The Ex-Con Who Conquered the World novel Chapter 38

A fresh pang of anguish shot through Margery's heart at the thought of Stefan.

Some people were taken for granted when they were always around, their presence feeling like a given—until they were gone. Only then did one realize how much one had to lose.

Bitter and restless, Margery lifted her wineglass and drank deeply, one large swallow after another, as if determined to drown her sorrows.

"Margery, slow down... don't drink so much."

Fidel murmured some perfunctory words of comfort beside her, though inwardly he was overjoyed.

Drinking to numb the pain? Perfect.

Once she's drunk, my chance will come.

"Leave me alone!" True to his expectation, Margery wasn't in the mood to listen.

Defiantly, she refilled her glass and took another long drink.

Her tolerance had never been strong, and after finishing nearly a whole bottle of red wine in such a short time, her stomach began to churn. Her mind grew hazy, her consciousness blurring at the edges.

Fidel watched as Margery swayed unsteadily—the alcohol was taking effect.

The moment had come. He rose and took her arm. "You've had too much, Margery. Let me take you home to rest."

However, as if by reflex, Margery shoved him away, blurting out, "Get off me! Only Stefan can touch me!"

An awkward silence fell over the private room. The others glanced over with uneasy expressions.

Fidel's face stiffened, flushing with humiliation before turning pale with suppressed fury. Beneath the surface, a cold, resentful glint flashed in his eyes.

He had assumed Margery's feelings for Stefan weren't that deep.

After all, he was supposed to be her love—the one who got away.

After returning home, he believed that with the advantage of their past, a few careful moves would be enough to pull Margery away from Stefan. Then he could swoop in, win her back, and eventually lay claim to the assets of her company.

For the past six months, his step-by-step plan had proceeded smoothly.

Especially at the birthday party a few days earlier—with a little maneuvering, he'd gotten Margery's friend Lillian to bring her along, successfully driving Stefan away.

He'd been so close. Just one step away from having Margery and everything she represented within his grasp.

So why is she still hung up on Stefan? Didn't he already walk out on her? Why can't she let go?

Fidel took a deep breath, maintaining his gentle, polished demeanor. "Margery, you've had too much to drink. It's me—Fidel."

"Fidel?"

Margery fought back the nausea rising in her stomach and reached for her phone. "I don't need you to take me home. I'll call my assistant."

Damn, she is good.

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