Agnes' Awakening: From Zero to His Whole World novel Chapter 331

The event was also a way to raise donations for the cause.

Agnes saw it as a golden PR opportunity for Tidewhisper Lily.

And a chance to clear her head.

She thought of Raymond. Didn't this man love the ocean?

She'd been visiting him regularly.

Most times, he turned her away.

He refused. She went anyway.

Agnes seemed completely unbothered. She showed up when she wanted to. Simple as that.

This time was no different. She grabbed her bag and went to see Raymond.

Raymond had also received an invitation, but with his eyesight gone, he had little desire to go out.

Eden approached him quietly. "Mr. Newton, Mrs. Newton is here."

"I won't see her."

Raymond didn't even think. The word left his mouth before Eden finished the sentence.

"Sorry. I already let myself in."

Agnes had anticipated the rejection. She'd walked right in behind Eden.

Eden tactfully excused himself, secretly pleased for his boss.

He knew Raymond better than anyone. The ice-cold exterior was a front.

Every time Agnes visited, his composure cracked.

A few days without seeing her, and he'd casually ask Eden whether anyone had stopped by.

Agnes sat herself on the couch and studied the man in front of her.

Today, he wore a loose cream-colored long-sleeve shirt and light gray trousers.

Without the usual sharp suits, he looked softer. Warmer.

His fingers turned a wooden bracelet over and over, as if lost in thought.

Agnes said, "Not exactly rolling out the welcome mat, are you, Raymond?"

Raymond said, "Don't you have work?"

Agnes said, "Swamped. I made time specifically to check on you."

Raymond said, "That's kind of you. I'm fine. Was there... anything else? I'd like to rest."

Agnes was unfazed. She said, leisurely, "What, am I your sleeping pill? Every time I show up, you get drowsy."

The corner of Raymond's mouth twitched upward for the briefest instant before the frost settled back in. "I'm tired."

Agnes looked at his empty, unfocused eyes. The ache in her chest twisted deeper.

But she kept her voice light.

"I'm guessing you got the Coastal Ecology Foundation invitation, too?"

Raymond murmured, "Mm."

Agnes said, "Perfect. I got one, too. Why don't I go with you? It'll be a nice change of scenery."

The day of the island retreat arrived. Agnes stood at the dock, in front of the cruise ship, clearly waiting for someone.

She waited a long time. He never showed.

A pair of arms suddenly wrapped around her shoulders. A familiar voice at her ear.

"Stop waiting. He's not coming. My brother told me."

Carmen had came out of nowhere.

She read the disappointment on Agnes's face and pulled her closer.

"But you've got me! Agnes, who needs a man? Hm?"

Agnes brightened. "You're absolutely right, Carmen. Let's make this trip count!"

"Let's go!"

Arms linked, laughing, they boarded the cruise ship together.

Behind them, another group was making its way toward the gangplank.

Led by Vivian, a cluster of Grandridge's young socialites had also received invitations.

From a distance, Vivian's cold gaze fixed on the figure ahead. The one that made her stomach turn.

Her lips curved. A sly, knowing smile.

That evening, the cruise ship hosted a lavish poolside party.

A welcome soiree for the city's elite attending the charity event.

The deck was packed. Everyone who mattered was there.