Shattered Then Healed By His Love (by Haley Blanton) novel Chapter 140

Chapter 140 What Exactly Are We Doing

Adelyn immediately stood, ready to walk toward the lounge, but Marcus moved faster. stepping in her way. “No one’s there. Must’ve been the wind.”

She studied his composed face, then gave a thoughtful nod. “Is that so?”

“I’ve got work to finish. You should head back.”

He bent down and stubbed out his cigarette.

Seeing the faint displeasure in his expression, Adelyn finally relented. “Alright.”

Only after the main door shut behind her did Marcus open the lounge.

Natalie sat alone on the sofa by the window, her back to him, lost in thought.

He crossed the room quickly, bracing both hands on the back of the sofa as he leaned over, gazing at her profile. “That was on purpose?”

Natalie’s throat tightened; she turned her head just enough to glance at him out of the corner of her eye, feigning ignorance. “What was?”

The truth was, she had been eavesdropping the whole time. When she heard Adelyn say she was divorcing for Marcus, shock had rattled her so badly her legs gave out, and she’d stumbled into the door. That was how it accidentally closed.

Marcus‘ long fingers caught her chin, forcing her face toward him.

His voice was cold. “Playing dumb?”

His lips hovered dangerously close to hers, making her pulse race all over again.

Natalie swallowed hard. “Mr. Collins, Ms. Adelyn is divorcing. Isn’t that exactly what you want?”

His brows drew together; he stared at her in silence, offering no reply.

Natalie quickly slipped free of his hand and turned away, then rose to her feet.

He straightened too, his eyes flat as they followed her.

As she passed him, her voice was steady, deliberate. “Some people you’re meant to hold onto. Miss them, and it’s for life.”

Without looking back, she strode toward the door.

Marcus‘ lips curved faintly as he watched her leave.

A beat later, realization hit.

Marcus thought. She misunderstood my relationship with Adelyn? In that case, wasn’t that a good thing!

After leaving his office, Natalie didn’t head out immediately but went to the restroom.

When she emerged, the mirror reflected a familiar face. Adelyn.

Natalie lifted her gaze, meeting the woman’s reflection in the mirror.

Every time she saw Adelyn, she looked picture–perfect–delicate and flawless. Of course Marcus would like her.

“I’m Mr. Collins‘ niece–in–law,” Natalie said evenly, shutting off the faucet before turning to face her. “Didn’t I tell you that the first time we met in prison?”

Adelyn’s voice rose. “No matter abroad or here, the CEO’s private lounge is off–limits, no one but James is ever allowed in! But I just came out of there myself. If you weren’t hiding in the lounge, then where were you hiding?”

“Hiding?” Natalie lowered her head, calmly drying her hands. Her voice was low. “I’m clean with Mr. Collins. Why would I need to hide?”

“Clean? If you were clean, why would you be in his lounge?”

Even she wasn’t allowed in that space.

But she left the rest unsaid.

“I have other things to do. I don’t have the energy to stand here talking circles with you. I’ll be going now.”

Natalie tossed the paper towel into the trash and turned to leave.

But the next second, Adelyn yanked her by the wrist.

Natalie’s steps halted sharply.

She turned her head, her voice like ice. “Ms. Adelyn, what exactly do you think you’re doing?”