Chapter 139
Outside the hotel, Randall pulled up in his sleek black sedan.
Hertha stood beside the car, her eyes wide with nervous anticipation as she watched Rhett. “Rhett,” she murmured.
Rhett didn’t even spare Hertha a glance, taking the laptop from Kristin’s hands and opening the car door for her. “Get in.”
Kristin was both flattered and aware that Rhett was using her as a shield, deliberately placing her in the line of fire.
But that was where her value lay.
“Rhett, Can we talk, please?” Hertha trembled with a sob. “You drank too much last night. I was only looking out for you. Can’t you trust me, please?”
Rhett signaled for York to close the car door.
“Ms. Haywood, maybe we should talk after the Harborside Haven project wraps up?” York coaxed in a hushed tone.
Hertha, tears welling in her eyes, stood rooted to the spot as Rhett closed the car door.
“Ms. Haywood, this way” The secretary opened the passenger door, beckoning her to get in.
With a sense of defeat, Hertha climbed into the passenger seat.
“Thirsty? You should drink more water if you’ve got a cold,” Rhett said to Kristin with a tenderness that was almost palpable.
York sat shivering, his legs trembling.
Mr. Fitzgerald was making it painfully obvious, which was all a performance for Hertha.
Hertha had crossed a line with Rhett once again last night.
But there was nothing York could do about it. He hadn’t dared tell Rhett that the video of him and Hertha leaving the same hotel suite had gone viral, now topping the trending searches.
The marriage alliance between the Haywood family and the Fitzgerald family was an unstoppable force.
Even if Rhett was unhappy, there was no way out. For the sake of both families‘ honor, an engagement was inevitable.
Sighing, York gazed out the window, fearing Hertha’s cunning might backfire.
Rhett despised being manipulated or used, and Hertha was being far too transparent.
How could the paparazzi have been so fortunate to capture that moment if not for some premeditated setup?
Chapter 139
“Are you hungry? You skipped lunch, and the banquet might not be to your taste,” Rhett said to Kristin, unfazed by the others, as he handed her a piece of chocolate.
Kristin looked at Rhett in surprise. “Where did you get this?”
She hadn’t seen Mr. Fitzgerald carrying chocolate.
“Magic,” Rhett quipped with a raised eyebrow.
Kristin blushed and averted her gaze, staring out the window instead.
His face was devilishly charming. Even a casual joke from him was disconcertingly alluring.
Taking a deep breath, Kristin tried to calm her nerves, her back turned to Rhett.
Hertha, sitting in the passenger seat, felt her anger brewing like a storm.
Rhett was doing this on purpose, infuriating Hertha with his calculated indifference.
But what did it matter?
He would still have to marry Hertha willingly or not.
Kristin was at a loss for words.
Hertha clenched her teeth, wishing Kristin would just disappear.
She needed to come up with a plan to erase Kristin completely, not just from sight, but to tarnish her reputation so thoroughly that she’d be forced to leave Silvergrove City forever.
Hertha wanted Rhett to feel repulsed at the mere mention of Kristin.
“Mr. Fitzgerald, perhaps we should take another look at the project proposal?” York suggested cautiously, passing the document to Rhett.
Rhett took it with one hand, while secretly holding Kristin’s hand with the other, prying her clenched fingers apart.
She always clenched her fists when nervous, her nails digging into her palms.
It was as if Rhett could see through these self–destructive habits. In a place hidden from prying eyes, Rhett held Kristin’s hand firmly, preventing her from causing herself any more pain.
Kristin tried to steady her breathing as she gazed out the window, her cheeks burning red.
She hoped Rhett not keep giving her false hope. Or was he always so attentive and caring with every woman?
Kristin needed to stay clear–headed. He was Rhett, after all.
“Mr. Fitzgerald, the team at the venue says Nicola and Vincent arrived early, looking confident and ready to claim victory.” York whispered.
Rhett ignored York’s comment.
