Chapter 24
“Y-yes, of course! The Dunn family will absolutely express our gratitude,” Randal stammered.
But Mitch was already walking away, heading straight for Aline.
“Ms. Moore,” he said as he approached, “do you realize… if you hadn’t pulled me out of the way, that horse would’ve been shot dead the next second?”
Aline paused, then understood. A man like Mitch wouldn’t go anywhere without security. His bodyguards had likely been watching from the shadows, ready to act the moment a threat became real.
“Are you saying I should mind my own business, Mr. Fuentes?” Aline asked.
“No, Ms. Moore. You saved my life-it’s only right that I repay you,” Mitch said calmly. “I’m just wondering, what kind of repayment would you like?”
At his words, the people around them started whispering, casting looks at Aline filled with envy-and a touch of jeal-
ousy.
“I don’t need anything,” Aline replied without hesitation.
“And what if I insist?” Mitch stepped forward, closing the distance between them.
His tall frame loomed over her, carrying an undeniable sense of pressure.
Aline pressed her lips together, clearly unwilling to drag this out. “If you really want to repay me, then donate to build a Hope Elementary.”
With that, she took Clarice’s hand and walked away.
Mitch raised an eyebrow. ‘A Hope Elementary? That is… unexpected.’
But intriguing, nonetheless.
Leaning in Clayton’s arms, Joyce glared at Aline’s retreating figure, her eyes full of spite. Despite the pain from her fall, she gritted out, “She’s just pretending to be noble. Aline only said that to impress Mitch. If she really cared about you, she would’ve used this chance to get the Fuentes family to invest in your company.”
Clayton’s gaze flickered, as if something in her words struck a chord.
It was past 9 p.m. when Clayton finally got back to the villa.
He’d spent the evening at the hospital with Joyce, making sure she had a thorough check-up. Fortunately, despite fall- ing off the horse, her injuries were limited to bruises and scrapes-no broken bones.
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11:30
Still, it had kept him out late.
When he saw Aline, Clayton spoke first, “I didn’t mean to skip visiting your parents today. Joyce told me last minute that Mitch was at the stables. I only went with her because it was important for the company.”
“It’s fine,” Aline said calmly.
Because whatever excuse he gave, she no longer cared.
“How about this-let me go with you tomorrow to visit your parents?” Clayton offered.
“There’s no need,” Aline said, brushing it off.
“But-”
“Really. You’re busy with work.” Her tone was cool. She didn’t want Clayton disturbing her parents’ peace anymore.
Clayton didn’t push it. Truthfully, he had been swamped lately.
Especially with Joyce needing a few days in the hospital-he’d be going back and forth to take care of her.
“All right,” he said. “I’ll go with you another time, when I have the chance.”
Aline gave a bitter laugh in her heart. ‘Too bad, Clayton. That chance will never come.’
“Oh right,” he said after a pause. “At the stables today, you said you’re working for Wonder Tech. What’s that about?”
“Exactly what it sounds like. I joined Wonder Tech,” Aline replied.
“There’s no need to do something like that just to get under my skin,” Clayton said. “You’re always welcome to come back to the company.”
Aline let out a short laugh, almost amused. “I didn’t join Wonder Tech to spite you. And I have no intention of com- ing back.”
Clayton frowned. “I already told you-you’re welcome back anytime. What more do you want?”
“What do you want me back for?” Aline shot back.
“To continue leading the project,” he said. “Fuentes Group is looking to invest in drone technology. You could take over the project you started.”
“And what about Tanisha? Isn’t she leading that project now?” Aline asked.
“I can move her to something else.”
