Cold husband burning regret

Chapter 397

The hostess led Tricia to the private room next door. Standing at the threshold, she took a moment to smooth her hair and touch up her lipstick, confidence radiating from her every move as she pushed open the door.

Her gaze fell on the blurred figure behind the folding screen–tall, broad–shouldered, unmistakably young. She tucked her hair behind her ear and stepped out from behind the screen, her smile charming and practiced. “You must be Mr. Selwyn?”

The man didn’t turn around. He picked up his glass, his tone cold and amused. “It’s been years, and you haven’t changed a bit. Looks like failing to become Mrs. Howard hasn’t dulled your skill at chasing men.”

Tricia’s smile faltered.

That voice-

The man turned. The moment she saw his face, she stumbled backward, nearly losing her balance. “Finnick Vinterberg? You… How is it you?”

“What’s wrong? After you climbed aboard Zoe’s ship, did she not tell you I was back in the country?”

Tricia’s face drained of color, her body recoiling instinctively.

To her, Finnick Vinterberg was the devil in disguise. She’d been fooled by his appearance once before, and the torment–physical and emotional–he’d inflicted on her was something she’d never forget.

Finnick strode toward her, and the closer he got, the harder she trembled.

He stopped just in front of her.

Tricia’s knees buckled; she collapsed to the floor, pleading, “Don’t—”

“You’re still just as terrified of me,” Finnick remarked, a note of boredom flickering across his face. He didn’t spare her another glance. “Don’t flatter yourself. I’m not interested in used–up women. I have conditions for my sponsorship.”

Tricia clenched her fists, biting her lip. “What do you want me to do this time…?”

sat down on the sofa, crossing his long legs. “I want

froze. “You… you’re insane. You want

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Chapter 397

chin up with the toe of his shoe. “Do you need me to remind you of what you

from pale to ghostly white. “I’ll do my

long.” He uncrossed his

out of the

back.

the country and already wanted her to steal nanomedicine technology. She’d finally earned Professor Aldridge’s trust–was

both hands to her forehead, her nerves raw

plan flickered to life

***

Meanwhile-

was working late again. Before she knew it,

the lights, and headed out. At a dimly

I really that

calmed her nerves. She looked closer–it was Judd

are you still doing at the lab?” he

late…” Charlotte steadied her breath. “You

something. Came back

but laugh. “Even

raised an eyebrow. “Why, am I not allowed to

“Doesn’t seem like you.”

I