Chapter 158
“In Switzerland. There’s a problem with the project here, so I came to oversee it.” Kingsley replied.
“Can’t others handle the project without you?” Old Mrs. Sherwood’s voice deepened. “By your logic, we might as well shut down the branch office. It’s useless keeping it p>
Kingsley chuckled low, his tone holding a certainty. “The branch makes a considerable profit every year. There doesn’t seem to be a reason to shut it down p>
Silence lingered on the other end for two seconds before Old Mrs. Sherwood’s earnest advice came through. “Kingsley, for some mistakes, once is enough p>
Kingsley remained silent for a moment, his fingers unconsciously rubbing the edge of his phone, before replying solemnly, “I know p>
That evening, the Smiths had invited friends to their European-style estate for a wine tasting. Lucy was among the invited.
She hadn’t wanted to go, but Mrs. Smith had not only introduced her to contacts previously but also helped her secure an important project. That favor had to be returned.
So, she prepared a gift and drove over.
As soon as her car stopped in the estate’s parking lot, Lucy opened the door and got out, noticing a tall figure leaning against the car next to hers.
Kingsley held a glowing cigarette between his fingers, the smoke curling into the night. When he spoke, his voice was wrapped in the night’s chill, deep and magnetic. “Does your heart ache for him that much p>
Lucy’s heart tightened. She slammed the car door shut and looked up directly at him. “You have people you want to protect, and naturally, so do I p>
Having said that, she turned to leave, but Kingsley seized her wrist.
Kingsley’s palm was warm and strong, implying no escape.
“Who do I want to protect?” he asked.
Lucy yanked her hand back forcefully, her tone cold as ice. “It has nothing to do with me, and I’m not interested in knowing p>
She looked up, her cold eyes meeting his deep ones, warning him word by word. “Kingsley, if you dare use the people around me again, it won’t be just a warning next time p>
Kingsley looked at her tense profile, his Adam’s apple bobbing as he explained in a low voice. He kept provoking me first. I was just teaching him a lesson p>
“Is that so? Lucy scoffed, her eyes full of mockery. “Fine. Then the next time your childhood sweetheart dangles in front of me, I’ll take action to teach her a lesson too p>
Before her voice even faded, and before Kingsley could react, Lucy backhanded him with a slap.
The crisp sound was exceptionally clear in the quiet night.
“That is the price for using Wyatt!” Her eyes were sharp as knives.
Kingsley was stunned by the sudden slap, a red mark instantly blooming on his cheek.
His grip on her wrist tightened, his voice carrying a hint of urgency. “She’s just a neighbor from my childhood p>
“Is there a difference?” Lucy couldn’t break free, her tone freezing. “I’m not interested in your explanations p>
As soon as the words fell, she suddenly lifted her high heel and stomped ruthlessly on the bridge of his foot.
A piercing pain instantly shot from his toes through his entire body, and a low hiss escaped Kingsley’s throat.
Taking advantage of the moment he loosened his grip in pain, Lucy immediately pulled her hand back and walked toward the house without looking back.
The stinging on his face mixed with the stabbing pain in his foot caused Kingsley, usually composed, to grimace, his handsome face
distorting slightly.
In a nearby car, the driver, though unable to hear their conversation, had witnessed
the entire sequence of Mr. Sherwood getting hit.
His eyes widened in shock, his mouth hanging slightly open, his whole body frozen —who dared to lay a hand on Mr. Sherwood so boldly?
It took a while for Kingsley to recover.
He took out his phone and called Mr. Smith, briefly explaining that he couldn’t make the appointment.
Then, he opened the rear car door and got in. His voice still carried lingering pain, but he maintained his composure. “Let’s go p>