Chapter 139
Confident? With Vincent’s capabilities? What a joke!
The car stopped in the parking lot.
York got out and opened the door for Rhett.
Rhett stepped out, waiting patiently for Kristin to follow. He even took care to shield her head, concerned she might bump it.
and the secretary
York coughed lightly before speaking up softly, noticing Hertha’s teary eyes a standing together. “Mr. Fitzgerald, that’s enough. Ms. Haywood is crying.”
Rhett gave York a withering look. What concern was it of his?
“Besides, with all these reporters and media watching, you’re putting Kristin in a tough spot. She’s already under enough scrutiny,” York added, worried for Kristin.
Rhett thought for a moment, deciding York had a point, and headed straight for the venue.
York breathed a sigh of relief, pulling Kristin aside. “Mr. Fitzgerald’s actions are all for show to Ms. Haywood. Don’t read too much into it. Sure, Mr. Fitzgerald is handsome, but don’t let your heart wander. Getting emotionally involved is messy, and you’d be the one getting hurt in the end.”
York was reminding Kristin of her place. Theirs was strictly a business relationship, and she shouldn’t get confused and cause trouble.
Kristin bit her lip, her nose tingling as she nodded. “I understand. I’ll remember my position.”
York relaxed, looking at Kristin approvingly. “I have high hopes for you, and Mr. Fitzgerald appreciates your work. Even if the contract ends early, he’ll likely keep you on at Fitzgerald Group. Your best days are ahead. Work hard. Let’s collaborate well. As long as Mr. Fitzgerald is here, we’ll live the good life.”
Kristin nodded vigorously, her gaze anchored to the ground.
Experienced York gave an affirming nod. “Let’s get going. The conference is starting.”
This bidding war was Eddie’s brainchild, encompassing not just project collaborations but also the gala banquet.
Before the bids were thrown down, the big shots from the business world would gather, mostly to weave their networks of influence.
After all, everyone knew that when the FitzGerald Group threw its hat in the ring, other contenders rarely stood a chance.
But connections mattered, so show up they did.
Many were there just for Rhett.
“Mr. FitzGerald, you’re quite the rising star. It’s a pleasure to meet you myself,” said a tycoon who had never crossed paths with Rhett, stepping forward to make conversation.
Chapter 139
“Rhett, let me introduce you to President Scales of BrightFuture Tech.”
A mutual acquaintance made the introductions.
“President Scales, delighted to meet you,” Rhett said with a smile, clearly in good spirits.
York was stunned. Mr. FitzGerald, usually as indifferent as ice, was all smiles today.
Impressive!
He silently prayed that Mr. FitzGerald would keep this up.
Had Rhett shown such awareness in his early years, would the FitzGerald Group have left room for the likes of Vincent and Nicola?
“President Scales, I’m Mr. FitzGerald’s assistant, Kristin. I’d love to exchange business cards. for future collaborations,” Kristin said with a smile, stepping forward proactively. She needed to make the best impression on Rhett’s behalf.
President Scales was pleasantly surprised and handed over his card with gusto. “Rhett, you’ve got a sharp one here. Anyone who works with you is bound to be talented.”
President Scales was charmed by Kristin, laughing heartily. “If you ever decide to hire fresh. blood, Mr. FitzGerald, send this assistant my way.”
“I’m someone who values consistency.” Rhett replied with a smile.
“That’s a great philosophy. It makes us even more confident in partnering with the FitzGerald Group!” President Scales‘ boisterous nature and loud voice drew the attention of the room.
Everyone looked at Rhett in shock. Those who knew him were aware of his aloof demeanor, as unreachable as a gem, not easily approached. What had changed?
“Kristin!” A man with a sly grin approached from the crowd, calling out her name. “Well, it’s been years and you’ve landed yourself as Mr. FitzGerald’s assistant? Has the bar for hiring assistants at the FitzGerald Group sunk so low, or are they just looking for a whore?”
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