Marina shook her head so quickly it looked like a rattling drum
“No, why would I hide from you? There’s no reason for me to do that,” she explained frantically.
Daron narrowed his eyes at her. “That’s good then“.
Marina forced a guilty smile before explaining herself. “I just like to leave my briefcase by the door before I head out, so I won’t forget it on my way out.”
Daron nodded. “That’s a good habit.”
Seeing his expression didn’t really change, Marina breathed a silent sigh of relief. Then she finally noticed Daron was in workout gear.
“Are you going for a run?” she asked.
Daron glanced at his watch and nodded. “Yeah. Want to come?”
If I go running with Daron after only three hours of sleep, I’ll probably keel over halfway through, Marina thought, immediately shaking her head.
“Nope, I’ll pass,” she said. “I’m really not cut out for sports, and I didn’t even bring any workout clothes.”
Daron didn’t try to drag her along. Before heading out, he said casually, “It’s still three hours before work. Go back to sleep. I’ll wake you when I return.”
Marina blinked, but before she could respond, Daron had already walked out, closing the door behind him.
She hadn’t even felt that sleepy.
But after Daron mentioned it, a yawn forced itself out of her. Hesitating for a moment, she finally decided to crawl back into bed.
Marina definitely needed all the strength she could get before bracing herself for Lavern’s trouble in Ross Group today.
Marina had a really restful sleep.
When she finally woke up, it was already past eight..
She quickly got herself together and opened the door to head out.
She saw Daron was already back, had changed out of his sportswear, and was sitting on the sofa in a suit, checking something on his phone.
“Awake?” He heard her come out but didn’t bother to look up, his voice nonchalant. “Breakfast’s on the table, Grab some before we leave.”
Marina straightened her clothes and said quietly, “Okay.”
Walking over to the dining table, she noticed only one set of breakfast.
“You already ate?” Marina questioned.
Daron nodded. “Yeah.“.
Marina pressed her lips together, flashed an awkward smile, and murmured, “Sorry, I overslept.”
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20:53 Sat, Jan 3
Chapter 178
I only meant to rest for a bit, but I ended up sleeping way too soundly Marina thought, a little embarrassed.
But Daron seemed to be in an excellent mood today. Not even a hint of sarcasm.
“It’s fine.” he said.
Marina froze and thought, ‘Strange, did the sun rise in the west day? Daron’s actually being nice to me?
She finished breakfast quickly, then left with Daron.
Eddy was already waiting in the underground parking garage. As soon as the elevator doors opened, he hurried to open the car doors for them.
Daron instructed Eddy to drop off Marina at Ross Group.
When they arrived at Ross Group, Marina stepped out and turned back to say goodbye.
Daron was on a call. Seeing Marina glance back, he lifted his gaze briefly and gave her a gentle nod before raising the car window and leaving.
Marina watched the car disappear, then turned to head into Ross Group. As she was walking in, Lavern hurried after her.
“Marina,” Lavern called out.
The voice made Marina’s skin crawl. She quickened her pace toward the elevator. Just as the doors were closing, Lavern- rushed over and jammed his hand between the doors.
The sensor triggered, and the doors slid open again.
Lavern’s expression was dark as he stepped in. His suit had even been caught, leaving slight creases.
Marina shot him a frosty, indifferent look.
‘Shame the elevator didn’t finish the job,’ she thought.
Lavern saw that Marina didn’t even look his way. He let out a silent sigh, jaw clenched, and asked in a tense voice, “Marina, whose car did you just get out of?”
He had seen her stepping out of a luxury car as she entered the Ross Group. It was too far to catch the plate number, but from the model alone, he could tell it was a Bentley.
“What’s it to you?” Marina didn’t even bother to be polite, stabbing the button for her floor with a frosty glare.
Lavern’s face fell, totally thrown by her response.
“We were together for seven years. I don’t want to see you getting tricked by some other guy. Can’t I at least check in on you as a friend?” Lavern said, trying to sound concerned.
Since Marina insisted on breaking up, Lavern knew that clinging would only disgust her further. He planned to lower his stance and slowly win back her heart.
Marina couldn’t help but scoff, her laugh cold and full of disdain
“Don’t even try to get involved. I have zero interest in being friends with you,” she shot back.
Lavern’s face darkened, his anger barely contained. “Marina, do you really have to be like this?”
Marina shot back, “Can’t you understand English?”
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Chapter 173
Lavern’s face went stiff.
Marina deliberately shifted farther away, eyes filled with precaution.
Seeing her recoil, something pained flashed through Lavern’s gaze. His raised hand stalled midair, then dropped helplessly.
“In your heart, have I already been sentenced to death?” Lavern asked quietly, his voice thick with sadness.
Marina shot back, “Death? That’s too cheap for you. Sorry, I gave you the death by hanging, with dismemberment.”
Lavern’s expression shifted, and he briefly closed his eyes.
“We shouldn’t have come to this,” he murmured.
Marina shot back, “Maybe you should ask yourself why things turned out this way.”
As soon as she finished, the elevator doors slid open.
Marina strode out without a second glance.
Lavern rushed after her, about to say something, but glanced up and spotted a middle–aged man in a sharp silver suit standing by the door to Marina’s office.
He bit back whatever he was about to say and put on a polite smile, greeting the man.
“Mr. Finley, didn’t expect to see you here,” Lavern said.
Marina’s eyes flashed with disgust as she walked past Lavern and Carter, heading straight into her office.
Carter frowned and cleared his throat. “Marina, did you not see your father standing here?”
Marina gave him a sideways glance, said nothing, and sat down in her chair.
Lavern forced a smile, trying his best to look respectful. “Mr. Finley, please don’t be upset. Marina and I just had a little disagreement, so she’s just upset with me right now.”
“Please come inside,” Lavern added quickly.
Carter gave Lavern a look of pure disdain before commenting. Ive got some private business to discuss with Outsiders should leave.”
Lavern was taken aback for a moment.
There were only three people in Marina’s office. Everyone knew exactly who Carter was talking about.
daughter.
Lavern’s smile faltered, but he kept it plastered on as he left Marina’s office, closing the door behind him. Robert was standing right outside. When he saw Lavern lean in to listen at the door, he put out a hand to stop “Eavesdropping isn’t a good look, Mr. Ross,” Robert said, his tone polite but firm.
him.
Lavern’s face twitched in embarrassment. He glared coldly, but with employees watching, he couldn’t press his ear to the door again.
Robert didn’t seem bothered at all. He just waved over Daniel from security to stand guard at the door.
Lavern had suffered losses at the hands of Daniel before and knew the man didn’t care about his title as CEO of Ross Group, so all Lavern could do was grit his teeth and stalk off, pissed.
20:53 Sat, Jan 3
Chapter 173
Lavern could only regret that everything had spiraled into this mess, all because of Shawna.
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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.
