Done with Cheater's Coldness Shine in Rival's Arms novel Chapter 101

Chapter 101 I Never Blamed You

Just as Peyton was about to tackle the contract work, his phone rang.

It was Wendy calling.

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“Peyton, you must have seen the news online, right?” she rambled, her voice flustered. “Those people are outrageous. How dare they take pictures of us without permission!”

“I know this is hurting your reputation badly, Peyton. Do you have a plan to fix it? If there’s anything I can do, just tell me. I can go public to clarify. The rumors are getting so vicious!” she urged, sounding genuinely

concerned.

But Peyton had no intention of involving her. “No need,” he replied coldly. “I’ll handle it myself. After you’re discharged, take good care of yourself. I won’t have time for you these next few days.”

Wendy could feel his tone was colder than ever. He seemed completely different toward her now. Helplessness and heartache washed over her.

“Peyton, I know it’s my fault,” she sobbed. “I really messed up. If I’d gone to the hospital on my own when I had a fever, or called the family doctor, you wouldn’t have had to rush out with me in the middle of the night.

“If we hadn’t gone out, none of this would have happened. It’s all my fault. I’m so sorry. Can you forgive me?”

Her voice grew weaker as she cried, making it sound like she cared deeply about what had happened.

Peyton had never truly blamed her. Even when she acted out, he never let his anger show. After all, he owed her a great debt.

If it weren’t for him, she wouldn’t be in this state. She wouldn’t be clinging to him like this.

So he always told himself to be patient with her. As long as she didn’t cross major lines, he wouldn’t argue with her.

“Wendy, I never blamed you,” he said flatly. “I’m just swamped right now. I’ll hang up.”

Since the news broke, Peyton had been stuck between a rock and a hard place. If he went through with the engagement to Quinn in a few days, everyone would talk.

He’d be labeled as irresponsible to Wendy-accused of stringing her along.

He didn’t care about the rumors or what people said about him personally.

What mattered was the company’s reputation. And Quinn.

She’d be upset hearing all this nonsense. He had to consider her feelings. Even if he didn’t care, he had to answer to the company’s shareholders.

He was trapped. The engagement would have to be postponed.

But delaying it would be unfair to Quinn. She’d done nothing wrong. She shouldn’t have to pay for his

Chapter 101 I Never Blamed You

mistakes.

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Peyton was overwhelmed. The news had died down a bit, and the internet crowd had short memories. Maybe it would fade completely in a few days.

But if they announced the engagement now, the backlash would be catastrophic.

“Peyton, are you sure there’s nothing I can do?” Wendy pressed, still crying. “I’ll cooperate with whatever you need. I’m too scared to do anything on my own. I just want to follow your lead.”

“I’ve been hiding at home, too afraid to go out. I’m so anxious, and I don’t know what to do,” she whimpered, sounding desperate and helpless. It was enough to tug at anyone’s heartstrings.

But Peyton wasn’t moved by her act of helplessness. He wouldn’t rush to her side just because she cried.

“Wendy, the best thing you can do is listen to the maids, take care of yourself, and eat on time,” he said firmly. “I have work to handle. Goodbye.”

With that, he hung up the phone.

Peyton spent the rest of the day at the office. By the time he finished, it was the middle of the night.

He thought.

Quinn must have fallen asleep by now.

He’d been swamped with work all day, dealing with the crisis and constant calls from the PR team.

He hadn’t contacted Quinn once. He promised himself he’d call her first thing in the morning.

Otherwise, he’d never forgive himself.

Meanwhile, Quinn was still at her parents’ house, tossing and turning in bed. She had no trace of sleepiness.

Every now and then, she picked up her phone, hoping to see a message from Peyton. But the screen remained dark.

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