She Left She Thrived She’s Worth Billions novel Chapter 968

"Don't bother, I can do it myself."

Everett raised a hand to stop her, noticing how her entire body stiffened at his rejection.

Their eyes locked, and Everett saw the raw, unmistakable hurt swirling in her gaze.

Instantly, regret pierced him. He had chosen the wrong words.

Daphne was his girlfriend; he had no right to treat her with such cold detachment.

Granted, he had been angry today.

What was supposed to be a fun date had been an exhausting ordeal, leaving him miserable and physically scratched up.

And having Melanie's effortless perfection constantly in his periphery had only amplified every minor annoyance he felt toward Daphne.

But...

When he really thought about it, what right did he have to be so critical?

It was painfully obvious that everything Daphne had done today was a desperate bid for his affection.

It just hadn't panned out the way she hoped.

Having rationalized away his own frustration, Everett reached out and gently caught her wrist as she tried to pull away.

Daphne gasped, her heart kicking into a frantic rhythm.

"I'm sorry..."

Her eyes widened in pure shock at his unsolicited apology.

"Today... today was my fault. I'm the guy, and I couldn't even protect you in The Abyssal Asylum..."

Everett's voice was laced with genuine self-reproach.

He meant every word.

The reason he felt he had no grounds to judge her was because he hadn't exactly been stoic either. Unlike Preston, who had faced the terrifying actors without breaking a sweat, Everett had flinched.

"No, no, you were wonderful... it was all my fault..."

Daphne waved her free hand frantically.

The last thing she wanted was for him to beat himself up.

"No, the blame is mine..."

And just like that, they found themselves in an absurd tug-of-war of apologies.

A moment later, the tension broke, and they both let out a tentative laugh.

The stifling air finally cleared, and Everett allowed her to apply the ointment.

The antiseptic didn't sting at all, but Daphne's touch was feather-light, so incredibly careful not to cause him any pain.

Hearing his request, Daphne asked casually,

"But I thought you liked the elegant, intellectual look?"

Everett hesitated.

He did appreciate elegance, but that didn't mean forcing formal attire into completely inappropriate settings.

Take Melanie, for instance. Even in a simple T-shirt and sweatpants, her innate sophistication shone through brilliantly.

When he didn't answer immediately, Daphne quickly backpedaled.

"Okay, okay, I'll listen to you. No dresses tomorrow."

She had only worn it to win his approval anyway. If he hated it, there was no point in wearing it.

Everett let out a quiet breath of relief.

He absolutely did not want to drag a girl in a flowing gown onto roller coasters again.

Lulled by his warmth, Daphne eventually drifted off to sleep against his chest.

Everett looked down at her peaceful, slumbering face, a sharp pang of guilt twisting his gut.

Was continuing to lead her on like this...

Really the right thing to do?