Chapter 21
Mason closed his fingers, a strange and indescribable sourness spreading through his heart, and this sourness extended into his words, “You, who has handled antiques and gems, would cherish something like this?”
Harper clutched the “frost flower” tightly, firmly saying, “This is something very precious to me.”
It was given by James.
James was the only person willing to marry her. The true value lay in his genuine affection, something she had sought for years from Mason but never found. How could she not cherish it?
Mason laughed as if he had heard a joke, “I’ve given you things too. Why don’t I see you valuing them like this?”
What things?
Was it the bag he threw at her like trash on her birthday?
Later, she found out it was something the Brooks family’s housekeeper
didn’t want.
Drinking glass after glass, Ethan couldn’t bear to watch anymore and snatched Mason’s glass away.
“Who’s upset you so much that you’re drinking like this?”
Mason’s gaze was hazy. The fragmented memories after getting drunk were of Harper smiling as she got into James’s car and left. It seemed like she hadn’t really laughed much since she came back. Even when she did, it was just a forced tug at the corners of her mouth. But it was different with James.
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Chapter 21
“Is Ava planning to have James marry Harper this time?” Mason blurted out this sentence abruptly, like a bombshell dropped, leaving Ethan feeling dizzy and bewildered.
He hadn’t been back for several days and had no idea about these developments. “James? How could that be possible?”
“I saw them together.”
Ethan regained his composure. “But come to think of it, it makes sense. Without Noah, someone has to take on the trouble of dealing with Harper. Poor James, having to marry a second–hand woman that nobody else.
wants.”
“Forced?” Mason sneered. “James doesn’t seem like he’s being forced at
all.”
“Maybe it’s because he’s been in love with Harper for the past.”
Mason’s expression turned cold and gloomy.
Ethan was stunned. “You didn’t know? It seems like you really don’t care
about her.”
James came from a poor, divorced family, raised by his mother. He worked diligently in the logistics department of Walker Group and eventually became Liam’s assistant, the youngest and hardest–working one by his side. He often did menial tasks that others looked down upon, one of which was driving Harper around. It was only natural that they got to know each other well over time.
James, who lacked love, falling for the warm and radiant Harper was nothing unusual. Mason might despise her, but not everyone shared his feelings.
James and Harper got along very well. He was gentle and courteous, taking great care of Harper. He drove her to and from work, asked about
Chapter 21
her well–being, and they were almost ready to take the final step.
Ava and Liam were also very satisfied with this arrangement.
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These pieces of news reached Mason’s ears through Ethan, only adding to his irritation.
Driving past the branch office, he saw a light still on at the twenty–sixth floor. These days, Harper has been working here with James. She had studied business administration in college and had been arranged to work in the family group early on. Her business acumen was far superior to Ethan’s.
Her own passion was painting; she had held art exhibitions and piano recitals at the age of sixteen. Her early life had been dazzling.
In the past, not only James, but even someone like Noah, who came from a modest background, wouldn’t have been able to touch a single strand of her hair.
Standing outside the Walker Group branch, Mason had a clear view of a
scene in the coffee room.
Harper personally made snacks and brought them over. Each portion was exquisitely prepared and placed in front of James. She shared them with him under the dim light, her smile still gentle but sincere.
It was unclear what James said, but Harper, holding a coffee cup, looked down and smiled softly, her face gaining a rosy hue.
She was indeed more attentive to James than she had ever been to Mason.
