Chapter 280: Honey, Give Me a Hug
in
Kenneth’s countenance solidified, swiftly followed by a hasty attempt at self–defense. “I didn’t intend for it to happen. I was blinded by my mistakes back then. Don’t take it personally,” he implored. Ree could only respond with a laugh, the absurdity of his plea resonating within her. Her gaze, brimming with icy contempt, was fixed on him. “Do you genuinely believe you can continue making the same errors and expect forgiveness?” she retorted.With her words hanging the air, Reese turned her attention to Malcolm. Her previously frosty expression melted into a warm, inviting smile. “Darling, let’s proceed with your earlier suggestion.” “Very well, let’s return home. I’ve secured a reservation at your favorite sushi restaurant tonight,” Malcolm proposed, his words causing Reese’s smile to widen.Witnessing her radiant grin, Malcolm felt his icy exterior begin to thaw. “Excellent, let’s depart, he agreed.Reese looped her arm through Malcolm’s, and together they confidently exited the Brooks family’s presence.It wasn’t until they were a significant distance away that Nancy snapped back to reality, nudging Kenneth with her elbow. “What are you waiting for? They’ve left!“Kenneth responded with a slap across Nancy’s face. “How dare you speak? I told you to remain silent, but you wouldn’t stop chattering. Look at the mess you’ve caused!“Nancy, shocked by the unexpected assault, clutched her stinging cheek and glared at Kenneth. “How is this my fault? You’re the one who treated Reese so poorly.““I know how to handle situations. Do you?” Kenneth retorted, deflecting all blame onto Nancy.Nearby, Dahlia Brooks couldn’t contain herself any longer. She stepped forward, appalled at the sight of Kenneth striking her mother. “Father, you can’t blame Mother for this. You saw Reese’s attitude–it was excessive. None of us can stomach such arrogance.” “You’ll have to stomach it regardless. She has the support of the Flynn family. I can overlook it, but you and the others are only adding fuel to the fire. And speaking of which, I haven’t even begun with you. You were spreading rumors about Reese right in front of Malcolm. Are you out of your mind or just plain thoughtless?” Kenneth’s face turned a steely gray with fury, his hand hovering inches from Dahlia’s face. With a hurt expression and her lips pursed in defiance, Dahlia defended herself. “Father, how can you say that? We were just upset. After all, she’s no longer a part of the Brooks family. How could – Malcolm possibly want to stay with a woman who has no background at all?” The thought was simply inconceivable Nancy, not one
to tolerate injustice, was seething. After Kenneth’s outburst and the slap, she was livid. “Why are you shouting at us? It’s time to find a solution, not assign blame. Who revealed her origins to her in the first place?!” If the terms had been set from the start, would they be in this mess now?Kenneth, deflated like a frostbitten eggplant, sighed. “What can I do? Malcolm is determined to buy a stake in the company.” “So, you genuinely want Reese to become the company’s largest shareholder? She’s clueless. How can she represent the company in decision–making? What if she drives it into the ground?” Nancy’s anxiety was palpable. Reese, who came from humble beginnings, had made it this far through sheer audacity and arrogance. Otherwise, Malcolm would’ve likely discarded her long ago.Some wealthy men are actually drawn to that act; they find the groveling, submissive types utterly dull. It’s the confidence in someone as seemingly average as Reese that captures their attention.If only she had known, she would have encouraged Dahlia to emulate Reese–to take the path less traveled, and perhaps truly capture Malcolm’s heart.Feeling powerless, Kenneth conceded, “I don’t know. We’ll have to play it by ear. But there’s one thing we can use to our advantage–Reese’s lack of knowledge. Think about it: precisely because she’s clueless, she won dare make hasty decisions. After all, if the company suffers, so does she. If she does become the major shareholder, we’ll need to find a win–win solution.“Having departed the Brooks household with Malcolm, Reese turned to him and said, “I drove here. You and Justin should head back first.” “Where are the keys?” Malcolm inquired.Assuming he was merely reminding her, Reese produced her keys and replied, “Right here.“Without missing a beat, Malcolm took them from her and tossed them to Justin. “You take Reese’s car back, then bring me the keys.” “Sure thing,” Justin agreed, handing Malcolm the keys he held and driving off in Reese’s car.Watching this unfold, Reese was taken aback. “Is this necessary? I could drive back just fine.““You might need a few drinks right now,” Malcolm suggested, his expression hardening as he pieced
in question; she wasn’t actually Kenneth’s together from conversations with the Brooks family that Reese’s background daughter.Reese chuckled, a hint of defiance in her tone. “I don’t need to drink, and I’m fine, really. I never truly considered them my family anyway.“But Malcolm took her hand, his gaze filled with compassion. “No, you need to.“He could tell she was holding back her pain. Even if she felt no sentimental ties to the Brooks, learning the truth about her origins was undoubtedly distressing.She thought her life was hard enough without this new bombshell. How could she be alright? Strength didn’t mean invincibili didn’t exempt her from feeling downhearted. It was just that she was suppressing it fiercely.Reese didn’t voice her turmoil, t her heart trembled slightly, affirming Malcolm’s keen intuition. The slightest hint, and he’d unravel her feelings with ease.Inside, she felt truly unsettled, especially now that Malcolm was attuned to her emotions; it stripped away her sense of security.Seeing Reese silent, Malcolm pulled her into an embrace, his warm palm soothingly stroking her back. His voice was low and patient, like someone placating a child. “It’s okay, you’re not alone. I’m here for you. Let it all out. If you want to yell, to hit, consider me at your service.“Reese blinked, surprised. Her nose tingled, her eyes moistened. She’d always thought one should manage their own emotions- the world wouldn’t bother. Grown–ups had to bear their feelings, both the good and the bad.She never expected anyone to rescue her, to shoulder her angst and whims. In the end, you only truly have yourself to rely on. The entire world could turn its back on you, but you would never betray yourself. But suddenly, theres someone offering the warmth of an embrace, a gentle and patient voice assuring you they can handle your mood swings and negative emotions. They promise to stand by you through the toughest times. How can you not be moved?Reese paused for a moment before speaking up, her voice unsteady. “You know how I can be, my temper… Can you handle it?”
–
