Chapter 223
Chapter 223:
Austin’s unwavering attentiveness, his ability to make her feel cherished, had once been her anchor. Yet, when she learned of his illness, fear had gotten the better of her. Now, guilt tugged at her.
Would Austin hold her retreat against her? Or had time softened his heart as it had hers?
Glancing at the clock, Domenic noted that Austin’s busy morning was nearing its end, with lunchtime fast approaching. Domenic knew Monica’s history with Austin, the complexities of their relationship. Yet, as a subordinate, he wasn’t in a position to question her intentions. Her insistence also left him no room to refuse.
“Very well, Miss Mitchell,” Domenic eventually said, his tone carefully measured. “Follow me, please p>
A flicker of satisfaction passed across Monica’s face as she adjusted her posture. Whatever the outcome, she was here now—ready to face Austin.
Encounter
Domenic rapped lightly on the CEO’s office door, waiting for a response. “Come in,” Austin’s voice called from inside, calm and composed as always.
Pushing the door open, Domenic nodded to Monica. “Miss Mitchell, you can go in p>
Monica’s lips curved into a sweet smile. With a graceful step, she entered the office.
“Austin, hope I’m not intruding,” Monica began in her soft, melodic voice.
Austin’s brow furrowed, a flicker of surprise flashing across his face. “Monica? What are you doing here? Weren’t you supposed to be overseas p>
There was something in his tone—a hint of scolding wrapped in casual indifference—that made Monica’s heart drop. She had hoped for a warmer reception after so much time apart.
𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝓬𝓱𝓪𝓹𝓽𝓮𝓻𝓼 𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲: gⱯ𝗅𝗇𝗈ν𝖊𝗅𝘀⩸𝗰𝗈𝗺
Her voice faltered, just slightly, as she bit her lower lip. “I just got back a few days ago. When I heard you were in Eighfast, I thought I’d drop by. But if you’re busy, I can leave right away p>
Classic Monica. She knew just the right strings to pull.
As expected, Austin sighed and shook his head. “No, it’s fine. I was just wrapping up p>
“Great! How about lunch together? I’m still finding my way around Eighfast, and I could use a guide p>
A flicker of triumph lit Monica’s eyes, though she masked it quickly behind a cheerful smile.
Austin checked his watch, weighing his options. She was alone in a new city—it didn’t feel right to turn her down. Rising from his chair, he nodded. “Sure, let’s go. I’ll show you a decent spot p>
He figured the simplest plan was to have lunch with her and then make sure she got back to her hotel safely. To Austin, Monica had always been like a little sister.
Their families’ close ties meant he naturally looked out for her. Nothing more, nothing less.
As they exited the building together, the buzz of curious glances followed them.
Monica, ever the performer, took a step closer to Austin, her arm brushing his slightly. To the onlookers, they might as well have been a picture-perfect couple. Monica couldn’t help but feel a surge of satisfaction. Every small step brought her closer to her ultimate goal—becoming Austin’s wife.