Chapter 39
Chapter 39
It was obvious he was prepared to stand there all night if he had to. Winter’s stubborn streak kicked in. But when she noticed the snow gathering on his shoulders, she clicked her tongue in annoyance.
The guard watched as she tilted her head slightly and shifted gears. The car slowly backed up, looking as if she were about to turn around and head back to the garage.
He quietly let out a breath of relief.
Then, without warning, the headlights blazed to life.
The engine roared.
With a sudden surge, the black sedan shot forward like a hunting panther.
The guard reacted on instinct and stepped back. That single step gave her the opening she needed.
As the car sped past him, Winter met his eyes through the window and gave him a smug little salute. “You really thought you could stop me p>
In the blink of an eye, the car was gone.
The guard stood there, speechless.
Back at Westbay, Winter checked the time. It was only 3:20 a.m. There were still hours until sunrise.
She lay in bed. Her body was exhausted, yet when she closed her eyes, sleep wouldn’t come.
Out of habit, she rolled over and pulled open the drawer beside her bed. She reached inside and felt around.
Empty.
Only then did she remember she had finished her sleeping pill
the night before.
With no medication to take, Winter hugged her knees and sat by the window, watching the snow fall outside. It was almost dawn before she finally dozed off for a short while, leaning against the wall.
Over the next two days, she received no response from Chris.
If he refused to sign, she would have no choice but to file for divorce in court.
Once that happened, it would inevitably become public. The impact would not only fall on her and Chris, but on the entire Xander Corporation.
The Xander family had once helped her. Unless absolutely necessary, she didn’t want to go to war with Chris.
Two days later, Winter rode with the news van back to the site of the explosion that had occurred that evening.
She was responsible for the follow–up coverage.
That night, thick smoke had filled the air, and all she could see were towering flames. Now the snow had stopped. Sunlight broke through the clouds and fell over the ruins. The factory, burned black by fire, was filled with collapsed walls and scattered debris. The scene was bleak and desolate.
Winter stepped out of the van. Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed a group of people not far away.
She turned to look.
+25 Bonus
Standing at the side were the factory manager from that night and several key supervisors. They surrounded a tall man walking in the middle, their attitude extremely respectful.
It was a familiar face.
Winter withdrew her gaze and walked in the opposite direction.
“Winnie p>
A man’s voice called from behind her, warm and faintly amused.
She pretended not to hear, but her ever–helpful colleague nudged her. “I think that guy’s calling you p>
She had no choice but to stop and turn around. “What do you want?” she asked, clearly annoyed.
Steve walked up to her and looked down at her bare face. Even without makeup, she was strikingly beautiful.
The snow around them had not fully melted. Everything was white and bright, and sunlight fell softly over her.
Against the snowy backdrop, she looked almost unreal, like a wisp of smoke that might drift away at any moment.
“You saw me. Why did you avoid me?” Steve asked.
Winter replied calmly, “I’m working. Can’t you see that p>
Steve raised an eyebrow. “Oh? So you’re saying you keep work and personal separate. Work is business, and I’m personal p>
Sometimes, when people were truly speechless, they just laughed.
Winter let out a soft scoff. “No wonder you kept failing English class back in school. With comprehension like that, I’m honestly worried p>
However, she was curious why Steve was here.
“Is this factory owned by the Xander family?” she asked.
“What else would it be?” Steve gave her a meaningful smile, as if the answer were obvious. “How do Chris ended up here the night of the accident p>
Winter pressed her lips together.
you think
No wonder.
Florence
A passionate storyteller who brings emotions to life through her words. When she’s not writing, she finds peace nurturing her garden.