Goodbye My Arrogant Ex (Marguerite and Leonard) novel Chapter 114

“So sorry to have kept you waiting.”

Laura hurried in from outside, breathless but warm and apologetic.

Watching her rush about, Marguerite couldn’t help but laugh. “It’s fine! Why are you in such a hurry? We weren’t talking business—just having a snack.”

“Here, have some water, and grab a bite.” Marguerite handed her a pastry.

But Laura hesitated—how could she eat in front of the CEO of their partner company? She quickly shook her head. “That’s all right, Ms. Taylor. I ate before I came. If there’s anything you need me to do, please just let me know.”

“Laura, there’s no need to be so tense. We’re all friends here; you don’t need to stand on ceremony just because he’s here,” Marguerite said, still smiling at Laura’s nervousness, both amused and exasperated.

“Understood, Ms. Taylor.”

But the more they tried to put her at ease, the more self-conscious Laura became. Especially with this man present, she felt even more restrained—and she couldn’t quite explain why.

“Laura, really, relax,” said Luke, shaking his head with a puzzled smile. “I’ve known Ms. Taylor for years. You don’t have to be so formal with us. We’ll be working together a lot, after all.”

“Yes, Mr. Zade. I understand,” Laura replied, still a little stiff.

By the time their work wrapped up that evening, it was already late.

“It’s gotten so late—really, the two of you have worked hard today,” Luke said, checking his watch. “Honestly, we owe the smooth progress of this project to both of you. Let me take you out to dinner—my treat!”

Marguerite didn’t hesitate. “Sure, sounds good.” After all, there was no one waiting for her at home at this hour.

But she’d already agreed to dinner with her colleagues, and now Leonard was here to take her home. She was caught in the middle.

“Ms. Taylor, since your fiancé is here to pick you up, maybe we can do dinner another night?” Laura offered quickly, sensing the awkwardness. As their partner, it was better for her to smooth things over herself.

“Mr. Murphy, you’re really raising the bar for fiancés—coming to pick her up in person and all,” Luke said, walking over to greet Leonard. He tried to sound lighthearted, but something in his chest twisted uncomfortably. Still, he couldn’t very well interfere in their relationship.

He was Marguerite’s friend first. No matter how close they’d become, he’d never do anything to come between her and Leonard. Any disappointment or regret, he’d keep to himself.

“Of course,” Leonard replied, not bothering to soften his cool, impassive expression.

But the confidence and authority in his posture said everything he needed to.