“What do you mean ‘steal‘? Tell me, what exactly counts as stealing?” Jeremy shouted at Marie, his anger uncontrollable.
“These things belonged to her in the first place. Why would it be considered stealing?” Jeremy roared.
“M–M–Mr. Hansen…” Marie trembled violently, on the verge of tears.
“Put those things down and get out!” Jeremy’s voice thundered even louder.
Marie nodded frantically, her whole body visibly shaking. She quickly placed the items down and ran toward the exit as if escaping a burning building.
At the doorway, she twisted her ankle in her high heels and fell. Even so, she dared not waste time and scrambled to her feet, disappearing from Jeremy’s sight.
Jeremy stared at the cufflinks and jewelry on his desk, his rage boiling over. With one powerful sweep of his arm, he sent everything on his desk crashing to the floor.
Jeremy had never despised himself more than he did now. For half the afternoon, he remained motionless in his chair with his eyes closed, refusing all visitors and forbidding any interruptions.
It was as if he had shut the world out completely. Then, just before the end of the workday, Nadine called.
“Jeremy, let’s have dinner together. I have amazing news to share with you,” she said excitedly.
Jeremy thought about all the sacrifices Nadine had made for him over the years. She had endured so much for his sake, and he knew he owed her this.
“Alright,” he agreed and headed to the restaurant Nadine had chosen.
Nadine was already waiting at a table near the window in the main dining room when he arrived. As the Queen of Cello, she had performed over a dozen solo concerts at Eburio. Soon, she would debut her first solo concert back home in Clementson City.
Her fame drew attention wherever she went. Sitting confidently in the restaurant, Nadine was the center of countless glances, her presence impossible to ignore.
“Jeremy, you’re here!” Nadine had been watching the entrance eagerly. She immediately greeted him warmly, linking her arm through his.
The other patrons turned to look at them, and some even pulled out their phones to take pictures.
+25 BONUS
Chapter 12
Jeremy surveyed the room with a quick glance and suggested, “Should we move to a private room?”
“Oh!” Nadine playfully stuck out her tongue. “I’m sorry, I didn’t think it through. This place doesn’t have private rooms, but their food is absolutely fantastic–I’ve been dying to try it.”
“Is that so?” Jeremy smiled. “Alright, then let’s stay.”
“Jeremy, you’re the best!” Nadine said with a charming smile. She rose on her tiptoes and, under the other diners‘ watchful eyes and camera lenses, planted a quick kiss on Jeremy’s check.
Jeremy’s eyes darkened, but he remained silent as Nadine led him to a seat by the window. The restaurant manager approached with a bright smile to serve them.
After they ordered and the manager left, Nadine grabbed Jeremy’s hand, which was resting on the table. She gazed at him with adoring, hopeful eyes and said, “Jeremy, I have incredible news to tell you.
Jeremy used the excuse of drinking water to withdraw his hand, lifting the glass for a small sip. Then, he asked calmly. “What news?”
Nadine smiled coyly and leaned across the table toward him, whispering, “I’ve found a suitable donor. We can finally proceed with the uterus transplant.”
