The Lies Behind Her Marriage novel Chapter 277

The Last Time We Meet.

This was what he wanted… for no one to know Xavier was his son. And now that it was happening, he had no right to feel anything at all.

Besides, if he admitted it, questions would arise about his marriage to Cassandra. The children did not want to admit it either.

So, all Walter could do was stay quiet.

Minutes turned into hours. The event concluded at ten in the evening.

Xavier returned to the stage and announced with a smile, “Congratulations. The winning bids are awarded to Cedar Crest Distribution Group and Northline Medical Supplies.”

“Each of you has demonstrated exceptional capability in different areas. VanderMed recognizes that strength and intends to maximize it. We expect performance that reflects the trust placed in you tonight.”

The company names were expected. They were the best in the city. Still, Walter had hoped.

But then again, it was impossible now, and maybe forever, not while Xavier was still connected to the Vanders.

Walter’s gaze landed on Haley. He wondered if Xavier would stoop so low as to block Haley’s path to becoming Kline BioSolutions’ ambassador.

He found his answer later, when all the guests had left. Walter purposely waited until only the organizers, Xavier, and his colleagues remained.

His wife and children squeezed into one corner like fugitives avoiding eye contact. Only Christian sat calmly in the sitting area nearby.

Xavier and his companions had stepped out of the venue, laughing. They were chatting about the event and their plans for the next day.

Walter walked up to his son, calling, “Xavier.”

Xavier turned to him, his face calm and unreadable.

Claire stood beside him. Like Xavier, she was also unaffected.

Walter forced a smile. “Hi, Claire. How have you been?”

Claire smiled. “I’m doing great. Thank you, Walter.”

“Did you… did you ever marry again?” Walter asked hesitantly.

“No, I’m at peace with being single. There are so many things that I can do when there’s no one tying me down,” Claire answered proudly. “I run a small farm now, and I explore the countryside. It’s very refreshing.”

The contentment on her face said it all. There was no bitterness, only happiness.

“Is there anything you need, Walter?” Xavier asked.

“I… I,” Walter stuttered. “You are a VP at VanderMed Technologies. I’m so proud of you.”

“My achievements have nothing to do with you,” Xavier said plainly. “I don’t intend to maintain a relationship with you, Walter. Today is the last time we will meet.”

Something tightened in his chest.

Walter hadn’t expected this, but then again, for someone as accomplished as Xavier, he truly did not need a father.

“I… I’m sorry.” That was all Walter could say.

Xavier and his companions just stared at him.

It made Walter feel so small before Serena and Nathaniel Thorne, even under Claire’s gaze. Alice, for one, kept her brow raised as if disgusted by him.

But he was already there. He might as well speak his mind. “Do you hate me that much? Does this mean you will interfere in Haley’s career?”

A laugh escaped Xavier’s lips. He turned to Nathaniel and said, “Best friend, Nathan.”

“Yes, best friend, Xavier,” Nathaniel responded.

“Walter’s daughter had applied for KlineBiosolution’s brand ambassador. Would you kindly give his daughter a chance?” Xavier said dryly.

Only then did Haley walk up to the group, smiling.

“Hello, Mr. Thorne,” Haley greeted. “I’m Haley Reeves. I auditioned to be one of the faces of KlineBiosolutions.”

Cassandra and Hudson soon followed. Even Christian stood up to join them.

Nathaniel studied Haley carefully. He said, “Appearance is only the baseline. We select our models based on their background and credibility, which can support the responsibility that comes with representing a medical company.”

Only Christian was a bit different, and Walter thanked heaven for that.

There may still be… hope for his children after all.

***

Meanwhile, on the 20th floor of the Embercrest Grand Hotel, Serena and Nathaniel stood by the floor-to-ceiling window of their room.

From above, the hotel’s structure was revealed. It was built like a hollow box, with a lush garden nestled at its center.

Rooms stretched upward on all sides, stacked floor after floor until the structure rose to the 30th level. Each balcony faced inward, forming a perfect frame around the courtyard, like silent spectators overlooking the same scene.

Serena and Nathaniel were having tea on their balcony when they noticed the room across from them light up.

“Oh, is that Xavier and Alice? Wait, are they staying in one room?” Serena said, narrowing her eyes.

“Ah.” Nathaniel shrugged. “It would not be the first time. Sometimes, Xavier stays overnight at the Hartleys’ place.”

The room was still a bit far, but they could vaguely see Xavier and Alice’s features.

“Right,” Serena said with a small smile. “We are best friends and terribly close.”

The couple continued to drink their tea and watch Xavier and Alice from across the building. Everything was normal until they were suddenly all over each other.

Nathaniel choked on his drink.

“Oh, my God!” Serena exclaimed.

Then, she pouted. Her eyes gleamed. "Oh, my god!"

"Hahahaha!"

"Hahaha!"

"Love, we need to get inside," Nathaniel said. "It's strange to watch nudity this way."