His Regret Arrived Three Days Late novel Chapter 80

Conrad's lips were set in a hard, straight line. He tore his eyes from Annika and fixed them on Estelle, his gaze as sharp as a blade. Estelle flinched, unsure of how much he had overheard. She summoned her courage and tried to act coy.

"Conrad, please don't listen to her. We grew up together, you know what I'm like…"

The other woman, who Estelle had hired as a backup in case Conrad recognized her, saw the murderous look in his eyes. She trembled and stammered, "Ms. Beryl, I have to go," before scrambling away.

Estelle wanted to call her back but didn't dare. She stomped her foot in frustration and shot Annika a venomous glare. "Annika, I don't even know that woman!"

"Then why did she call you 'Ms. Beryl'?" Annika asked with a smirk.

"She just… didn't!" Estelle insisted, deciding to deny everything now that her accomplice was gone.

Annika couldn't be bothered arguing. Without another glance at Conrad, she said coolly, "I'm taking my car to the dealership. I'll have Nolan bill you for the repairs." With that, she got in her car and sped off. In her rearview mirror, she saw Conrad violently shove Estelle's hand away. Estelle lunged for him again, grabbing his suit jacket. There was a sharp tearing sound that Annika thought she could hear even from a distance.

Then, Conrad slapped Estelle, a hard, sharp blow across the face. Estelle, seemingly stunned, stared at him with wide, red-rimmed eyes before flying at him in a rage. What a show, Annika thought with a dark smile. Estelle had dared to plot against a man like Conrad; she’d gotten off easy with a slap.

Conrad must have been so shocked and disgusted to discover that Estelle, the girl he'd always treated as a little sister, was in love with him. And he had actually hit her, the sister he'd always cherished.

Without proof, they couldn't just accuse him. Deep down, Hank was still terrified of Conrad. He had been trained by him, and helping Annika behind his back was already a profound betrayal. He was starting to regret his overconfidence. After years of working for Conrad, he knew the man was capable of anything, yet he had gambled, hoping to shield Annika from ruin. Now, there was no turning back.

"You're right," Annika conceded. It was the wrong time to confront Conrad.

Seeing Hank's anguish, she felt a fresh wave of guilt. She squeezed his hand. "Hank, I'm so sorry. This is all my fault."

Hank looked at her, a complex mix of emotions swirling inside him. He would walk through fire for Annika, but dragging his best friend into this mess was a pain worse than death.