420
Edmund just wanted to stay out of it and keep himself out of trouble.
Seeing Edmund bow out, Matthew didn’t miss a beat. He said, “Well, if Edmund’s not interested in the company the only one left who can take charge is Daron’s younger brother, Victor.
As soon as Matthew said that, the mood in the room shifted. Everyone’s expression changed.
“No, Matthew. You can’t do that,” Hayley blurted out, her voice full of urgency.
Hayley found out Marina was at the mansion. She hadn’t planned to get involved, but rushed over from the side courtyard
anyway.
She walked in just in time to hear Matthew’s proposal.
Matthew never actually intended for Victor to take over. He was just giving Harris some respect and showing he had no rea ambition for the Zamora Group.
Harris absolutely knew Victor wasn’t fit for the job and would never let him take charge.
Seeing Harris remain silent, Hayley spoke up, “Harris, Daron has always had issues with Victor.
“If you put Victor in charge now, it’ll only make things worse between them. Daron might think you’re favoring Victor
“If that happens, it might be impossible to fix things between you and Daron.”
Matthew had been worried Harris might make a reckless decision, so he’d prepared a backup plan.
But when Hayley suddenly butted in, it actually made things easier for him.
He didn’t even need to use his backup plan anymore.
Still, Matthew put on a show of being annoyed by Hayley’s objection.
He frowned, shot Hayley a look, and said in a low voice, “We’re discussing something here. This isn’t your place to speak.
“Go back to the side courtyard.”
Hayley bowed her head, chastened by Matthew’s rebuke.
She murmured, “I just didn’t want Daron to get the wrong idea about Harris. I wasn’t trying to get involved in Zamora Group’s affairs.”
Matthew snorted and gave Hayley a sharp look, but let it drop.
Hayley stood behind Harris, looking meek and careful.
After a long stretch of silence, Harris finally broke it.
He said, “Daron is still in critical condition at the hospital. Right now, we have no idea if he’ll pull through
“For now, let’s hold off on any decisions until we see how things play out over the next few days”
Matthew quickly jumped in, “But Harris, the company can’t go a single day without someone in charge
“Garret is still recovering from his last injury. If he collapses at his desk. Seliv will definitely come after you.
2/4
Marina drew in a shaky breath, unable to stop herself from clutching her phone tighter.
She dialed Carret’s number right away, but all she got was a busy signal every time.
Marina rubbed her temples, anxiety gnawing at her. With nothing else she could do, she called Chloe to ask if she’d heard anything
Chloe and Garret had worked side by side for years. They were both people Daron trusted completely.
If something ever happened to Daron, Ludwig would be the first to let them know.
But when Marina asked Chloe, Chloe was totally in the dark. Judging by her reaction, it seemed like everything was normal on Daron’s end.
Marina let out a small sigh of relief, but she still couldn’t shake off that uneasy feeling inside.
When Marina got home, she barely touched her dinner. Daron still hadn’t replied to her texts or calls. With her nerves all over the place, she didn’t have any appetite at all.
She couldn’t sleep a wink that night, so she ended up checking emails and files from the Finley Group to keep herself busy
It wasn’t until late at night that Marina finally got a message from Daron.
[I’ve been busy all day and barely had a chance to check my phone. Ludwig told me you called, but I figured you were probably asleep, so I didn’t want to disturb you.]
[Everything’s fine here, so don’t worry.]
As soon as Marina saw Daron’s message, she didn’t hesitate. She picked up her phone and dialed his number.
The phone rang for what felt like forever, and when it was about to hang up on its own, someone finally picked up.
Daron’s deep voice came through the phone.
“Why are you still up?” he asked.
His voice was a bit rough, like his throat was parched from thirst.
But hearing him speak, Marina’s restless heart finally calmed down a bit.
“You didn’t call me back, so I couldn’t help but worry,” she said.
Daron spoke softly, trying to put her at ease.
Why are you so worried? Ludwig’s here with me, and I’ve got security on hand. Seriously, you don’t need to worry about
me:
Marina bit her lip.
She sand. “Hearing your voice. I’m not worried anymore.
“Maybe it’s because we’re so far apart, and I don’t know how you’re doing over there. It makes me feel uneasy?
3:41 pm
Chapter 419
pp
Hearing her say that, Daron felt a softness bloom in his chest.
“Are you missing me?” he asked gently
Marina pressed her lips together, and after a long pause, she finally answered softly. “Yeath”
Daron was quiet for a moment, then let out a deep, husky laugh
But almost immediately, he drew in a sharp breath, as if in pain.
Marina heard it clearly, and her grip on the phone tightened. She blurted out. “Are you hurt
Daron stayed silent for so long that Marina’s nerves were about to snap. She couldn’t help but burt out again, ber spiking.
“What happened to you? Are you hurt?” she asked.
Hearing the panic in her voice, Daron realized he couldn’t keep it from her any longer. He finally gave a low almost reluctant, “Yeah.”
Marina clutched her phone, taking a shaky breath.
She hadn’t been imagining things. Her anxiety had clues behind it.
Those moments, Ludwig’s hesitation on the call, and Garret’s hurried departure, were all signs she’d overlooked
Marina closed her eyes and said in a low, determined voice, “I’ll book a flight for tomorrow. I’m coming to you.”
Daron said, “Don’t come.
“You don’t need to fly over, and nothing’s wrong here. I’m okay.
“Grandpa will be at the office first thing tomorrow to take over. He’ll be handling all the company matters for mow
“People might hear that I’m badly injured, but if you see those reports, don’t freak out. It’s a cover story we put out. I’m no in any danger.”
Marina’s grip on her phone tightened until her knuckles turned white.
She swallowed hard, then managed a quiet, “Okay.”
At Daron’s end, Ludwig was urging him to get some rest and reminding him to take his meds.
After chatting briefly with Marina, Daron ended the call.
Marina sat at the desk in the study, gazing at her phone, the call already over, lost in thought.
After a moment, Marina picked up her phone, stood up, and walked out of the study.
Belinda was still up. When she saw Marina coming out of the study with her coat, she waned over and asked “Mrs. Zarors are you heading out this late?”
Marina nodded. I’m going back to the Zamora mansion
Belinda glanced at the time and hurried over, saying, Mrs. Zamara, ker me go with you to the Zazyga
it’s always safer not to go alone.
3/4
3:41 pm
Chapter
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
