There was no denying that he had shown her kindness in many ways.


    Nevertheless, Laney also didn’t want to wrong Garrett.


    While tending ton’s wounds, she inquired tentatively, “By the way, what led to your scuffle with


    Garrett earlier?”


    Laney probed further in a calm tone, “Is that really all that happened,n? I wouldn’t like for my


    assistant to lie to me.”n’s fingers curled slightly as he began, “Mrs. Harding…”


    With her eyes fixed onn, Laney continued in aposed tone, n, I need you to be honest with me.


    Did you deliberately set up Garrett? And… were you responsible for sending him the fake divorce


    papers and wedding ring?”


    Laney’s voice was sharp and distinct as she asked, “Why? Why did you do that?”


    In a hushed tone, Ian replied, “Mrs. Harding, I merely want to remove obstacles for you. Since leaving


    Garrett, your life has flourished. No longer bound by the Harding family, you’ve built a career you love


    and embraced a life of freedom and joy. Isn’t that a blessing?” His eyes locked onto hers, his


    expression solemn. His voice was soothing, yet seemed to mask a torrent of emotion. “Had I not


    intervened, Garrett would have pursued you relentlessly, causing you trouble and casting you back into


    the depths of despair.” Laney averted her gaze, her voice trembling. “Don’t do this again. You’re


    crossing the line between assistant and employer.”


    “Oh, mydy!” Ian sighed, resigned. “Why don’t you understand?” Her heart pounded in time with his


    words.


    “Understand what?” His tender, steady voice whispered into her ear.


    Belongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org.


    “Laney, I’ve stood by your side all this time, doing everything in my power for you, because I love you.”


    Laney’s entire being froze.


    Asn reached for her hand, she snapped back to reality, stepping away from him.


    In her retreat, she knocked over the medicine box, its contents scattering across the floor.


    The tincture of iodine spilled, releasing a faint alcoholic aroma. Disappointment cloudedn’s features


    at her reaction. “Laney…” Laney halted him, her voice a flurry of emotion. “I’m sorry, I can’t ept your


    feelings.”


    His eyes downcast,n remained silent for a moment. Then, discarding his crestfallen demeanor, he


    offered a gentle smile. “I understand, Mrs. Harding.


    Fear not, I’ll strive tirelessly until the day you’re ready to ept me.”


    Laney was unsure of how to navigate the situation. He hastily gathered the fallen items and made a


    hasty exit.


    It was clear to him that Laney still harbored feelings for Garrett. Her excitement upon seeing him,


    followed by her fury at his violent actions, were unmistakable signs.


    Love stirred emotions, while indifference bred a steady, unchanging state.


    Inn’s presence, Laney had always maintained a calm,posed demeanor, revealing no emotions.


    Dinner preparations unfolded in a heavy silence.


    Laney couldn’t fathom how to interact withn. She forced down a few bites of food, but the stifling


    atmosphere soon became unbearable. Setting her chopsticks aside, she decided to clean up the trash


    can.


    “No, please let me,”n insisted.


    As their conversation continued, both reached for the garbage bag simultaneously.


    For a moment, they froze in ce.


    Their fingertips grazed one another, amplifying the already palpable awkwardness.


    Laney jerked her hand back as if stung, snatched the garbage bag, and darted out the door.


    Stepping outside and inhaling the crisp air, Laney’s heart, which had been racing from the awkward


    encounter, slowly regained itsposure.


    Laney gazed skyward, wondering how to facen upon her return. Truth be told, she harbored no


    romantic feelings for him.


    In her eyes,n was family, a friend but never a lover.


    Sighing deeply, she prepared to approach the dumpster when she noticed a new family moving in next


    door.


    Upon closer inspection, her expression darkened.


    The new neighbor swaggered towards Laney, smirking as he greeted her,


    “Hello, I’ve just moved in next door. Nice to meet you.” Laney clenched her teeth, ring at him.


    “Garrett, why are you here? Haven’t I told you to stop bothering me? Why move in right next to me?”


    Feigning innocence, Garrett lied smoothly, “The Harding Group is considering buying somend in this


    city. I’m here to investigate and just happened to stay next door. I only came by to check on you and


    ensure my daughter’s well-being.”


    The moment Garrett’s words hung in the air, Evan darted over, a business proposal clutched in his


    eager hands. In a solemn tone, he said, “Boss, feast your eyes on this proposal.”


    Garrett scanned the document, nodding seriously. “Hmm, it’s good. But give it some more thought.”