Reborn, Reawakened, Rekindled novel Chapter 212

In my dad's family, three generations have been government officials. They've always stuck to their guns, never abused their power.

My mom and I have always stood by my dad's principles. We were really proud of him.

"Neil, I know you've got beef with my family. I get it, but can you separate personal feelings from business, okay?" I asked with sincerity.

Neil heaved a big sigh, "How can you expect a jerk to keep things professional?"

His gutsy confession of being a jerk left me at a loss for words.

Suddenly, Neil stood up and walked over to me. He bent down close to me, so close that I could see his eyelashes.

I held my breath, taken aback.

"I didn't target your family intentionally, but I could make SaintlyBio Corporation change their minds. You need my help?" he asked in a low voice.

"Yes. That's exactly what I need." I tried to keep it cool.

Neil grabbed my chin, forcing me to look at him. He winked, looking curious, "Your dad can't intervene, but what about your mom's family?"

I was caught off guard. My mom's family had some complex connections and old scores to settle, so I didn't want to go into it.

Unless it was a life-and-death situation, my mom wouldn't ask her family for help.

"If you step in and tell SaintlyBio Corporation not to target my family, this problem should be a piece of cake." I didn't resist Neil's grip.

"You really think highly of me, your ex-husband. That's kind of flattering." Neil chuckled. His face softened, but I didn't let my guard down.

I just grunted a 'hmm', not saying much.

Neil's gaze shifted from my eyes to my lips. His look made me feel uneasy. He was like a beast that spotted its prey.

Why did I put on lipstick? Was I out of my mind?

Neil's thumb gently rubbed over my lips, then he frowned, "This color is too tacky; it doesn't suit you."

I was speechless.

Then Neil's lips covered mine. His smokey breath made me feel like I was smoking a soft cigarette.

I was taken aback, my pupils dilating. Neil's unexpected kiss shattered my cool composure. Just as I was about to push him away, Bonnie's voice came from the door.

"What the hell are you guys doing?!"

Neil stopped. He let go of me, and my lipstick still smeared around his mouth.

Bonnie stood in the doorway, holding a thermos, apparently bringing Neil dinner. She looked shocked and furious, glaring at me and Neil.

I quickly stood up, wiping my lips clean with a tissue, then fixed my hair and clothes.

Bonnie stormed over to me. Her eyes were red. She looked at Neil, then at me.

"Bonnie, it's not what you think." I started to explain.

Suddenly, she slapped me across the face. My ears rang.

"The company that is under the Dawson family. I contacted Russel's father, but he turned me down." My mom is smart. She held my hand and said, "Rena, you and Russel are okay, right? His family doesn't have any issues with you, do they?"

If they really supported my relationship with Russel, why would they reject my mom? The price my mom must have offered would have been higher than the market price.

I didn’t want my mom to worry about both the company and my personal issues, so I comforted her, "We're really good. Maybe the Dawson family has other partners that are more suitable. Mom, it's best not to mix feelings with business. Look at our previous partnership with Whitmore Co. After Neil and I divorced, it was a loss for both of us."

Mom nodded, "Yeah, you're right."

It was really late. I took a shower and was ready for bed when Russel video called.

I remembered the Dawson family turning down my mom. Feeling melancholy, I still answered his video call.

The backdrop behind Russel was his hospital office. Looked like he would be pulling an all-nighter.

"Aren't you asleep yet?" He removed his glasses, lightly massaged his temples, and asked.

"Nope." I sounded a bit down.

"What's up? You seem off." Russel picked up on my mood and instantly got worried.

I forced a smile, "Nothing much, just work stuff."

Russel knitted his brows, "We agreed to be honest with each other about everything. We're supposed to face challenges together. You shouldn't lie to me."

I remained quiet, unsure of how to break the silence.

We both just sat there in silence. After a while, I asked, "Russel, what do your parents think of me? Can you tell me?"