, where he found his aunt, Simone.

His eyes immediately caught the emerald necklace resting against her collarbone. He raised an eyebrow. “Aunt Simone, since when do you wear emeralds?”

“A gift from Yolanda,” she said, touching the stone fondly. She’d only learned tonight that it was worth a fortune; she’d loved it without knowing its price. “She’s way more thoughtful than you.”

Charles let out a short laugh and pressed the elevator button. “I wish she could focus more on me.

Simone knew that arrogant tone well. She nudged him playfully. “Well, well. Don’t tell me you’re actually sulking. Did Yolanda finally give you a taste of your own medicine?”

“It’s just a game, Aunt Simone. You wouldn’t understand. It’s how young couples play,” he smiled.

She sighed, the humor fading from her voice. “If you care about her at all, end things with those other women now. Before you push her too far and lose her for good.”

The elevator doors slid open. Charles stepped out first, throwing a casual, confident remark over his shoulder. “You worry too much. Yolanda isn’t going anywhere”

He knew she’d been in love with him for fifteen years. He’d seen that unmistakable, starry–eyed devotion in her eyes every time she looked at him.

But he’d also always known the real reason the Grant family had adopted her, and that had been enough to keep him at a distance. He hadn’t set out to hurt her; he just never valued a love that came so easily.

didn’t head straight to Megan. First, she checked the card and saw six million dollars. Charles was generous,

speed up the renovations and had asked lan

back.

two weeks. so she figured she wouldn’t see him until

7:44 Thu, Sep 11

Chapter 35

that.

E55 vouchers

texted her out of the blue: [Got hurt doing a stunt.] That was it. No details,

her in. “Wayne, Zack’s male

for lan.

though. He didn’t say a word, finished the shoot, and went back to his

expression darkened. She took a slow breath. Wayne

Aren’t they partnering with your husband? Saw it on the news. You might wanna step in here, or

you. One bad wire, one intentional misstep, and it

to cause trouble. That was why he waited over a week to send that text. And even then, it wasn’t a complaint

up, Yolanda called Charles to ask where he

up around her all week, away from his lovers. She’d been buried in renovation plans from dawn till dusk. They

he was at his desk and set down his papers. “Work hours? I’m at the office, naturally. Coming to see me?” The last

a text… someone said you’re having an affair with the CEO of Primecrest Group. Tell

slept with that woman exactly once. Who the

thick with unshed tears. “I’m going to find whoever sent this. Some actor… Wayne something? He’s on set with one of my talents. I won’t be back

naive fool, exactly as he expected. The idea of her getting worked up over a rumor was almost endearing. He just wanted her to trust him and never pushed

Rachael. ‘Why couldn’t she

her off.