Once a Love Fool Now a Leading Lady (Kylie rehbein and Axel Bowen) novel Chapter 11

By the time the car rolled into AeroX, the rain had turned into a full-on downpour.

The parking lot was open-air, and the walk from the car to the building wasn't short.

Axel got out first, opened his umbrella, and waited for Rhea. Once she stepped out, the two of them walked off side by side.

He didn't even glance at Kylie.

Of course he didn't. One man can't hold an umbrella for two women at once.

The difference in how he treated them was so obvious, Kylie had long since stopped keeping count.

She pushed the door open and made a dash for it. The distance wasn't far, but the icy autumn rain sliced against her skin like little blades.

“Ms. Rehbein, wait!"

A voice called from ahead.

It was Crispin.

He jogged over with an umbrella in hand, shielding her from the rain as he guided her toward the door.

"This rain's freezing—you'll catch a cold if you get drenched," he said, a little breathless. "Cold rain's bad for your health, especially for women."

"Thank you, Mr. Field," Kylie said, genuinely grateful.

He waved it off with an easy smile. "Don't mention it. That holistic doctor you recommended for my wife—miracle worker. Two treatments in and she's a whole new person. She insisted I thank you in person and take you to dinner. Tonight, actually."

“Mrs. Field's too kind. I'm glad she's doing better," Kylie replied, smiling politely.

They walked together, chatting naturally, almost looking like old friends.

At the doorway, Axel and Rhea were waiting.

Rhea lifted a perfectly shaped brow and shot Axel a sly glance. "Looks like Ms. Rehbein and Mr. Field are closer than I thought. No wonder he insisted on meeting her personally before moving forward with the deal."

Her tone was sweet—but anyone in business could hear the implication underneath.

But Axel's expression barely changed. He just handed his umbrella to a security guard and strode inside without a word.

That was enough to make Rhea's smile widen in quiet satisfaction as she followed.

When Kylie and Crispin reached the conference room, Rhea was already leaning close to Axel, whispering something with a little smirk. Their shoulders brushed lightly, like it was the most natural thing in the world.

Psychologists say when someone likes another person, their body naturally leans closer.

Kylie thought she was over it.

But watching them like that still made something in her chest twist.

You don't spend years loving someone and just… stop.

She looked away and took the seat farthest from them.

From the moment the meeting started, Rhea came out swinging. She insisted that AeroX cut another two percent off their profits.

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