Billionaire's Match (by Tangy Candy) novel Chapter 773

Why was she so fixated on a mere assistant?

After lunch, Khloe had Michelle escorted back to her hotel by Lenny. Before parting, Khloe emphasized once more: under no circumstances should the news about Nick's accident leak before the bidding ended.

Michelle, still shaken from almost being led into a trap by Angela, nodded earnestly. "Don't worry," she promised. For Nick, this time, she would follow Khloe's orders without question.

On the ride back, Michelle noticed Lenny was unusually tense. He barely spoke, barely made eye contact as she got in and out of the car. Whenever their eyes met, he would quickly look away, as though she were some untamable beast.

By the time they arrived at Michelle's hotel, Lenny silently unlocked the car, waiting for her to step out without a word.

"You really hate me that much?" Michelle finally asked, unable to hold back.

Lenny froze. "What do you mean? I wouldn't dare—"

"You wouldn't dare? Every time you see me, you act like I'm plotting against Khloe. Tell me—do I look that evil? That… unlikable?"

Michelle's voice, sharp and full of anger, left Lenny momentarily speechless.

"No… that's not what I mean."

"Then what do you mean? I'll give you the chance to explain." Michelle crossed her arms and glared at him coldly.

"You're… really talented," he admitted, voice low but firm. "If I put aside your relationship with Mr. Hunt, personally… I actually like you."

The words hung in the car like a shockwave.

Michelle froze, arms crossed instinctively, then slowly dropped them. Her eyes widened to the size of saucers, staring at Lenny in disbelief.

Lenny, too, felt like he'd been hit by his own confession. His face flamed red to the ears, his knuckles whitening as he gripped the steering wheel. He opened his mouth to clarify—"I didn't mean that kind of like, I meant… admiration… for your professionalism and ability…"—but no words came out. He was completely frozen.

"You…" Michelle's voice trembled for a long moment before returning, a mix of shock and heat flooding her cheeks. But she forced her tone back to defiance. "What nonsense are you spouting? Who… who asked you to like me!"