Chapter 163

Neal’s audacity seemed to know no bounds as he reached out to play with Kristin’s hair, his voice coated in charm. “You’ve got amazing skin. What’s your secret?”

Kristin felt her entire body stiffen, her heart pounding wildly against her chest. The suffocating sensation was back, overwhelming her.

It made her feel sick to her stomach.

But she had to endure it.

For Rhett’s sake, to get Neal out of the picture, she had to play along and blind Neal with his

arrogance.

“High–end skincare products cost a pretty penny,” Kristin managed to say, shivering slightly as she tried to calm her racing heart.

Neal leaned in closer, his smirk widening as he mistook her words for a subtle hint. “I hear you’re quite popular among the high rollers in Silvergrove City. You must be doing something right, Kristin.”

His insinuation was clear. “How about we grab a bite together sometime when you’re off?”

Kristin nodded, feigning enthusiasm. “Sure, that’d be nice.”

A sudden rap on the door interrupted them, much to Neal’s evident annoyance. He had been enjoying his game, his gaze hungrily appraising Kristin’s fair complexion and attractive figure. To Neal, a man accustomed to the company of many, Kristin was a rare gem.

The interruption must mean Rhett was making his move, Neal thought, eager to win him over.

“Mr. Neal, Mr. FitzGerald sent me to ask about your terms for the vice–presidency,” Kristin said, seizing the chance to distance herself from Neal. “He’s willing to meet your demands, hoping you’ll…”

Neal nodded, understanding the message. Rhett was laying all his cards on the table.

“Well, I’ve been with the company for years,” Neal began, “I’m not one for greed. But I do have a soft spot for my team in the Investment Division. They’ve been with me for over a decade. If Mr. FitzGerald could merge the investment and project departments, letting me manage both.”

Kristin feigned surprise. “Mr. Neal, that’s quite the proposition, merging the independent Investment Division with the Project Division…”

Neal was playing his cards right, or so he thought. But Kristin had anticipated this moment. His overconfidence was a sign that he was heading for a fall.

“Is that going to be difficult?” Neal probed, watching Kristin’s reaction.

“It shouldn’t be…” Kristin replied with a smile. “I’ll make sure to discuss it with Mr. FitzGerald. If it goes through, can you…”

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Chapter 16

understanding. “Don’t worry, I’ll take care of your skincare and makeup expenses for a year.” His smile

as she backed away and nearly fled

to the

violently.

as she gripped her hands tightly. She couldn’t give up. She

breath. Rhett had been a balm for her anxiety and depression, but she was still susceptible to overwhelming panic.

did the memory of

York’s voice came from outside.

her hands, and stared at her pale

FitzGerald is

shadow. Kristin had only been gone ten minutes, and Rhett had already

coming.” Kristin

her pallor, York moved closer.

Kristin recoiled in terror, her breaths short and frantic.

“I’m

sudden panic, assured her

embarrassed, looked down, her eyes

FitzGerald is waiting. Are you sure you’re alright?” York

a few candies from his pocket. “You

didn’t sleep well last night,” Kristin explained

Vincent’s voice echoed down the hall.

flinched and instinctively

front of her. “I’m sorry, Mr. Vincent. Mr.

some paperwork,

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Chapter 163

suggested that Kristin return to Mr.

of prison soon. You’re the daughter of a con artist and trafficker. Do you think Rhett

froze, her back to Vincent, her breathing erratic.

he had hit a nerve. Her

her chest. Suddenly, she felt a harsh grip on the back of her collar as Vincent yanked

gasped, panic–stricken as she turned to face Vincent, her cries stifled by his hand clamped over

trendy topic online together tomorrow?” Vincent was

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