Delete My Love for You novel Chapter 169

Darren picked up the file and began to leaf through it with careful attention.

Records from Astra Orphan Asylum, flight logs tracing Marconia to Heston, receipts for skin grafts and reconstructive surgeries—page after page flicked past beneath his fingers until he paused, his hand resting on a neglected sheet.

It was an orthopedic surgery report he’d missed before. The operation had been performed on a knee.

No mention of surgical pins, but after all these years, missing details were hardly surprising.

With a snap, Darren shut the file, a wry, helpless laugh escaping his throat.

He was shocked to realize just how much he wanted Charlotte to be his Shortie.

Just then, his assistant’s voice broke the silence. “Mr. Harrington, the authorities have completed their investigation into the unauthorized experiment. They’ve fined the company for management negligence. The shareholders are unhappy with how you handled the crisis.”

“Unhappy?” Darren snorted. “Let them stew.”

His expression hardened as he tugged at his tie in irritation. “Have you found Herbert?”

He knew full well that Herbert was the mastermind behind the Harrington Group’s latest scandal.

“We only traced his last flight—he went to Avalor. After that, he vanished.” The assistant hesitated. “Bradley might be able to help. He still owes you a favor after you sorted out that research credentials mess for him.”

“A favor?” Darren’s fist clenched unconsciously. He gave a cold laugh. “I protected my ex-wife. I don’t owe him a damn thing.”

The assistant paled and bowed his head. “I—I misspoke.”

“Enough. Just arrange for me to attend Astra’s auction tomorrow. Reserve the three best seats.”

That legendary Haimo Blue diamond—he had to win it for Xena.

Word of Darren’s attendance at the auction spread through Astra like wildfire.

The media immediately speculated: was Mr. Harrington about to lavish another fortune on Mrs. Harrington?

Downtown, in the back seat of a discreet luxury sedan, Bradley stared at the headline, his eyes unreadable.

Moments later, the car pulled up at the hospital.

Bradley stepped out, moving at an unhurried pace. As he passed through the garden, a figure suddenly caught his eye, halting him mid-stride.

She greeted him politely. “Mr. Fairchild.”

Bradley’s lips twitched with a faint, amused smile. His low voice was smooth as velvet. “That’s not what you called me yesterday.”

“?”

Charlotte instantly recalled the events of the day before.

She’d blurted out “husband” in front of Darren to chase him away.

It had been nothing but play-acting, but now, with Bradley bringing it up, the memory left her a bit embarrassed. She quickly changed the subject. “You were here yesterday. Is there something you need today?”

Bradley was momentarily taken aback.

If this was a contract marriage, they were technically husband and wife. Yet she kept him at arm’s length.

He cleared his throat. “The nurse told me you’re using a wheelchair now. I wanted to see if you’re really getting better.”

Charlotte nodded. “I am. According to our agreement, I can start at N-LINK whenever you need me.”