Agnes' Awakening: From Zero to His Whole World novel Chapter 335

"Otherwise, I wouldn't be running into you here."

Agnes and Neal shared a smile.

Something stirred behind Neal's eyes.

"Agnes, can we talk? Just the two of us?"

The guilt had been a boulder on his chest for weeks. It never stopped pressing.

He wanted to apologize. To explain.

Or maybe he just wanted to see her. The urge had never faded.

Maybe, somewhere he wouldn't admit, he'd never let her go.

"What do you need to talk to her about?"

Carmen stepped between them, looking at Neal like he was a convicted felon.

"Agnes is busy. Say it here or don't say it at all."

Neal's expression flickered.

"Ms. Fletcher, still appointing yourself guardian of the galaxy, I see. I don't recall addressing you."

Carmen said, "Agnes is my friend. I have every right to protect her.

"Last time, she talked to one of the Ruells, she came back with welts on her body.

"She's small. She can't take that kind of abuse."

She nudged Agnes behind her.

The way she looked at Neal—like he was public enemy number one.

Neal said, "I know I failed to protect her. I just want to tell her—"

Carmen didn't let him finish.

She stared him down.

"Tell her what? There's nothing left to say.

"If you actually cared about her, you'd stay away."

She stepped closer, eyes hard, finger jabbing into his chest.

"Your existence is the biggest threat to her safety.

"Your entire family needs to watch its step."

At the mention of the Ruells, Neal went quiet.

He didn't need Carmen to tell him. He despised what the Ruells had done.

So he stood there and took it, every single word.

Agnes intervened before things escalated.

"Carmen, Neal isn't like the rest of the Ruells. He's different.

"I know you're worried about me. But it's okay. Really."

Carmen relented, though not happily. She shot Neal one final glare and moved to a spot nearby—close enough to keep watch.

Agnes said softly, "Don't take it personally, Neal. Carmen is just overprotective."

Neal said, "I don't. Honestly, I'm glad you have someone like her."

They didn't stay long. Carmen dragged Agnes away at the first opportunity.

The whole walk back, she ranted about the Ruells.

Neal stood alone, watching them go.

"Neal!"

Vivian came running over, breathless with excitement.

She'd been looking for him everywhere. And here he was.

Neal turned to face her. His eyes held nothing but polite confusion.

The excitement surging through Vivian went cold in an instant.

The look in his eyes clearly showed he didn't even recognize who she was.

It was a massive joke—he didn't even recognize his own fiancée.

Vivian forced a smile, her voice sweet and fluttery.

"Neal, it's me, Vivian. Is my makeup too heavy today?"

Recognition dawned. The arranged match. The Brogdon heiress.

"Ms. Brogdon, can I help you?"

Vivian felt a flash of annoyance. Ms. Brogdon? So cold. So distant.

"Just call me Vivian. How come you're here? Your parents didn't mention anything."

Neal said, "I'm an adult. I don't report my schedule to my parents."