Chapter 8

Chapter 8

“Mr. Compton.” Clifford promptly turned, his smile warm and welcoming, “What a pleasant surprise. How did you manage to find the time to join us?”

Gideon’s gaze shifted from Clifford to Margaret, his expression nonchalant as he stared into her eyes, lazily replying, “You’re the talk of the city, Dr. Huxley. Now that you’ve graced us with your presence, I couldn’t miss the chance to extend my hospitality. Why don’t you introduce

me?”

“Of course.” Clifford nodded, his smile unwavering. He draped an arm around Margaret’s waist, subtly pulling her closer. Turning to Gideon, he introduced, “This is Margaret, a renowned war reporter abroad.

Margaret felt the weight of Gideon’s gaze bore into her arm that was holding Clifford’s. Even her face felt scorching hot under his intense stare, which unsettled her.

“Hello, Ms. Wilcox,” Gideon greeted with a distracted smile, extending his hand.

He squinted and pondered, ‘A war reporter? Had she not suffered enough, or did she want to seek death?‘

Margaret hesitated for a moment, her gaze fixed on the man’s slender fingers and fingertips. Despite her trepidation, she found herself admiring the elegance of his hand.

Gathering her resolve, she reached out, concealing her slight trembling, and replied, “Hello.”

As their hands touched, Gideon squeezed hers tight before instantly letting go.

Margaret broke into a cold sweat and goosebumps crept up her arm, sending shivers down her spine.

Before Gideon could d utter another word, a voice interrupted from behind him.

“Gideon!” The hurried clip–clop of high heels echoed, followed by a sweet voice filled with reproach. A woman reached out to hold Gideon’s arm, grumbling, “Why’d you leave without a word? I’ve been searching for you…

It was Roxanne.

Margaret, feeling uneasy with the situation unfolding before her, averted her gaze uncomfortably.

Observing her movements, Clifford looked down, asking, “What’s wrong? Are you okay?”

Gideon’s gaze remained fixed on Margaret, while Roxanne, following his lead, briefly glanced at her.

“And who might this be? Roxanne inquired with a smile, not recognizing Margaret.

“Ms. Lambert,” Margaret spoke up, lifting her head with a touch of unease evident in her expression. She maintained her composure and continued politely, “It’s me, Margaret.”

Considering the Lambert family’s past “assistance,” Margaret wanted to introduce herself before anyone else could do it for her, especially

Gideon.

She was worried about what Gideon might say something. Roxanne used to be wary of her. Though her relationship with Gideon remained ambiguous, he had brought her along to several events and banquets, which led to her being humiliated and picked on by Roxanne. Surprisingly enough, Roxanne couldn’t even recognize her after five years.

The smile on Roxanne’s face froze momentarily as she scrutinized Margaret, silently confirming her identity. After a brief pause, she said, “Margaret?”

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Chapter 8

Margaret responded with a nod, maintaining her smile.

Roxanne’s expression shifted, and then she chuckled. “You’ve changed quite a bit! I almost didn’t recognize you. Where have you been all these years? You disappeared without a trace, and we couldn’t find you…”

“Find me? For what, to huntiliate me at the next charity event?” Margaret thought sarcastically. She smiled and said, “I went abroad.”

“Do you know each other?” Clifford was surprised.

Roxanne cast a glance at Clifford, who had Margaret’s arm in his grasp, and offered a smile. “Ms. Wilcox used to be a beneficiary of Lambert Group”

Margaret pursed her lips, mentally bracing herself. Roxanne’s knack for embarrassing her in public was nothing new.

But as Roxanne spoke, Gideon’s brows subtly furrowed.

Clifford, sensing Margaret’s unease, tightened his grip on her hand reassuringly. With a calm smile, he responded, “I see.”

Roxanne narrowed her eyes, her curiosity piqued. “Dr. Huxley, have you known Margaret for long?”

Gideon’s gaze landed on Margaret’s face.

Sensing the tension, Clifford gently squeezed Margaret’s hand as he spoke, “Not particularly.”

Gideon’s gaze shifted back to Clifford. “Then you must’ve met Ms. Wilcox when she was in Atharia.,”

Margaret’s complexion drained of color, while the other two’s expressions also changed.

‘He’s doing this on purpose… I only mentioned going abroad, not where. Gideon is deliberately revealing that we knew each other before, Margaret thought, clenching her teeth, a mixture of anger and anxiety churning within her.

Thankfully, Clifford remained composed. His gaze flitted between Margaret and Gideon before he swiftly wrapped up the conversation. “Unfortunately, she’s not feeling well today, so we must take our leave.”

“Take care.” Gideon smiled, glanced at Margaret’s pale lips with satisfaction, and licked his lips languidly.

They t

ey turned on their heels. Clifford continued to hold Margaret’s hand tightly as they made their way through the hall and out to the car.

Silence enveloped them as they settled into the car. Margaret fastened her seatbelt and closed her eyes.

“You and Gideon-” Clifford began.

“Can I ask you for a favor?” Margaret looked at him, her voice barely a whisper.

Clifford nodded, his expression softening. “Of course.”

“Please, don’t ask me anything right now. Okay?” The distressed look on her face was heartbreaking.

Clifford immediately turned around and drove/quietly.