Chapter 22 Provoked
“If Eloise did anything to hurt you, I hope you can find it in yourself to forgive her. I promise it won’t happen again,” Abigail said,
Eloise’s eyes brimmed with tears. “Abbie, why are you apologizing? This isn’t your
fault!”
But Abigail didn’t acknowledge her. She turned to Stephen, her face drawn and her eyes reflecting a deep, shattered pain. “Is this enough?”
Wasn’t this what Stephen had wanted? To break her spirit?
She had complied, yet the resolution felt hollow.
She must have been blind not to heed Eloise’s warnings.
The harsh reality of facing her own mistakes was a bitter pill to swallow.
Stephen’s stare was intense. A storm of frustration was brewing in his eyes. He couldn’t understand why this was even her concern.
A frigid, almost palpable coldness surrounded him.
Candace finally spoke up., “I’m fine. It’s Stephen who’s hurt. I get why Ms. Smith is upset, but assault is a crime. I hope she’ll think twice before acting like this again.”
She turned to the bodyguards. “Let Ms. Smith go.”
The bodyguards immediately released Eloise.
“Abbie…” Eloise’s voice trembled as she reached out to Abigail.
Abigail’s face was composed as she replied, “If there’s nothing else, we’ll be leaving. We don’t want to intrude further.”
Eloise’s anxiety spiked. She rushed to catch up with Abigail, desperate not to be left behind.
Stephen’s gaze was icy as he fixed his eyes on the bodyguards. “Who are you working for?”
The bodyguards hesitated Before answering. “We’re your men, Mr. Lockhart.”
“Ah, so you’re aware,” Stephen said, his tone growing even colder. “Get out. And don’t let me see you again.”
The bodyguards, visibly unnerved, tried to respond but faltered under Stephen’s
Chapter 22 Provoked
steely glare. They quickly lowered their heads and exited.
Candace watched, her expression a mix of confusion and concern.
“What’s this all about? Was he displeased that the bodyguards were following her instructions?” she wondered.
“Stephen, your injury is taken care of. Just be careful not to get it wet,” she said
softly, forcing her unease aside.
Stephen pulled out a cigarette, lit it, and took a slow drag. His eyes were half–closed as the pale blue smoke wove around him, obscuring his expression and adding a layer of mystery to his demeanor.
Candace watched him closely. “Stephen, are you still worried about Ms. Lloyd’s injury? She seemed to be recovering well.”
“Not at all,” Stephen said coldly.
Candace’s eyes flickered with curiosity. Really? If he wasn’t concerned, why had he dealt so severely with Bryan and his men? He hadn’t even bothered to handle the ongoing issues at the construction site himself, but as soon as Abigail was involved, he’d sent those men to jail.
They were only seeking fair compensation. Wasn’t his response a bit excessive?
“I’ll have someone take you home,” Stephen said.
He rose from his seat and walked out of the room.
Candace watched his retreating figure, then called out, “Do you have feelings for her? If you do, I won’t stand in your way. Saving you was my choice, and although I lost a leg in the process, I’ve managed to move on over the past two years.”
“Don’t read too much into it,” Stephen said, turning to face her briefly. “Get some rest. I’ll be filing for divorce soon.”
He opened the door to find Jamie waiting.
Stephen gave a terse command and then quickly left the scene.
Jamie turned to Candace, his demeanor respectful as he said, “Ms. Blue, if you’d come this way.”
Candace lowered her gaze, suppressing her emotions.
“Abbie, hold on!” Eloise managed to catch up with Abigail.
Copter Proceed
3/3
Her gaze was full of remorse as she saw Abigail’s pale face. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t realize he’d go this far.”
Abigail took a deep breath. “Don’t worry about it. You did it for me. But you have to promise me not to go after him by yourself again. We can’t afford to provoke him.”