Chapter 194
Knowing they’d spoil, she’d prepared the wine during lunch. Who drank it later wasn’t her concern. She gestured to the dining room where rows of glass jars glowed crimson with Berry Wine.
“Then… have some grapes,” Cedrick suggested. “By the way, Grandma’s been out so long. When should we pick her up?”
His question perfectly aligned with Lucille’s thoughts. “She’s heading straight to the airport tomorrow. I’ll—”
“Lucille.” Cedrick cut her off.
She stared at him, baffled. He sat beside her. Words left unspoken during dinner couldn’t wait.
“Well…” He hesitated. “Can we postpone our Highland State trip?”
“Postpone?” Her gaze sharpened.
“Yeah…” He forced a smile. “How about next week? I’ve got two weeks off. We’ll go then.”
“And what about this week?” Her tone dripped ice. “Taking Maricela to the islands?”
He shifted uncomfortably. “Back in college, I promised Maricela we’d vacation on an island once we made it. She en- dured so much hardship building the company with us. That promise… remains unfulfilled. So I’ll take her first, then we’ll go to Highland State. Okay?”
“When’s this island trip?” Lucille’s heart leapt. Perfect timing–she and Grandma could slip away to Capital City without interference.
“Tonight. Red–eye flight.”
Huh. Desperate much? No wonder he’d been extra nice all day. She masked her glee with a frown. “But… our tickets and itinerary are set. Cancellation fees apply now.”
“I’ll cover it. Just tell me how much.” He leaned in eagerly.
Joy exploded inside her. He leaves at dawn! Grandma and I can catch the morning flight to Capital City–he’ll still be airborne! She schooled her features into displeasure.
“Don’t be mad…” He pulled her into an embrace. “It’s just delayed, not canceled. Tell Grandma I’m swamped with work-”
She shoved him off. Just wire the money. Stop with the disgusting displays. Aloud, she sneered, “Finally embarrassed about your little escapades with Maricela? I thought you’d lost all shame!”
“You’re twisting things again! Maricela and I are battle–forged comrades-”
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11:55
Chapter 194
She stormed off before he finished.
In her room, her phone chimed–a bank notification. Cedrick had transferred 500,000 yuan.
Gotta say… he’s pretty generous.
Alright then. Extra cash before parting ways isn’t bad.
Because she unblocked him on WhatsApp today, his message came through: “Got it?”
“Still mad?”
Lucille didn’t reply, just thinking to herself, his flight is at dawn, so he must be getting ready to leave now?
“Bringing you a gift, what do you want?”
Gifts and all, she wasn’t interested; him leaving quickly was the best gift for her!
288 Wouchers
She hadn’t locked the bedroom door, of course she couldn’t, he still had to come in to pack his luggage, needed to let him finish packing and leave smoothly.
So, Cedrick pushed the door open and came in.
“Lucille, help me pack?”
Lucille thought: Dream on!
But Cedrick was just saying it, not really meaning for her to pack. After entering the room, he took a shower in the bathroom, came out and packed his luggage himself, but stood there without leaving.
Lucille wanted to call her grandmother. He was being a nuisance here, so she couldn’t help but urge him, “Aren’t you leaving yet?”
“Could you be a bit gentler?”
He walked behind her.
Lucille was sitting at the dressing table, taking down her hair.
He suddenly reached out, helped her take off the hair tie, then leaned down and hugged her from behind.
In the mirror, his face was pressed against hers.
Lucille really disliked him getting close now. Whenever he approached, she would remember the scent on Maricela, feeling very uncomfortable.
But she had just shifted a bit, not even starting to struggle, when his arm tightened.
11:55
Chapter 195