Claud Laurence forcefully shrugged off Alice Robinson, letting the blood drip from his hand. He looked at her in disappointment, "Can you deny that nothing happened between you two those days, or can you deny that you have lingering feelings for him?""I..."
"Can’t answer, can you?"
"Claud..."
Claud Laurence chuckled bitterly, "Your expression tells me that you feel guilty toward me... But Alice, do you truly understand that I’ve waited for you this year? I don’t want your guilt, I don’t want your remorse. Why can’t I compare to Chester Robinson?" He almost shouted the last sentence.
Alice Robinson’s eyes reddened with distress, tears fell like raindrops.
Claud Laurence scoffed one last time, turned away and left Robinson’s house with heavy steps.
Alice watched Claud Laurence’s indifferent retreating figure miserably, sobbing softly, leaning weakly against the floor-to-ceiling window.
"Tench".
Andie walked into the office holding a stack of documents.
Alice Robinson rubbed her brow with exhaustion as she leaned back in her chair, adjusting her posture upon seeing Andie.
Andie placed the documents on Alice’s desk and said respectfully, "Miss Robinson, you seem a bit tired."
Alice shook her head and flipped open the document before her, "I’m fine... by the way, let the people in Germany know that I can’t attend the opening ceremony on the day of the beer festival due to personal matters, but I’ll send Uncle Grant over there to apologize."
"Alright."
"Also, we have met all the conditions for ’Tench’ to go public. I plan to announce ’Tench’ going public after the beer festival, and this afternoon I intend to hold one final meeting with the directors about it. Please gather them for me."
"Yes."
Alice handed the signed documents to Andie, "Is there anything else?"
Andie took the documents and shook her head but hesitated, standing still without leaving.
Alice asked, "What’s wrong?"
"Uh, Miss Robinson, you haven’t met with General Laurence these past few days, are things with General Laurence...?" Andie originally wanted to ask about Alice’s private matters.
Alice never treated Andie as a mere subordinate; she viewed Andie as a sister, so she answered honestly, lowering her gaze, "There’s some trouble between us."
Andie gasped, her mouth round in shock.
Alice sighed, "Don’t worry about me, go on with your work..."
Andie nodded.
Alice rubbed her forehead, leaning back in her chair, her gaze gradually dimming.
In just those seven short days, you entirely gave him both your body and your heart... And me, what do I mean to you?
Claud Laurence’s words surged into Alice’s mind once more.
An endless wave of guilt and self-reproach washed over her, making her nose tingle.
I love you, Alice... No matter what, for the sake of Rachel, give me another chance, let me take care of you two.
Chester Robinson’s voice also invaded her thoughts.
Alice sat up irritably, resting her hands on the desk, tightly cupping her ears.
She didn’t want to hear Chester speak; she didn’t want to hear...
It was all because of him; if it wasn’t for him, she wouldn’t be so troubled now, and things between her and Claud wouldn’t have turned out like this.
The new phone on the desk vibrated, interrupting Alice’s agitated thoughts.
Alice picked up the phone and glanced at the number on the screen, furrowing her brows.
His number, one she would never forget even after decades...
She wouldn’t answer his call.
Casually tossing the phone aside, Alice let it continue ringing.
The next moment, the house phone on her desk rang.
She gathered her scattered thoughts, calmly pressing the answer button.
Andie’s voice came through the phone, "Miss Robinson, ’QCS’ president’s secretary called, saying Mr. Robinson discussed a collaboration with you in Germany, and she would like to talk further with you on his behalf... should I transfer the call?"
She didn’t need to think to know it was him on the other end.
Though her situation with Claud distressed her, she knew it wasn’t his fault.
If he called, it was surely to ask after her; she shouldn’t impose her mood onto him.
"Put the call through!"
Andie complied, transferring the call in.
Alice raised the receiver to her ear.
Expectedly, it was his magnetic, pleasant voice, "How have these past days been?"
His tone was gentle, full of concern.
Lightly biting her lip, Alice felt her throat constrict.
"Forgive me for calling; I miss you dearly."
Alice lowered her eyes heavily, bearing the ache in her throat, striving to maintain calm, "Please refrain from saying such things in the future, and don’t call me anymore. I have a boyfriend; such words aren’t appropriate."
She forced herself to distance from him, reverting to coldness.
Chester Robinson’s voice sounded hoarse, imbued with a subtle sorrow, "I understand, I didn’t mean to disturb you, just wanted to hear your voice."
"Sorry, but I have work to attend to."
"Alright... you work."
Despite her need to hang up after his words, she held the phone tightly to her ear.
He ended with, "Take care of yourself."
The weariness and disappointment in his hoarse voice left her nose tingling with emotion.
He ended the call.
For a while, she listened to the dial tone drifting through the receiver, slowly lowering the phone, realizing her eyes felt burning and dry.
Meanwhile, in New York, USA.
Chester Robinson stood by the floor-to-ceiling window with his hands in his pockets.
It was nighttime in America; below him was bustling traffic, before him were the neon lights of New York.
The window reflected his cold, imposing silhouette, his face expressionless, the ink-black suit accentuating his icy handsomeness.
Keith Antony, standing behind Chester, quietly spoke, "Boss, are you feeling unwell?"
Chester’s handsome face remained indifferent, silent.
"Everything is proceeding as you planned. Is there anything troubling you?"
After a long contemplation, Chester slowly began, "I know doing this is making her feel terrible now... But if I don’t do it, I can only watch her marry Claud Laurence."
Chapter 1227: 641: Extra Story: The Relationship Between the Big Bad Wolf and the Little White Rabbit Exposed_2
5 min read