Before Carl could utter a response, she bashfully tilted her head and answered her own query, “You


    can reassure Marco that I’m quite alright.


    Ihave recuperated well. Today’s storm was merely a fleeting disturbance, nothing to worry about.”


    She raised her eyes to Carl, anticipation gleaming in them, but he made no response after a long while.


    It was then that she finally realized something was wrong.


    With an icy expression, Carl gave Keely an indifferent look as he stated, “Miss Haywood, Mr. Bryant


    has no interest in hearing about your affairs. He didn’t dispatch me to check on your health.”


    A Agai


    Caught off guard by Carl’s words, Keely forced a smile and responded,


    Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    “Oh, so you’re here to collect Marco’s coat, aren’t you? Marco must’ve sent you for that. He’s always


    been so thoughtful. This is such a minor matter; I could’ve returned it at a more convenient time. There


    was no need to dispatch so many people.”


    Her statement wasced with ambiguity, and Carl’s eyes fell on the rumpled coat in her grasp. Despite


    its wrinkled state obscuring its original form, he recognized the bespoke brand. After all, he had


    previously been assigned by Marco to manage tailoring arrangements.


    Carl took a moment to confirm that it was indeed Marco’s coat, a fact that left him somewhat surprised.


    Keely noticed his reaction, and a wave of relief coursed through her.


    She then pursed her lips and offered a sly smile, softly boasting,


    “Carl, being Marco’s most trusted person in thepany, you should understand our rtionship better


    than anyone else. While Marco tends to keep his personal and professional lives separate, he still


    values my opinions. I believe you should show me a bit more courtesy. I carry weight in Marco’s eyes.”


    A N G E L A ‘s L I B R A R Y


    Keely had only had Limited interactions with Carl previously, knowing him solely as apetent


    assistant at Marco’s side. Still, at the end of the day, he was just a subordinate. Hence, when Carl


    initially disyed coldness towards her, it had stung her pride. That’s why she feltpelled to assert


    her position.


    Carl listened, his expression a blend of surprise and irritation. Was he being threatened?


    He couldn’t help butpare Keely unfavorably to Loraine. Even over trivial matters, Keely felt the


    need to assert herself and showcase her influence. Meanwhile, Loraine, even when she had been the


    official Mrs.


    Bryant, had always projected modesty and understatement.


    Contemting the task he was entrusted with for the evening, Carl’s expression hardened. His brows


    furrowed as he coolly stated, “There’s no need for you to return it. Mr. Bryant has no further use for it.”


    Keely’s smile faded, her fingers reflexively tightening around the coat, hidden from view.


    She sensed that something was amiss, given Carl’s icy demeanor.


    How could he dare to behave this way, knowing the nature of her rtionship with Marco?


    Among the assembled, only Jane seemed confused. As she nced from one person to another, she


    remained ensnared in the fantasy Keely had spun.


    She genuinely believed that Carl’s visit was because of Marco’s directive to look after Keely.


    Sporting a smile, Jane added, “Absolutely! The coat is so creased. It would be better for Keely to clean


    it herself before returning it to