I Walked Away And He Lost His Mind (Zephyra) novel Chapter 144

This was my first real corporate gig, so I wasn’t sure of the etiquette. He launched back into conversation, not just about his designs, but about himself.

“You probably don’t know this, but I’m the youngest designer at Lucid Works. I’m also the director’s most promising son. Everyone says my designs are incredible, and I’m the most likely heir to the family business. But my father doesn’t want me revealing my identity…”

Oh, so he was a wealthy heir playing at being a commoner to prove himself.

As I listened with half an ear, my eyes drifted toward the hotel window. Suddenly, I saw a face that shouldn’t have been there.

It was Verna. She was wearing a white blouse and blue jeans, her hair pulled back in a high, bouncy ponytail that swayed as she ran. She looked youthful, vibrant, and incredibly beautiful.

I blinked, thinking I was mistaken, but a moment later, she burst through the door, panting. “Sorry, I’m late.”

I remained seated as Verna spotted me, her eyes widening in surprise. “Mrs. Lancaster? What are you doing here?”

“I’m here for a business meeting,” I said, confused. “What about you?”

“I’m on a field call. An early-stage stomach cancer patient has agreed to join our clinical trial, and the hospital sent me to bring him in.”

Hugo saw her, and his green eyes lit up. He waved her over. “Hey, over here!”

Verna walked toward him and nodded with a smile as warm as a spring breeze. “I’m sorry I’m late.”

Hugo seized her hand and kissed it, his gaze intensely fixed on her.

“It’s no problem, I’m not finished here yet. Do you two know each other?” he asked, gesturing between Verna and me.

Verna glanced at me. “We do.”

Hugo’s eyes twinkled, his smile deepening. “What a coincidence. Later, I’ll take you home to meet my grandfather. You’re so beautiful, the most pure and lovely girl I’ve ever seen. He’ll be thrilled.”

I raised an eyebrow.

Something about that sounded off. Was he taking a doctor home, or a prospective bride? His tone was strange.

“Does he have cancer, or does his grandfather?” I asked Verna quietly.

“The file says the patient is an eighty-year-old man, so it must be his grandfather,” Verna replied. “He didn’t give me a specific address, just told me to come here first. I was supposed to come with my senior colleague… but he’s good friends with Bess, so he took leave to help her with a field call instead.”

My gaze shifted between them. Though Verna wore a polite smile, her lips were pressed into a thin line, and her slender fingers clutched her purse tightly. She looked anxious.

Hugo, on the other hand, watched her with a broad smile.

A moment ago, I had just thought he was talkative. But now, in the sudden quiet, a strange sense of unease washed over me.

I frowned, my fingers swiping restlessly across my phone screen.

He refilled my teacup, ever the gentleman. “They should be back soon. Please, have some tea.”

I took the cup but didn’t drink. He turned his attention back to Verna, showering her with compliments about her beauty before launching into the same introduction he’d just given me.

Verna was clearly struggling to keep up, looking down and sipping her cola while offering polite, brief replies.

He stared at her intently, then suddenly reached out and touched her leg. “Your legs are beautiful, too. So slender…”

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