The Ex-Con Who Conquered the World novel Chapter 98

"Alright." Stefan nodded, accepting Nina's offer.

Having a ready-made space for his alchemy saved considerable trouble.

Nina led him away, her eyes stealing a glance at him as they walked.

Stefan... just how many secrets was he still keeping?

*****

Ever since Claire Company abruptly terminated its contract, Snowy Intentions Advertising Agency had suffered a heavy blow.

Yet Margery was not one to be easily defeated. Resilience was woven into her character. Through relentless effort, she had secured a few new projects, throwing herself into work day and night.

Perhaps staying busy was the only way to keep thoughts of Stefan at bay—a temporary, desperate remedy.

A growing commotion outside her office broke her concentration.

She frowned, irritation flickering across her features. Before she could investigate, Nanette knocked and entered.

"Ms. Easterlin, it's Fidel. He's insisting on seeing you and making quite a scene. We can't calm him down." Nanette looked uneasy.

Margery had given clear instructions: if Fidel came, she was either unavailable or not to be admitted.

He had visited several times before, each time turned away with polite excuses.

Today, however, he refused to leave, claiming he had seen Margery arrive and demanding to speak with her.

Unable to stop him, she had to come in and report to Margery.

Margery couldn't help but frown.

She had made it clear to him that unless it was absolutely necessary, he shouldn't contact her, let alone meet in person. Why was he still making a scene?

Listening to the rising voices outside, Margery sighed, "Let him in."

Nanette nodded and retreated.

What is he playing at?

Stefan. That name again.

Fidel's composure cracked, his face darkening. "Margery, open your eyes! Stefan left you. He's engaged to the Stewart family's heiress and has other women on the side. I sent you the photos—have you forgotten? How long will you keep lying to yourself?"

"Enough!" Margery's hands clenched, her voice sharp.

The raw truth he voiced was a wound she refused to acknowledge. "I know Stefan. He wouldn't just walk away. This time... I made a mistake, let him misunderstand. But once I explain, we can fix this. We will."

Fidel stared, taken aback by her fierce reaction.

That even now, her every thought circled back to Stefan, was more than he could bear.

People often heard only what they wished to hear.

For Margery, any suggestion that Stefan had abandoned her was intolerable—a trigger that shattered her fragile calm.

"I don't understand this stubborn hope, this refusal to let go." Fidel shook his head, realizing he needed to push harder. "The truth is, the one you really like... Isn't it always me?"