Chapter 114 Why Did You Marry Her?
Elliot looked at her. One glance, and Audrey understood immediately.
No words were spoken, but it was clear—he didn't like the idea of her attending Bruce's farewell lunch.
"It's... just lunch," she added, growing more uncomfortable under his silent stare.
"Those were the exact words you used for dinner with that bastard." His voice was sharp, eyes dark with disapproval.
She exhaled slowly. "You asked me to tell you first. That's what I'm doing."
He crossed his arms, leaning against his desk. "So you think asking permission guarantees I'll say yes?" One eyebrow arched. "You know I don't like him. Why are you so set on going?"
She hesitated. "I just... don't want to be rude to everyone else."
He snorted softly. "Everyone else, or him?"
She blinked, caught off guard. "I don't have any hidden agenda. I just want to acknowledge the team. And Bruce is leaving respectfully."
"I don't care." His voice was firm. "He might be saying goodbye to the team, but I know he has other intentions with you."
Frustration built in her chest. She knew Elliot could be possessive, but this argument felt unnecessary.
"It's just lunch. Nothing more. If you're uncomfortable, I won't stay long."
He was silent. But his expression made it clear—he still didn't like it.
"Then I'm coming with you."
She stared at him, surprised. "You don't have to—"
"Yes, I do." He cut her off, already organizing his things. "So I can make sure no one tries anything with my wife."
She sighed. "Elliot, it's a casual lunch, not a secret meeting. If you come, Bruce will feel awkward."
"Good." He straightened his jacket casually. "That's the point."
She clicked her tongue, knowing further argument was useless. Once he decided something, there was no changing his mind.
"Fine. If you want to come." She turned and walked out, emotions tangled.
He smiled faintly, following behind. If Bruce wanted to test boundaries, Elliot would gladly show him exactly where they stood.
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The restaurant was busy, but the private corner reserved for the joint team from Paragon and RNF was relatively secluded.
The moment Elliot and Audrey appeared, conversation died. Eyes darted between them before everyone stood almost simultaneously.
"Mr. Harrington?" One of the RNF team members looked surprised. "We didn't expect you to join."
Elliot nodded briefly. "I wanted to thank the team for their collaboration." His tone was calm, though his usual cool aura was unmistakable.
Across the table, Bruce exhaled quietly, glancing at Audrey standing beside Elliot.
He pushed down the irritation rising in his chest and mustered his usual friendly smile. "Mr. Harrington, Audrey. Please, sit. Glad you could make it."
Elliot nodded once, eyes sharp on Bruce.
Audrey tried to act natural—though she knew this lunch wouldn't be as simple as she'd hoped.
"Thank you, Bruce," she said quietly, reaching for a chair.
Before she could pull it out, Elliot smoothly drew the chair beside him and patted the back.
"Sit here." Calm, but unmistakably a directive.
She paused, glancing at him. His expression gave no room for negotiation.
Reluctantly, she sat where he indicated.
Bruce's eyebrow twitched slightly before he resumed his seat.
"Finally, a chance to share a meal in a more relaxed setting." Bruce attempted to ease the tension, though he knew nothing would be truly relaxed with Elliot present.
He looked at Elliot. "I have to admit, I didn't expect you to come."
Elliot smiled thinly—but his eyes stayed cold. "Why? Because I came uninvited?" His tone was casual, but something beneath it made the air heavier.
Bruce chuckled softly, recognizing the subtle challenge. "That's not what I meant. I just assumed you'd be too busy for something like this."
Audrey, seated beside Elliot, sighed internally. She'd known from the start—this wasn't about attending a farewell. It was surveillance. And a warning.
"I am busy." Elliot nodded slowly. "But I can make time for things that matter. And it's important to maintain good relations, isn't it?"
Their eyes locked for a long moment. Everyone at the table could feel the tension simmering beneath the polite exchange.
"Then I'm honored." Bruce finally replied, glancing briefly at Audrey. "I hope this lunch is enjoyable for everyone."
Audrey managed a small smile—though she could feel Elliot shift slightly closer. A subtle movement most wouldn't notice, but Bruce did.
Elliot smiled again, but his eyes carried a clear message. "Audrey mentioned this was just a casual lunch. Nothing to worry about. So my being here shouldn't be an issue, right?"
Audrey, reaching for her glass, paused briefly before forcing herself to continue. She knew he was throwing shade.
