Shredded Vows: The Billionaire’s Secret Heir novel Chapter 10

Even today, recalling those details brought an indescribable complexity to Gideon's heart.

What struck him the hardest was the long scar on her back that he had accidentally grazed.

Meandering and stiff, the cold, rough texture felt completely alien against her soft, tender skin.

In that instant, he had frozen for a few seconds, as if violently pierced by something, his fingers even trembling slightly.

That scar... he was the one who had left it.

It was like a silent brand, glaring and vividly etched into her skin, and deeply seared into his heart.

Gideon closed his eyes, his chest feeling heavily blocked, weighed down by something invisible.

After a moment, he took a deep breath, pressing his fingertips against the desk as an undeniable sliver of compassion swept through his heart.

It was an emotion he had intentionally ignored, much like the remorse and affection he had buried in his heart for years but never wanted to admit.

His feelings for Lydia were riddled with contradictions.

He loved her, and he hated her.

Lydia was starting work at Nexus Design Studio tomorrow, so taking advantage of her free time today, she went to visit her good friend Zoe Reed's courtyard—The Sanctuary.

With an atmosphere of tranquility amidst the bustling city, nature was the best energy field. This was a Zen-inspired courtyard.

An ancient tree stood in the courtyard, with two swings hanging from its branches, giving the sensation of being deep in a forest.

Zoe was a twenty-six-year-old single woman who had decisively quit her job and embraced a laid-back lifestyle after winning millions of dollars in the lottery last year.

She currently owned five distinctly styled private courtyards, not open to the public, just for her to swap environments whenever she got bored of lounging in one.

Her daily routine consisted solely of planting flowers, sipping tea, and soaking up the sun.

She spent her days studying philosophy, never forcing anything, never entangling herself, never pushing her limits, and never seeking validation. She was known as the ultimate Zen woman.

At the moment, she was the one helping Lydia take care of her child.

Mainly because the courtyard was huge and full of lush greenery—great for the eyes and perfect for playtime.

With the company's focus shifting from overseas back to the domestic market, there were countless details to coordinate.

Upon entering, the scent of lilies wafted over. Gideon furrowed his brow slightly and saw a woman in a short red skirt placing a pot of lilies on his desk.

Hearing the door open, Summer turned her head. "Good afternoon, Mr. Gray." She quickly picked up a freshly organized report. Her red professional suit was perfectly tailored, making her look both capable and elegant.

Waiting for the man to approach, she offered the document with both hands and said softly,

"This is the sales data analysis report for the current quarter, along with the preliminary planning proposal for the new project. Please take a look."

"There's no need. Just give me the highlights." The man sat down in his office chair, glancing at the large, blooming lilies.

That's right—she was the woman Gideon had brought to the bar the night he returned, the same one the media had frequently photographed over the past few days.

Summer stared at him, lost in a daze. She was the granddaughter of Gideon's mentor. When his mentor passed away, he had arranged for Summer to train by his side, and Gideon had promised to take good care of her.

"If you aren't going to report on your work, get out!" Breathing in the floral scent, Gideon inexplicably felt a surge of irritation.