Chapter 228


    Chapter 228


    “Once you’ve got something, I want to know immediately.”


    “Sure, Mr. Chadwick.” Quentin hesitated, “Anything else you need?”


    Howard raised his gaze, his eyes deep and unreadable, as he locked onto Quentin and said icily, “You


    know how I deal with betrayal, Quentin. You came highly rmended by Nathan, and the position of


    my executive assistant is crucial.”


    It was a clear warming.


    Quentin feit a chill run down his spine.


    His tenure with Howard was brief. He had been up to some minor mischief behind the scenes, but


    nothing consequential, just petty stuff that wouldn’t dent thepany’s interests.


    “Mr. Chadwick, you can count on me. I won’t let you down, whatever you need.”


    “Good.”


    Despite his cold and distant demeanor, there were people Howard genuinely cared for.


    Hemanded, “Book the best catering from the nearest diner. I’m entrusting today’s meals for the


    volunteer medical team to you.” Quentin groaned internally. The nearest diner was a good two to


    three–hour round trip. The slippery roads in the rain could be treacherous.


    But it was a test from Howard to vent his frustration with the Ster Crescent Foundation reporters.


    He had no choice but to agree.


    “Right away, Mr. Chadwick,” Quentin said, though the task was daunting.


    ? ?? ? ? ? ?? ?? ?? ??? ?


    “Just be more careful out there,” Howard said casually. “And remember, thepany’s got insurance


    for idents.”


    After Quentin left, thunder rumbled ominously, turning the daylight hours nearly as dark as night.


    A deluge of rain made it impossible to stay dry, even beneath the awnings. Howard stepped outside,


    searching for a particr presence. Not finding Gwendolyn, he grabbed a passerby in haste. “Where’s


    Dr. Quigley?”


    “Dr. Quigley’s headed for the hills! A viger is too sick to move! They’ve gone for an emergency call!“.


    The town mayor was visibly anxious. “With this torrential downpour, I’m worried sick.”


    “Don’t hold me back! I need to get everyone back safely!”


    “I’lle with you.” With a steely look, Howard grabbed a rain poncho from inside and followed the


    town mayor, who led the way up the mountain. “Watch your step.”


    The soft soil was treacherous, and they passed several smallndslides. After a grueling half–hour,


    they finally spotted a group of figures.


    At a nce, Howard’s pupils contracted.


    Andslide was thundering down the cliffside, and the ground beneath the group’s feet was giving way.


    The town mayor shouted, “Run! It’s going to copse!”


    Panic ensued, and they scrambled to escape, but how could they outrum nature’s fury? They were


    quickly caught in the mudslide, desperately clinging to roots and boulders.


    Gwendolyn felt herself tumbling down with the earth, pain shooting through her body.


    “Gwendolyn!” Without hesitation, Howard gripped her hand. “Hold onto me!”


    Lying on the steep, rain–slicked slope, Gwendolyn could barely open her eyes against the pelting rain.


    Howard’s arm muscles flexed as he painstakingly hauled her up the incline.


    She thought she could taste the blood. Exhausted, she copsed on level ground. Through her blurred


    vision, she saw the imposing figure and the town mayor pulling the others to safety.


    “Get off the mountain! It could give way any moment!” The town mayor urged, and they made their way


    down in the ensuing chaos.


    Gwendolyn was on Howard’s back, her cheek against his warm back, and a strong emotion surged


    within her.


    She realized then that all her doubts and unease stemmed from falling for this man.


    She had never faced her feelings before.


    To love someone was to feel unworthy.


    “Howa…” As Gwendolyn began to speak, she felt something sticky in her palm.


    1/2


    All text ? N?velD(r)a''ma.Org.


    10:38


    hapter 229