Chapter 17
Chapter 17
“Nah, I’m just stopping by to visit Mr. Houle before heading back.” Winston pulled out his phone–it was already 9 PM, and Chelsea still hadn’t messaged him.
Usually, she’d be asking if he was coming home tonight by this time. The silence tonight felt off.
Cecil, slightly crestfallen, pursed his lips, having long since accustomed himself to Winston’s aloofness.
The guy barely cared about anything that didn’t directly involve him.
“Alright, let’s go,” Cecil replied.
The young star wisely stayed put as the two men headed straight up to the third–floor study, utterly unaware of the drama unfolding in the yard.
Once upstairs, Winston exchanged greetings with Melvin.
It had been years since they last met. Melvin seemed as sharp as ever. “Winston, long time no see.”
After a brief chat, Winston made up an excuse to leave early.
Melvin sighed, saying, “That kid is still holding a grudge after all these years.”
“Don’t worry, sir. With Miss Ivory Houle’s brilliance, she’ll surely melt his heart,” the butler reassured him, confident of it.
But Melvin shook his head. “It’s gonna be tough. Winston might look cold on the surface, but he’s got a rebellious streak. What happened three years ago ruined their last chance.”
Three years prior, Winston was ousted from the Moody family, on the brink of disaster.
No one dared to take sides back then.
However, in just three short years, Winston returned, more ruthless than ever, claiming victory in this battle.
Leaving the study, he saw Ivory waiting outside, as poised and gentle as always.
“Winston, can we talk?” she started.
Winston stood tall and imposing, radiating a chill.
Eager to catch the drama downstairs, Cecil got the hint immediately. “Take your time. I’m outta here.”
After he left, Ivory looked at Winston affectionately. “Winston, how have you been all these years?”
“Thank you for your concern, Ms. Houle. Everything’s fine.”
The moment she heard “Ms. Houle,‘ Ivory’s eyes welled up with tears. “Winston, are you still blaming me? I can explain what happened three years ago-
She believed he must still be holding a grudge against her for cutting ties so decisively three years ago.
But she was also forced by circumstances; she could explain it.
“Ms. Houle,” Winston interrupted her, “We were never more than acquaintances. I don’t blame you.”
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Chapter 17
Actually, Winston never intended to have any relationship beyond friendship with Ivory.
He knew Ivory had feelings for him and had privately turned her down.
Out of respect for her reputation, he hadn’t done so publicly. But he was acutely aware–Ivory wasn’t his type.
Ivory, however, thought Winston was still angry and tried to explain further. “Winston, it’s all a misunderstanding. I had no choice back then…”
“It’s getting late. I’m leaving.” Winston had no interest in continuing the conversation, as there was nothing left to discuss between them.
“Winston, I heard you got married. Is that true?” Ivory’s tone suddenly shifted, laced with accusations.
Were you investigating me?” Winston’s eyes instantly turned icy.
Ivory felt a chill run down her spine, denying, “No, I didn’t—”
No way she would investigate Winston in private. If it weren’t for Julia telling her, she’d still be in the dark about his marriage.
“It’s none of your business,” Winston said coldly. “Goodbye, Ms. Houle.”
With that, he turned and left, as cold as ever.
Ivory clutched the hem of her dress, her eyes brimming with reluctance as she questioned inwardly, ‘What am I lacking compared to Chelsea? Why choose her over me? Was it really like Julia said that he was deceived?‘
Quickly catching up, she steeled herself, determined to make Winston see the true colors of Chelsea.
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“Winston, sounds like a ruckus in the yard. The person who plagiarized my work back then is here. Can you check it out with me?” Her eyes were red, full of anticipation. “You know, the incident back then caused a huge stir, and I’ve been waiting for that apology all along.”
Winston frowned, and out of the years–long friendship, he reluctantly agreed and sent a message to Chelsea: [Got stuff tonight, coming home late.]
Ivory noticed this, jealousy flaring up. “Are you checking in with your wife?”
Winston didn’t think it counted as checking in; he just didn’t want Chelsea to prepare his dinner, lest it go to waste.
“Let’s go,” he replied coolly.
Ivory’s eyes glinted with a trace of scorn–the show was about to begin.
In the yard, the champagne bottle came crashing down hard, causing a loud bang, and Chelsea instinctively closed her eyes, but instead of the anticipated pain, she found herself being pulled into a warm embrace.
A muffled groan escaped the man. An eerie silence engulfed the surroundings.
Next, Julia completely lost it. “Heath, why did you take the hit for her-
Chelsea opened her eyes, meeting Heath’s gaze. She couldn’t believe Heath was here, shielding her from the deadly blow.
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Chapter 17
Heath’s head was broken, blood gushing. He felt weak all over.
Chelsea instinctively hugged him, tears streaming down her face and trembling all over. “Heath, are you okay?”
Heath, with blood flowing from his injured skull, managed to say weakly, “I’m fine.”
Julia was completely frantic, slapping the attacker hard across the face. “Who told you to do it?!”
The guy was stunned, retorting inwardly, ‘Didn’t you arrange this? You even said to aim for Chelsea’s face, to ruin her looks! How could I predict a sudden intervention from Heath to save her?‘
Kate was the first to snap back to reality. “Chelsea, Heath’s not going to make it. Let’s take him to the hospital!”
They helped Heath get him into the car. Chelsea’s fingers were still shaking as Kate sped to the hospital.
With a ding, a message arrived. Chelsea took out her phone tremblingly, seeing it was Winston.
Heath lost too much blood and fell into unconsciousness. Chelsea, her fingers trembling, dialed Winston instinctively.
At the Houle family meanwhile, Cecil came downstairs and only saw a mess. Chelsea had disappeared without a trace. Julia was still in a frenzy, with others looking at each other blankly.
“Cecil, how is it going?” Ivory walked up to him, followed by Winston.
Cecil shook his head. “They say a fight broke out, not sure how it went down-”
‘Pity, missed the show. He was thinking of playing the prince to save the damsel in distress.
Winston didn’t want to have any more relations with Ivory, and now he had an excuse. “Now that everything’s over, I’ll take my leave.”
Ivory didn’t expect things to turn out like this. She was still waiting to see the show.
Suddenly, Winston’s phone rang. It was Chelsea.
A flicker of darkness passed through his deep eyes. The next second, he picked it up and held it to his ear. “Speak.”
“Winston, a friend of mine got hurt. Me and Kate are taking him to the hospital. Sleep early yourself. I might not be able to make it back tonight.” Chelsea’s voice was choked, a mix of panic evident.
“Is it serious?” Winston’s brows furrowed, wondering why someone would get injured. ‘What about her? Did she get hurt? How bad is it?
A fleeting moment of concern crossed his mind before he immediately caught himself–why should he worry about
Chelsea?
“I’m fine. You can…” Chelsea went on.
Ivory guessed he was on the phone with Chelsea. Unwilling to back down, she bit her lips and leaned in. “Winston, who are you talking to?”
Hearing her, Chelsea shut up abruptly. Her eyes widened suddenly as she thought in a panic. “That voice is so familiar! Is it
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Chapter 18
