Billionaire's Match (by Tangy Candy) novel Chapter 1011

Winnie was momentarily speechless.

Michael continued, "Before I left, I heard you talking to Lucas. I trust you completely, so whatever you choose to do, I won't interfere. But did you think I was some easily fooled idiot?"

"Michael… I would never think that…"

Winnie opened her mouth, but words failed her. She was flustered beyond reason.

It was clear Michael was truly angry.

For a moment, he couldn't rein in his emotions. Only when he noticed the tears gathering in her eyes did he realize he had been too harsh.

He abruptly lowered his head, resting his elbow on his knee, his fist pressed against his brow.

Lucas didn't know Michael had been kept in the dark and had assumed they had already discussed everything together. Only at the end did he realize he had misspoken, and could only smooth things over by telling Michael to focus on his own matters, assuring him that Winnie was being taken care of.

But to Michael, those words were even more piercing.

So she still didn't see him as someone she could rely on? They were already married, yet she would rather take risks with someone else than tell him?

"I'm sorry, Michael… I really am…" Winnie lowered her head and kept apologizing.

Seeing that he didn't respond, she reached out and tugged at his sleeve.

After a moment, Michael finally relented, worn down by her small gestures, and lifted his head.

"Winnie, do you even know how I felt when I heard about it?"

She lowered her gaze.

"I'm sorry. I just didn't want you to worry… and I was afraid you might disagree. Besides, it wasn't easy for your dad to finally accept me. I didn't want him to think I was causing trouble again."

Michael frowned.

"You didn't want me to worry?" he repeated. "So you went to the Olson family alone, to the police station alone, and went through everything by yourself… and you think I wouldn't worry?"

But the moment she heard him return, her emotions had already softened.

Michael called her again. This time she answered, "What?"

"If you pull something like this again," he said slowly, "I'm going to start enforcing strict husband discipline."

Winnie was stunned. Turning to him, she asked, "What does that mean?"

Michael placed his large hand firmly on her thigh, sliding it down to take her hand.

"Exactly what it sounds like," he said with a faint curve of his lips. "Wherever you go, I go. Whatever you do, I'll be with you. If reason doesn't work and our thoughts don't align, then I'll change you through action. From now on, there won't be a single ounce of distance or awkwardness between us."

Winnie stared at him in shock, half exasperated, half amused.

"Michael… have you lost your mind?"