Chapter 139

Outside the hotel, Randall pulled up in his sleek black sedan.

Hertha stood beside the car, her eyes wide with nervous anticipation as she watched Rhett. “Rhett,” she murmured.

Rhett didn’t even spare Hertha a glance, taking the laptop from Kristin’s hands and opening the car door for her. “Get in.”

Kristin was both flattered and aware that Rhett was using her as a shield, deliberately placing her in the line of fire.

But that was where her value lay.

“Rhett, Can we talk, please?” Hertha trembled with a sob. “You drank too much last night. I was only looking out for you. Can’t you trust me, please?”

Rhett signaled for York to close the car door.

“Ms. Haywood, maybe we should talk after the Harborside Haven project wraps up?” York coaxed in a hushed tone.

Hertha, tears welling in her eyes, stood rooted to the spot as Rhett closed the car door.

“Ms. Haywood, this way” The secretary opened the passenger door, beckoning her to get in.

With a sense of defeat, Hertha climbed into the passenger seat.

“Thirsty? You should drink more water if you’ve got a cold,” Rhett said to Kristin with a tenderness that was almost palpable.

York sat shivering, his legs trembling.

Mr. Fitzgerald was making it painfully obvious, which was all a performance for Hertha.

Hertha had crossed a line with Rhett once again last night.

But there was nothing York could do about it. He hadn’t dared tell Rhett that the video of him and Hertha leaving the same hotel suite had gone viral, now topping the trending searches.

The marriage alliance between the Haywood family and the Fitzgerald family was an unstoppable force.

Even if Rhett was unhappy, there was no way out. For the sake of both families‘ honor, an engagement was inevitable.

Sighing, York gazed out the window, fearing Hertha’s cunning might backfire.

Rhett despised being manipulated or used, and Hertha was being far too transparent.

How could the paparazzi have been so fortunate to capture that moment if not for some premeditated setup?

Chapter 139

hungry? You skipped lunch, and the banquet might not be to your taste,” Rhett said to Kristin, unfazed by

surprise. “Where did you get

seen Mr. Fitzgerald

quipped with a raised

and averted her gaze, staring out

face was devilishly charming. Even a casual joke from him was

deep breath, Kristin tried to calm her nerves, her back turned to

seat, felt her anger brewing like a

was doing this on purpose, infuriating

did

would still have to marry Hertha

at a

teeth, wishing

come up with a plan to erase Kristin completely, not just from sight, but to tarnish her reputation so thoroughly that

at the mere mention

look at the project proposal?” York suggested cautiously,

one hand, while secretly holding Kristin’s hand

always clenched her fists when nervous, her nails digging into her

a place hidden from prying eyes, Rhett held Kristin’s hand firmly, preventing her from causing herself any more

tried to steady her breathing as she gazed out the window, her cheeks burning red.

not keep giving her false hope. Or was he always so attentive and caring

clear–headed. He was Rhett, after all.

and Vincent arrived early, looking confident and ready to claim

ignored York’s

Chapter 139

capabilities? What

in the parking

and opened the door

waiting patiently for Kristin to follow. He even took care to shield her head, concerned

and the secretary

speaking up softly, noticing Hertha’s teary eyes a standing together. “Mr. Fitzgerald, that’s enough. Ms. Haywood

gave York a withering look. What concern was

media watching, you’re putting Kristin in a tough spot. She’s already under enough scrutiny,” York added,

for a moment, deciding York had a point, and headed

Ms. Haywood. Don’t read too much into it. Sure, Mr. Fitzgerald is handsome, but don’t let your heart wander. Getting

of her place. Theirs was strictly a business relationship, and she shouldn’t

as she nodded. “I

for you, and Mr. Fitzgerald appreciates your work. Even if the contract ends early, he’ll likely keep you on at Fitzgerald Group.

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