Chapter 86

Chapter 86

Curtis only noticed Austin standing there by then.

Austin nodded politely at Curtis, and then introduced himself briefly to Leanne.

“Oh, so you’re Joy’s boss,” Leanne realized with an epiphany.

“Oh, does Joy mention me often?” Austin asked, “What exactly did she say?”

Well, Joy said nothing much about him, just some curses about a lifetime without sex, infertility, having kids with defects, and things like that.

Joy quickly pinched Leanne, desperately signaling her with her eyes.

Leanne’s replied awkwardly, “She says you’re a great boss.”

Austin glanced at Joy meaningfully, her evasive gaze betraying her guilt.

“It seems you haven’t said anything good about me.”

“What? No way. I only said nice things about you!” Joy poked Leanne in the ribs

on, make something up!”

Leanne nearly choked.

“Come

“Let’s leave it for today,” Austin said, “Your friend just moved in. She must be busy. Take the day off and help her out.”

Joy feigned protest. “No way, Boss. I haven’t finished my project, and everyone else is at work. It wouldn’t be fair for me to take a break!”

Come on, you’re not in the mood for work. If you went in, you’d only distract my other employees.”

Ever so polite, Leanne offered, “You’ve gone out of your way today. Why not come in for a

cup of coffee?”

“I wouldn’t want to impose,” Austin declined. “I didn’t realize you’d just moved in and didn’t bring a housewarming gift. I’ll make it up to you some other time. Congratulations on your

new home.”

Contrary to Joy’s description, Austin was nothing similar to a modern-day embodiment of a short, ugly, and malicious character that Leanne had initially envisioned.

Leanne hadn’t expected him to be so well-mannered and handsome, too..

“Thanks, it’s

t’s very kind of you.”

“It’s the least I can do.”

The exchange between them was warm and friendly.

Chapter 86

Left on the sidelines, Curtis felt a surge of jealousy and bitterness.

“Why not invite me in for a cup of coffee?”he asked.

Leanne glanced at him, clearly uninterested in extending the invitation.

Joy snapped, “See you, Mr. Curtis!” She pulled Leanne inside, about to close the door.

Curtis grabbed Leanne’s wrist.

He had raced over in a frenzy, his palm hot, scorching the delicate skin on Leanne’s wrist.

“Let’s talk.”

Leanne tried to pull her hand away, but he tightened his grip.

Curtis glanced at Joy, who seemed clueless but was eyeing an opportunity to throw a punch his way. “Give us a moment.”

“Why should I…” Joy began to protest.

But before she could finish, Austin pulled her aside.

“Your friend probably misses some stuff for the house. Come with me to the store.”

With that, he forcibly led her away

Once they left, the previously noisy hallway fell silent.

The sudden silence spread, creating a belated sense of calm.

After some silence between them, Leanne twisted her wrist and broke free from Curtis’

grip.

Curtis’ hand

He sai

as did his heart, hollow as a void.

de.”

esitant.

softly, adjusting his collar with a graceful motion. “What are you afraid of? I ned you in over two years. And now we’re getting divorced. Do you think I’ll with you right here? You are not that attractive, okay?”

he wanted to smack his smug face.