Heartstrings on Fire (Agnes and Jared) novel Chapter 986

Jared's grip on her arm gradually eased, and Agnes was quick to leave, her heart pounding. But Jared, with the coolness of a midnight breeze, showed no sign of worry. He strolled back into the room where Agnes' purse from the previous day lay abandoned. Inside were her ID and passport. With these in his possession, Jared wasn't concerned about Agnes leaving.

But what had spurred Agnes to leave in such a hurry? Was she on her way to seek Ryder?

Jared's brows knitted together, a storm brewing on his forehead.

Agnes, having left the imposing edifice of Maplewood Manor behind, hailed a cab straight to the Tim Tower. Indeed, she was on her way to find Ryder, the newly minted chairman of the Tim Group, who was likely holding court in his corporate castle.

Agnes knew the presidential office as well as she knew the back of her hand. So, it was no surprise that she arrived at Tim Tower without delay. As she breezed past the secretary pool, she ran into Leo, who was on his way out, clutching a cardboard box—a clear sign of a workplace exodus. Colleagues gathered around, their faces etched with reluctant farewells.

A premonition of dread flitted through Agnes’ mind.

"Leo, what in the world is going on? Where are you off to?" she inquired, a tremor in her voice.

Leo, upon seeing Agnes, flashed a surprised but sincere smile. "I've resigned," he declared, with the nonchalance of someone used to life's ebb and flow.

Agnes felt as if she'd been sucker-punched. Leo had been Jared's right-hand man, his confidant for nearly a decade. Did Ryder's ascension mean there was no place left for loyalty?

Leo continued, "Agnes, we've known each other for years now. Before I leave, there's something I need to tell you. Can we talk privately for a moment?"