Her sole son-she couldn’t permit any misfortune to befall him.


    In the early hours, a call from Marcus’ father reached Celeste. He implored her to take exceptional care


    of her son in the days ahead.


    Before she could pose further inquiries, the line went dead. Disquiet coursed through Celeste’s veins.


    “Millie, should anything transpire with Marcus, rest assured, you shall not evade the consequences,”


    Celeste dered, her words a parting warningden with ominous weight.


    Celeste clenched her teeth in a storm of loathing, while Millie roseposedly from her seat.


    “I believe I’ve expressed what I needed to. I’ll return to my work now.”


    As she turned to leave, the heavy clunk of a cupnding on the table reached her ears.


    Undeterred, Millie continued on her path.


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    Approaching the door, she collided with someone, instinctively stepping back.


    “I apologize.”


    However, the person in front of her held a glimmer of familiarity. Millie lifted her head to scrutinize them.


    “Why walk with your head bowed?” She found herself face-to-face with Marcus.


    Caught off guard, Millie blinked.


    Beside him stood Derek, holding a file folder—a sign of an appointment.


    A fleeting pause ensued as Millie’sposure wavered.


    “I’m heading back to thepany.”


    “Millie.”


    Though Marcus called her name, he didn’t halt her departure.


    In a state of perplexity, Marcus exchanged a look with Derek.


    “Mrs. Thomas is here as well,” Derek informed him, observing Celeste’s dignified stride toward the exit.


    A shadow darkened Marcus’ gaze. Millie had undoubtedly just encountered Celeste.


    Observing Marcus’ unwavering scrutiny of Millie’s retreating form, Celeste’s expression clouded. She


    approached and cleared her throat.


    Marcus’ attention shifted to her, and his question was direct.