The Love I Begged For Was Never Real novel Chapter 52

Before this, she had never heard of any conflict of interest between Gideon and Julian.

She instinctively took half a step back, putting some distance between herself and Gideon.

This tiny movement of retreat fell into Gideon's peripheral vision, and the chill in his eyes deepened.

Julian adjusted the gold-rimmed glasses on his nose, a cold glint flashing through his eyes. He didn't take Gideon's bait; instead, he feigned a sudden realization and turned his attention to Nora.

"I was so focused on discussing design with you earlier that I didn't even recognize you."

Julian dragged out his words, a meaningful hint of mockery coloring his tone. "I was just having a great conversation about design concepts with Designer Xavier. It turns out this brilliantly talented designer is actually Mrs. Hayes."

Julian paused, a look of ridicule flashing through his eyes.

"Mr. Hayes, you've hidden your wife incredibly well. Leaving such an outstanding spouse out of the spotlight has led many people here to mistakenly believe you were still single."

Nora turned pale at his sharp words. She instinctively looked at Gideon, only to see his face grow even darker at having a sore spot poked.

So Julian knew too.

So in the eyes of their entire elite circle, her marriage to Gideon was nothing but an absurd joke.

Gideon's eyes instantly dimmed as he locked a deadly glare on Julian. He glanced at Nora, then at the meager distance of less than two feet between her and Julian, and the nameless fire in his heart burned even brighter.

He grabbed Nora's wrist.

The man's palm was scorching, his grip terrifyingly strong, pinching her joints until they ached.

"My wife's private matters are not open to outsider commentary."

Reaching a blind corner with no security cameras, Gideon suddenly stopped, turned, and slammed Nora against the wall covered in dark floral wallpaper.

A muffled thud echoed.

Nora's back hit the wall hard, knocking the breath out of her. Before she could steady herself, Gideon's tall frame was already pressing down. He planted his arms on the wall on either side of her, completely sealing off any avenue of escape.

The intense rush of masculine hormones, mixed with his signature cold cedar scent, surrounded her overwhelmingly.

The distance between them was practically nonexistent. Gideon stared down at her, his warm breath brushing against her forehead.

"Mrs. Hayes. Have you forgotten you're a married woman?"

The man's voice was low and raspy, carrying the chilling weight of gritted teeth.