Chapter 26
The words cut through the air like a blade. The restaurant seemed to grow quieter as if the world had stopped to listen.
I remained calm, refusing to let his words. provoke me. I kept my eyes on Gordon, pretending not to notice Anthony’s intrusion.
Gordon’s expression hardened instantly.
“You must have me mistaken for someone else, Sir,” he said coldly, his voice low but firm. “Please don’t bother us, or I’ll have the guards escort you out.
Anthony smirked, undeterred by Gordon’s hostility. “Oh, what a coincidence, Mr. Kingston. Let me apologize for my abruptness. Allow me to introduce myself–I am Anthony Harris, the husband of Daisy Harris, who is currently sitting here as Valerie Keith.”
My chest tightened, but I forced myself to
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remain composed. I shifted slightly, making it clear that his words held not weight. I could not let him rattle me.
Gordon leaned back, his sharp gaze locking with Anthony‘ s. “Mr. Harris, I’m well aware of who you are. Your face has been splashed all over the media here in London, though not for good reasons. Perhaps you should focus on salvaging your company’s reputation instead of being here.”
- s. an
Their eyes met in a fiery clash of wills, unspoken battle raging between them.
Gordon continued, his voice colder than ever. “Miss Keith was born and raised in California. She is not the person you think she is. I suggest you refrain from involving her in your personal issues, or you’ll be dealing with far more than the media.”
Gordon turned to me, his tone softening as he said, “Valerie, I apologize. I should‘ ve requested a private room. I didn’t expect this kind of disturbance.”
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I smiled faintly, though my heart was still pounding. “It’s alright, Mr. Kingston. Let’s not let a little disruption ruin dinner.”
Switching to my practiced American accent, I spoke with a calmness that belied
my nerves.
Anthony flinched visibly at the sound. I knew he recognized the deliberate change, a stark contrast to the British accent he had
once loved.
Anthony, however, was not ready to back down. “Miss Keith may have a new accent and identity, but her face–it’s unmistakably Daisy‘ s.”
Before I could respond, Gordon interjected with venom in his voice. “You” ve
overstayed your welcome, Mr. Harris. My patience has limits. Leave now, or I’ll have my guards remove you.”
At Gordon’s signal, two guards stepped forward, their imposing presence making
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it clear Anthony had no choice but to comply.
For a moment, he hesitated, his eyes searching mine as if hoping to find a trace of the woman he had once known.
Finally, he relented, his voice low and begrudging. “Fine. I’m sorry for interrupting. Miss Keith, Mr. Kingston.”
He turned and walked away, but I knew Anthony well enough to understand this was not over. He would not give up so easily.
Gordon watched him leave, his expression unreadable. Once Anthony was out of sight, he turned to me, his gaze soft but concerned. “Are you alright?”
I nodded, though my hands trembled under the table. “Yes,” I managed to say, though my voice wavered slightly.
Gordon leaned closer, his voice steady and protective. “I’ll make sure he doesn’t bother you again. I promise.”
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But suddenly, Landon approached and whispered something in his ear. Gordon’s face darkened as he processed the information. He turned to me with an apologetic look.
“It seems Anthony booked a room close to yours. I’m sorry, Valerie. I’ll make sure the staff responsible is dealt with.”
Hearing his tone, I quickly reached out and placed my hand over his clenched fist.
“Please don’t. Sometimes things happen beyond our control. I’m sure Anthony pulled every string to make this happen. Don’t punish your staff for his persistence.”
Gordon hesitated, his jaw tight. “But….”
I interrupted him with a gentle smile.
“Promise me you won’t fire anyone over this. If you do, I might just stop having dinner with you.”
His expression softened at my words, a small smile tugging at the corner of his
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lips. “Is that a threat, Valerie?”
