Chapter 177


    Chapter 177


    “Mr. Chadwick, are you heading out already? We’ve still got apple pie and coffee on the way,” Eaton


    pleaded, trying to convince them to stay a little longer.


    “No need, Dad,” piped up Valor smartly, blocking his path. “They’ve got urgent matters to attend to.”


    Eaton didn’t press the issue, not wanting to pry in front of everyone. He politely said, “Well then, we


    won’t hold you up any longer. Mr. Chadwick, let me show you out.”


    “No need for that. Valor can drive me.” Howard’s deep voice filled the room. It was clear he specifically


    wanted Valor’spany.


    “You got it!” Valor could hardly contain his excitement, “Excuse us, make way, please!”


    He led the way, escorting the couple out of the bustling diner.


    Howard strode briskly, with Gwendolyn almost struggling to keep up. She found Howard rather peculiar


    and his gaze a bit unsettling.


    It was as if he wanted to devour her.


    Valor managed to get them outside to their car, snagging the keys from the valet with care and


    responsibility. He chattered away, “You guys have no clue how much pull I had today, I mean, they


    were all buttering me up, hoping I’d introduce them to Gwendolyn. By the way, Howard, I gotta ask. Is


    your fertility issue sorted?”


    Seeing Gwendolyn personally tend to Howard, Valor guessed that things were probably on the up.


    Howard shot him a frosty nce and said, “You’re a bit too chatty.”


    “Just showing concern,” Valor mumbled under his breath, referencing an old adage, “No good deed


    goes unpunished.”


    “Gwendolyn, you go on ahead to the car,” Howard instructed her softly. Without a word, she obliged,


    slipping back into the car.


    Valor drew closer and teased, “Hey, you’re sidelining Gwendolyn to save face, huh? It’s no big deal if


    things aren’t fixed yet. Why all the secrecy?”


    “Valor,” Howard was stern and his eyes held a cial warning that made Valor pause, no longer daring


    to joke.


    “I want you to take our used dishes to Nathan. He’ll know what to do, Howardmanded seriously,


    his demeanor dark.


    Valor sensed trouble but didn’t question it. He just did as he was told.


    “And then…” He took a few steps away, then turned back to look at Howard.


    “You must be fine. You’re too clever for your own good,” Valor reassured, then hurried back into the


    diner.


    Howard’s gaze lingered for a moment before he settled into the car.


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    “Cliff, drive us back,” he ordered once the door was shut.


    “Right away, Mr. Chadwick.”


    Howard reached forward and lowered the privacy screen between the front and back seats, creating a


    15.05


    Chapter 177


    secluded space,


    Gwendolyn watched him with concern. “Mr. Chadwick, there’s something off about you.”


    As she spoke, he switched off the lights in the back seat, plunging the interior into darkness.


    Gwendolyn hitched her breath as she was suddenly enveloped by darkness. Then, she felt a strong


    force press her into the soft leather seat.


    His breath was hot against her ear.


    “Mr. Chadwick?” She made a feeble attempt to resist.


    But Howard said nothing, merely pressing his lips to her neck, his breath warm and moist.


    Gwendolyn gasped, taken aback by his sudden move.


    “Gwen,” Howard whispered, “Don’t move.”


    Frozen in ce, she could feel the heat radiating from him intensifying.


    Could it be…


    Earlier in the evening, something had been off with Vivien. She seemed distressed to be with Conrad,


    crying yet insisting it was her choice.


    Was Vivien drugged?