Nathanâs fists tightened, his face grew paler by the minute, and his mood got worse.
It dawned on him that perhaps he couldnât continue this relationship with her.
It was better to spare each other the pain now.
The best thing he could do for Lucinda now was to make her despise him, so she could move on to a better life without him.
Across the room, Valerie sat on the sofa and gracefully poured herself a cup of tea.
She was the spokesperson of the new project and she had come to discuss the payment contract with Nathan.
However, since her arrival, he had been looking depressed.
He had been silently fixated on the rain outside the window for over half an hour, without uttering a single word to her.
âMr.
Payne, you donât seem to be in the best of moods today.
Allow me to take a guess.
Itâs not work-related, is it? Have you and Miss Simmons had a recent quarrel?â
He frowned in disgust.
âYou ought to know your place and avoid prying into matters that donât concern you.
â
âFine, I wonât ask again.
But if you ever need my assistance, Iâm here to help,â Valerie said, smiling.
Nathan was unmoved by her sweet voice.
He even felt a deep aversion for it.
âWhat did you want to discuss with me? Wrap it up and leave once youâre done.
â
She stood up and walked gracefully to him.
Just as she was about to speak, a knock interrupted her.
It was Sonny.
âSir, Miss Simmons is here.
â
Why did she come here at this time?!
Flustered, Nathan grabbed Valerieâs wrist.
She leaned in as he said something to her in a hushed tone.
He placed his lips close to her ear as he spoke.
As Lucinda entered the room, She saw this scene.
Their closeness struck a nerve within her.
âNathan?â
Valerie hastily shrugged him off.
She took a step back, feigning surprise.
âMiss Simmons, why are you here? Youâve picked a terrible timeâ¦â
Her frown only deepened.