Chapter 28
When they sent the invitation, the director never actually
expected him to show.
Lottie heard the voice and instinctively turned her head–only to
see him standing right beside her.
Her grip on the scissors tightened, knuckles turning white.
She didn’t even need to turn to know.
That faint, warm sandalwood scent–she’d grown up with it.
He stepped up beside her, answering the director’s welcome in a
flat, indifferent tone. “You’re being too generous.”
As he lifted his arm, his elbow brushed against hers. He didn’t
acknowledge it.
Not even a glance in her direction.
Lottie instinctively edged away. Alan noticed and assumed she
was uncomfortable standing next to a stranger. “Want to switch.
spots?” he asked gently.
“Yes.””
Chapter 28
She answered without hesitation.
With people moving all around them, Alan placed a protective
hand on her shoulder and carefully guided her to the other side.
Once the ribbon was cut, Lottie felt like she could finally
breathe again.
There was a luncheon arranged by the institute afterward, but
she had no interest in staying. After checking in with Alan, she
excused herself, claiming she wasn’t feeling well.
Outside, she tried for a long time to hail a cab–with no luck.
Beep.
A sleek, black stretch sedan pulled up beside her.
Lewis’s assistant stepped out and opened the back door with a
respectful nod. “Ms. Cummings, it’s cold out. Let me take you
back to the hotel.”
She glanced up–and there he was, seated in the back seat.
He’d taken off the suit jacket and was now in just a black dress shirt, two buttons undone at the collar. The aloof formality he’d worn at the ceremony had softened just slightly, replaced by a casual, almost languid posture.
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But only slightly.
She hesitated.
Then came his voice–calm, quiet. “Do you want me to get out
and invite you in personally?”
Just those few words were enough to push aside any
awkwardness–and replace it with irritation.
Her tone was cool, composed. “I wouldn’t dare trouble you to
lower yourself, Mr. Pollard”
Mr. Pollard.
Clean. Precise. A line drawn clearly between them.
Lewis looked at her for a moment, then said simply, “Then get
in.”
“No need.”
He tilted his sharp jaw slightly in the direction of the institute.
“You want to wait until everyone else comes out? Let them see
you and I know each other?”
Lottie frowned.
She got in the car.
Chapter 28
Her movements were quick, stiff–clearly unwilling. Clearly
annoyed.
Neither of them said a word. The silence hung heavy between them.
As the car turned right at the intersection, Lottie finally spoke,
“This isn’t the way to the hotel.”
“We’re getting dinner.”
Lewis’s voice was calm and flat.
Lottie’s expression darkened. “Stop the car!”
The driver, Cornell, didn’t respond. He waited quietly for Lewis’s signal in the rearview mirror.
But when the man made no move to intervene, Lottie didn’t bother arguing. She yanked at the door handle and snapped, “You know I won’t listen to you. I jumped out of a moving car three years ago–and I’ll do it again.”
Cornell instinctively slammed the brakes.
Even now, the memory of that night still haunted him.
Lewis, clearly expecting her outburst, leaned over and grabbed her wrist. His voice was icy, razor–sharp. “Then who will you
Chapter 28
listen to? Nigel?”
“I’d rather listen to anyone than you!”
She jerked her arm free, tense and wild, like a cornered cat
lashing out.
Lewis gave a low, bitter laugh. “Funny. Weren’t you the one
who begged me not to leave you? Said you’d do whatever I told
you?”
“And like you said–that was before!”
Lottie had never lost her temper like this. Her eyes were glassy,
red with frustration. “Mr. Pollard, I’m twenty–four now. I’m not
that little girl anymore.
“One word from you, and I used to follow without hesitation.”
As soon as she finished, his grip loosened.
