Chapter 68 I need your help

Chapter 68 I need your help
Gina sighed in exhaustion as she stepped out of the elevator into the dimly lit parking garage. 
It had been a long day at work, and all she wanted was to get into her car, drive home, and take a long bath before collapsing into bed.
She rummaged through her handbag for her car keys as she walked toward her vehicle, her heels clicking softly against the concrete floor. 
The garage was mostly empty at this hour, with only a few scattered cars parked in different spots.
Just as she reached her car, she noticed a shadow moving toward her.
Her body tensed instinctively.
“Miss Gina?”
A deep, unfamiliar voice made her turn around sharply.
A man in a sleek black suit stood a few feet away. He looked professional and well-groomed, but there was something unsettling about his presence.
Gina frowned. “Who’s asking?”
The man gave a small, polite smile. “I’m Ethan, Mr. Dowell’s assistant. My boss would like to have a word with you.”
At the mention of Richard Dowell’s name, Gina’s frown deepened. Richard? What on earth could he possibly want from her?
She crossed her arms. “And why exactly would your boss want to talk to me?”
Ethan maintained his composed expression. “He’ll explain everything himself. He’s waiting for you in the car.”
Gina hesitated. She had no interest in speaking with Richard. He was her ex-boss, but more importantly, he was her best friend’s ex-husband—the man who had put April through hell.
A thousand thoughts ran through her mind. Why now? What does he want?
“I’m sorry,” she said stiffly. “But I don’t think I have anything to discuss with him.”
Ethan, still calm, stepped aside and gestured toward a sleek black car parked a few feet away. “He insists, Miss Gina. Just a few minutes of your time.”
Gina’s jaw tightened.
The last thing she wanted was to have any form of conversation with Richard, but a part of her was curious.
If she refused now, Richard might keep trying to contact her, and she certainly didn’t want that.
With a reluctant sigh, she nodded. “Fine. But just a few minutes.”
Ethan gave a short nod and walked ahead, opening the car door for her.
Gina took a deep breath and stepped forward. But the moment her eyes landed on the man sitting inside, she stopped abruptly.
Richard.
Even after years, he still had the same cold, unreadable expression. His chiseled features remained sharp, his deep-set blue eyes piercing and calculating. 
He was dressed in an expensive black suit, his posture relaxed but commanding.
Gina’s breath caught in her throat. Why is he here? Why now?
Her hesitation must have been obvious because Richard’s voice, firm and authoritative, broke through the silence.
“Get in, Gina. I don’t have all night.”
She clenched her fists. His tone still carried the same arrogance and dominance he had back when she worked for him.
“I don’t feel comfortable having a conversation with you in a car,” she said, standing her ground.
Richard narrowed his eyes but then exhaled slowly. “Fine. Let’s talk somewhere else.”
He turned to Ethan. “Tell the driver to take us to a restaurant.”
Gina blinked. A restaurant?
“I don’t—”
“It’s just a conversation, Gina. Nothing more.” His tone softened just slightly, but it still held authority.
She bit the inside of her cheek. She had a strong feeling that declining wouldn’t end this matter—Richard wasn’t the type to take no for an answer.
With reluctance, she slid into the car.
Ethan took the front passenger seat while the driver started the engine, smoothly pulling out of the parking lot.
Gina shifted uncomfortably in her seat. The atmosphere inside the car was tense, and she could feel Richard’s gaze on her every now and then, but she refused to meet his eyes.
As they drove through the streets, she couldn’t shake the uneasy feeling in her chest. 
“Why is he suddenly trying to talk to me after all these years?” She thought inwardly.
After a short ride, they arrived at one of the most expensive restaurants in town. Gina had only ever been here once, and that was during an office party years ago.
Richard didn’t wait for her response as he stepped out of the car. Ethan opened the door for Gina, and she hesitated for a brief moment before stepping out.
A waiter immediately escorted them to a private section of the restaurant. The ambiance was warm and luxurious, with soft classical music playing in the background.
Once they were seated, Richard ordered for both of them without even asking what she wanted.
Gina arched a brow at his audacity but chose not to comment. Instead, she leaned forward, her arms crossed on the table.
“Alright, Mr Richard. You dragged me all the way here. What do you want?”
Richard leaned back in his seat, studying her for a moment before finally speaking.
“I need your help.”
Gina frowned. “Help? With what?”
There was a long pause before Richard finally said the words that made Gina’s breath hitch.
“I want April back.”
Gina’s eyes widened slightly, but she quickly masked her surprise with a scoff. “You want April back?” She let out a dry chuckle. “After everything you put her through?”
Richard’s jaw tightened, his blue eyes darkening. “I know I hurt her,” he admitted. “I know I treated her terribly. And I know I made the biggest mistake of my life by divorcing her.”
Gina folded her arms. “So what? You suddenly wake up one day and decide you want her back? After years?”
Richard exhaled. “I regret everything, Gina. Every single decision I made. I should never have left her for Tonia. I should never have let her go. And now, she won’t even look at me.”
Gina shook her head, still trying to process his words. She had seen firsthand how much pain Richard had put April through. The endless nights of crying, the heartbreak, the betrayal.
And now, he wants her back?
“She’s moved on, Richard,” Gina said firmly. “She’s not the same woman you threw away. And I don’t think she wants anything to do with you.”
Richard’s expression darkened. “I don’t expect her to forgive me easily. But I need to try.”
Gina sighed. “And what does this have to do with me?”
He leaned forward. “She listens to you. You’re her best friend. I need you to talk to her for me.”
Gina’s lips parted slightly in disbelief. “You want me to convince April to give you another chance?”
Richard nodded.
She stared at him, utterly speechless.
“I can’t do that,” she finally said. “I won’t.”
Richard’s gaze didn’t waver. “I just need you to tell me how she’s doing. If she’s… involved with someone.”
Gina’s heart pounded. She knew exactly what he was trying to do. He was fishing for information about April’s life.
She hesitated, not wanting to reveal too much. “She’s doing well,” she said vaguely.
“Is she married?” Richard asked, his tone casual but his eyes sharp.
Gina’s fingers tightened around the edge of the table. He already knows something.
“She’s busy with work,” Gina answered instead, refusing to give him a direct answer.
Richard studied her, and after a moment, he gave a small nod, as if relieved.
Finally, he reached into his pocket and slid a small card across the table.
“My number,” he said. “Call me after you talk to her.”
Gina hesitated but took the card.
Even as she pocketed it in her bag, she knew one thing for sure—this was only the beginning of Richard Dowell’s determined return into April’s life.
She wondered if April would even want to hear anything that has to do with her returning back to Richard’s life.
“I’d do my part to talk to her.” She thought to herself.