Chapter 45
Matilda instinctively said, “I won’t see him.”
But then she thought about it again-Zack was nothing but trouble. If she avoided him, he’d probably spread rumors around her new company.
So she called the receptionist back, got up, and went to the reception hall. There were no greetings, no warm-up-just one word. “Speak.”
Zack didn’t take offense. He put on a fake smile. “Ms. Warren, you wear your heart on your sleeve. That’s dangerous in the workplace. Look at me-I don’t like you either, but when I need to smile at you, I still smile.”
“Mr. Maxwell, smiling is what you’re best at. Even when you’re scheming, spreading rumors, and stabbing people in the back, you can still smile like you mean it. That’s what makes you so two-faced.” Matilda never held back when she insulted
someone.
Zack’s temper flared, and he slammed the table, shooting to his feet.
Several people turned to look, so he forced himself to tone it down. “I came to warn you. During your divorce cooling-off period, getting involved with another man or living with one counts as infidelity. That’s a violation of your marital duty.”
“You should be saying that to those two, shouldn’t you? Oh, I get it-you’re just playing favorites,” Matilda shot back.
Zack only smiled without answering.
He stepped closer and lowered his voice so no recorder could pick it up. “You belong to Brandon. Unless he decides he doesn’t want you anymore, don’t think you can escape him.
“And that Dr. Saunders of yours-his folks just run a farm, raising flowers, grass, and livestock. They’re doing fine, but don’t drag them into this mess.”
With a smirk, Zack swaggered off.
Matilda burned to chase after him and wring his neck, but she knew his warning wasn’t empty. If she ignored it, Allen would be the one hurt. She couldn’t let Edwina down like that.
*****
Matilda worked late, alone, until eleven o’clock. She had to come up with new highlights for the expo.
Rufus walked in slowly, hands clasped behind his back. He ordered her to stop working and go home right away.
Matilda refused. Rufus grabbed her bag and pushed her toward the door.
She didn’t dare push back hard-he was an old man, and she worried she might accidentally knock him over.
In the end, she was shoved into a taxi. When they neared Maple Heights, she saw Allen standing at the main entrance.
He wasn’t checking his watch or looking at his phone. He just stood there quietly, eyes fixed in the direction of her cab, like he’d been waiting all along.
Matilda’s heart skipped a beat.
As the driver slowed, she said quickly, “Don’t stop. Keep going. Use the south entrance.”
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Chapter 43
When the taxi rolled past, she saw Allen under the dim streetlight in his white shirt, looking like a scene out of an old movie.
Behind his silver-rimmed glasses, his eyes were calm and steady. They seemed to meet hers through the glass.
But the car windows had privacy film, so she knew he couldn’t actually see her. Still, her heart pounded wildly.
For the next several days, Matilda threw herself into expo prep, leaving early and coming home late. She didn’t eat at the restaurant in Maple Heights again.
Jolene missed her. Even though it was the weekend, she got up early and waited downstairs at the entrance.
Matilda was hurrying along, but when she heard Jolene call, she stopped without thinking.
She glanced around-no sign of Allen-then relaxed. “Jolene, come here. Let me give you a hug.”
She realized she was getting more and more attached to Jolene. Just seeing the little girl made her want to hold her close, ike she couldn’t help herself.
olene was small and soft, with smooth, springy skin.
Maybe it was because Jolene was Edwina’s daughter, but whenever Matilda saw her, she felt the urge to protect her.
“Matilda, I haven’t seen you for days. I don’t even know what you’ve been so busy with.” Jolene sounded a little hurt.
Matilda tapped her cute little nose. “I’ve been busy working on a gift. And I just happen to have something for you.”
“A gift?” Jolene’s eyes lit up, her hands rubbing together. “What kind of gift?”
Matilda set her down and pulled a pink ring from her bag. “It’s a children’s fingerprint ring I designed with a few others for you. It can open doors, make and receive calls, track your location in real time, and even take pictures. It connects to your camera so you can send them with one click.”
“Wow! Can I call you with it?” Jolene asked.
“You can. It doesn’t use a SIM card, but you’ll need your own phone number first.” Matilda smiled.
Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Allen coming out of the building. Her expression shifted. She told Jolene quickly, “Go ahead and play with it. I’m running late for work.”
She turned and walked away. Even when Allen called her name, she didn’t stop.
Jolene asked curiously, “Daddy, why won’t Matilda talk to you anymore?”
Allen pushed up his glasses, helpless. “Yeah, I wish I knew.”
He figured Brandon must have said something to her that day.
When the expo finally came, Matilda realized she’d forgotten to contact the media. She’d just have to wing it.
Neil came over. “I’ll go with you.”
Out of everyone, he was the one Matilda least wanted tagging along. She already had a sharp tongue and wasn’t good at sweet talk. Neil was worse-he barely spoke at all.
2/3
But he was good-looking. His messy bangs brushed his brows, his narrow eyes were sharp, and his handsome face carried a touch of softness.
Matilda secretly prayed today’s clients would be women.
The moment she and Neil walked into the exhibition hall, they saw Crossen Technology front and center. Their booth was packed, with staff patiently explaining to curious visitors.
What Matilda didn’t expect was that Brandon had shown up too, giving interviews to reporters-with Shelby right beside
him.
The reporter said a few opening lines while the cameraman zoomed in on Brandon. His tailored black suit was spotless, his shoes polished to perfection.
Matilda pulled her calm gaze back and headed for her own booth.
Out of the corner of his eye, Brandon noticed Matilda. He glanced her way, and the reporter and cameraman followed, making sure to capture the moment on camera.
