Chapter 1656:

She inhaled softly, then spoke with icy calmness.

“We’re adults here. We take what we want, nothing more. Why are you making things complicated, Mr. Ford?”

“Mr. Ford…”

Jolene’s use of the formal address immediately set the tone, delineating the limits of their association.

Unwavering, Waldo fixed his gaze on her. The silence stretched before he finally remarked with a frosty edge,

“Jolene, you’ve surprised me.”

As he departed, Jolene experienced a suffocating heaviness in her chest. The sensation not only made breathing laborious but also brought a persistent ache.

Of course, she understood Waldo’s feelings.

However, certain destinies were marked by their futility; continuation was pointless.

Their paths were not designed to converge.

Just then, Bleacher stepped out of the bar.

“Miss Sampson, Jonathan is requesting your presence.”

Upon hearing this, Jolene masked the sorrow in her eyes, inhaled sharply, and proceeded to follow Bleacher back inside.

In the office, within the bar, Jonathan’s gaze fell on the blood staining Jolene’s lips. His brow furrowed, and a flicker of contempt passed through his expression.

“Why make yourself so pathetic?”

“Better to tear off the bandage quickly, right? Isn’t that your philosophy?” Jolene reached for a tissue, dabbed at her lips, and winced when she touched the wound.

Jonathan’s eyebrow arched, his voice laced with a hint of regret.

“My intention was simply for you to understand your position.”

Find the latest releases gⱯlnσv𝓮𝓁s․com

Laughing softly, Jolene responded,

“You’re alone here. Why maintain the facade of kindness?”

She knew too well Jonathan’s capacity for ruthlessness; the term “gentle” was never apt for him, except on rare occasions.

Corrine, however, always received different treatment from him.

“Pity is all I feel for you,” Jonathan admitted.

“Love demands outcomes.”

“Why chase something so relentlessly when you know it’s futile?”

Jolene countered, “Some people just can’t let go. Like you, perhaps?” Their conversation bristled with sharpness and sarcasm, akin to two sworn enemies locked in a verbal duel.

Jonathan didn’t rise to anger. Instead, he smiled, his allure intensified by his grin.

“Even after all these years, your biting remarks remain unchanged.”

“You’re still just as disagreeable,” Jolene shot back, meeting his gaze squarely.

Jonathan’s smile persisted, yet his eyes sparkled menacingly.

“Sometimes I wish I could sever your tongue just to examine it closely.”

Jolene’s gaze sharpened as she watched him, murmuring,

“Madman.” Truly, a madman from the start.

“What do you need from me?” she inquired.

.

.

.