My innocence gave me the courage to act defiantly. I questioned, “What are you looking at me for? Are you suspecting me?”
“Are my suspicions misplaced?” Gritting his teeth, the subordinate ignored Nathaniel’s presence.
Compared to the man in a suit, this man, who had scars all over his face, was a lot more vicious and intimidating.
Someone like him would never obey unconditionally. The moment he lost his temper, no one would be able to stop him.
Without sufficient confidence to challenge him, I deflected the matter to Nathaniel instead. “Do you feel the same way too?”
Nathaniel put his cigar back into his mouth and inhaled. After puffing out a cloud of smoke, he gradually turned around. In the midst of it, he narrowed his eyes at me. “It doesn’t matter what I think. I want to hear your answer instead.”
“No, I didn’t,” I answered readily.
“Fine, I believe you.” Nathaniel looked at me calmly, as if he already expected it.
Ever since I threw the ring away, he seemed to have changed a lot. Putting that aside, his answer had driven a wedge between his subordinates and him.
“Mr. Hall, that woman is obviously”
Nathaniel didn’t give him the opportunity to finish. “Enough, out you go. Going forward, don’t come into the house. Whatever you have to say, we can talk in the yard.”
“But-”
Just when he wanted to remonstrate further, he bit his tongue when Nathaniel shot him a piercing glance.
“Aren’t you the least bit suspicious?” I teased.
“Do you think I should?” Nathaniel threw the question back at me.
Not seeing it coming, I was stumped.
Nathaniel took another puff of his cigar and relished in the intoxication of nicotine. Then, he remarked in nonchalance, “Scarlett, I’m no longer the same person as before. From now on, I’ll trust you unconditionally.”
What does he mean? Is the cold-blooded devil suddenly repenting? What can he change? Can all the innocents he killed come back alive? No, they can’t.
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