Bruce caught the implication and smiled thinly. "Right. I just wanted to thank everyone for their hard work." He glanced around the table, trying to engage others. "I appreciate everything this team has accomplished."
Others chimed in, attempting to follow Bruce's lead.
Throughout the meal, Bruce and Elliot exchanged glances—a silent battle playing out beneath the surface.
When lunch ended and people began filtering out, Bruce approached Elliot.
"I need to talk to you." His tone was serious.
Audrey tensed, watching.
Elliot casually followed Bruce to a quieter corner.
"Elliot..." Her soft call made him turn.
He smiled faintly, trying to reassure her.
But Bruce heard it. Elliot. Not Mr. Harrington. Not sir. Just… Elliot.
His jaw tightened. His chest burned.
When they faced each other, Elliot stood casually, hands in his pockets. Bruce's expression was far from friendly.
"Why did you marry her so suddenly?" Bruce's gaze was sharp, demanding.
Elliot's expression stayed flat—but something flickered in his eyes. "Why? You feel entitled to an explanation?"
Bruce exhaled roughly. "Don't play games. Something must have happened. What did you do to her?"
Elliot scoffed, arms crossing. "Do I sound like the kind of bastard who traps women into marriage?"
Bruce's fists clenched at his sides. The thought alone made his blood boil. "Audrey wouldn't make a decision like this without a reason. I know her!"
Elliot's eyes sharpened. "You think you know her better than I do?"
Bruce smiled bitterly, eyes flashing with anger. "I've known her long enough to know this isn't what she wanted. So tell me—what really happened?"
Elliot stared at him for a long moment. Then: "I married her because I wanted to. It's that simple."
Bruce laughed cynically. "That simple?"
Elliot's jaw tightened, but he kept his composure. "Listen." His voice dropped, colder now. "Whatever our reasons, it's none of your business."
Bruce stepped closer. "I just want to make one thing clear." His voice was low, intense. "If I ever see her hesitate—one second of doubt—I won't hesitate to take her away."
Elliot's gaze turned murderous. He moved closer until they were nearly touching.
"Try it." His voice was deep, challenging. "But don't forget—she's my wife now."
They stared each other down.
Then Elliot asked, "Do you love her that much? Or do you just hate losing?"
Bruce didn't answer immediately. His jaw tightened, eyes dark.
"I don't need to answer that." His voice was low, controlled. "But I won't stand by if you hurt her."
Elliot's eyebrow arched, almost amused. Then he smirked.
"And what will you do?" His tone was light, but his eyes were pure arrogance. "Comfort her? Offer a shoulder? Play the hero—when you were never brave enough to have her in the first place?"
Bruce flinched—but hid it well. He knew Elliot was trying to provoke him. And damn it—it was working.
"Audrey isn't a prize to be won," Bruce said coldly. "If she's with you, I just hope she doesn't regret it."
For the first time, Elliot's smile vanished. His expression turned deadly.
"Watch your mouth." His voice was quiet—but lethal. "Audrey knows what she wants. And unlike you, I won't let her regret her choice."
Bruce met his gaze. "We'll see."
Without waiting for a response, he turned and walked away.
But before leaving, he approached Audrey.
She'd been watching them the whole time, worry clear on her face.
Bruce cursed inwardly when he realized—that worry wasn't for him.
Standing before her, he said quietly, "You know I care about you, right?"
Audrey frowned, confused.
"I just don't want you to regret marrying him." His eyes held a mix of emotions—but she could see the disappointment clearly.
"Hey!" Elliot was suddenly there, gripping Bruce's shoulder, pulling him back.
Bruce shoved his hand away sharply, glaring.
"I was just talking to her."
"And I said—back off."
Audrey quickly stepped between them. "Bruce... that's enough." Her voice was soft, almost a whisper.
Bruce looked at her for a long moment. So much he wanted to say. In the end, he just exhaled.
"I'm leaving. I hope you're happy, Audrey. I really do."
She bit her lip, guilt gnawing at her. But she couldn't say anything.
Bruce glanced at Elliot one last time—then walked away.
Audrey closed her eyes briefly, chest tight with emotions she couldn't name.
Elliot turned to her, studying her expression.
"Don't think about him anymore." His voice was softer now. "You made your choice. And I won't let anyone make you doubt it."
She opened her eyes and looked at him.
Yes. I shouldn't doubt, should I?
From a distance, Bruce disappeared into the crowd.
And somewhere in his chest, a small voice whispered: This isn't over. Not really.