Chapter863UnexpectedEncounter


    “It’s not due to my experience,”


    Ynda calmly asserted, “but rather, the inevitable decay that awaits anything left unattended.”


    “Even if it’s not me, there will be someone else.”


    With these words, she lowered her head and tenderly patted Heather’s face, feigningpassion.


    “Don’t you agree?”


    Heather was in such agony that she could barely speak.


    The pain clouded herprehension of Ynda’s conversation with Cherise.


    So when Ynda sought confirmation, and Heather emitted a low, hoarse “Mm,” it was more a reflex


    than a conscious response.


    “You see, even your friend acknowledges it.”


    Ynda chuckled softly, squeezing the cotton swab as she applied the medicine to Heather’s wounds.


    “Ah-!”


    Heather cried out in agony.


    “But one must exercise caution in choosingpanions.”


    Ynda nced at Mr. Whitlock, who promptly moved to restrain Heather’s iling arm.


    “Better treatment options are avable, yet Mrs. Lenoir rmended futile remedies for your friend.”


    “It’s regrettable to be associated with you.”


    She emphasized the word “regrettable,” imbuing her statement with a double entendre.


    Cherise clenched her jaw. She understood that Ynda’s “regrettable” referred to Heather’s plight.


    It was because of her friendship with Cherise that Heather found herself in this predicament…


    “Ynda.”


    Cherise tightened her lips. “Let’s settle our affairs without involving my friend.”


    “Is that so?”


    Ynda raised her gaze to Cherise. “How does Mrs. Lenoir intend to address this with me?”


    “My intentions are clear. I desire only Damien.” Ynda responded bluntly,


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    Such candor left no room for misinterpretation.


    Heather struggled once more, using, “So you aspire to be a mistress!”


    “How audacious!” she admonished.


    Unmoved by the criticism, Ynda maintained herposure. “Kenny, p her for me.”


    Kenny was Mr. Whitlock’s name.


    As soon as Ynda gave themand, Mr. Whitlock’s hand rose, delivering three resounding ps to


    Heather’s face.


    The force of the blows left Heather dizzy and momentarily speechless.


    Cherise’s heart ached, prompting her to rush forward and attempt to restrain Mr. Whitlock.


    But what match was she, a woman, for Mr. Whitlock?


    He pushed Cherise aside, causing her to lose her footing and stumble backward-


    Just as Cherise braced herself for impact with the ground, a pair of gentle hands caught her.


    “Are you alright?”


    A soothing male voice reached her ears as the stranger lifted her.


    His movements were gentle and respectful, showing no hint of impropriety.


    “I’m fine.”


    Once steady on her feet, Cherise tightened her lips and expressed gratitude.


    Standing behind her was a man in a white suit.


    He was slender and refined, with an air of sophistication unfamiliar to her.


    Cherise realized she had never met this man before.


    Grateful for the assistance of a stranger, she offered her thanks, “Thank you.”


    The man smiled. “Cherry, why thank me?”


    Cherise was taken aback.


    “Do you know me?”


    Besides Lucy, the nickname “Cherry” hadn’t been used in ages.


    “Of course.”


    The man’s smile was faint. “I’m Sebastian.”


    Cherise furrowed her brow, wracking her brain until she finally recalled a boy named Sebastian.


    He had been her desk mate in junior high school in Shawbury for a year before he was transferred to


    another school.