Cynthia’s mind was a tangled mess; she barely slept a wink all night, her anxiety gnawing at her until dawn.
She had no one to blame but herself. She’d laid all her cards on the table during that tense meeting with Dominic, and now she was paying the price.
Still restless and irritable, she hailed a cab to VistaSphere Group first thing in the morning. As she stepped into the elevator and turned around, she caught sight of Benedict striding purposefully toward her.
Cynthia’s brow furrowed. She jabbed the “close door” button several times in quick succession.
But just as the doors were about to seal shut, Benedict’s hand shot out, stopping them. The doors slid back open.
He smoothed his suit jacket, his lips curling into a gentle smile. “Good morning, Cynthia.”
“Not really,” she snapped, her irritation flaring at the sight of him.
His expression froze for a split second, but he didn’t get angry. Instead, he looked at her with the same soft, affectionate gaze he’d always reserved for her.
“Don’t be upset. After you left yesterday, I had security escort her out. She won’t be showing up in front of you again, I promise.”
As he spoke, he reached out to gently pinch Cynthia’s pinky finger—a small gesture that used to signal surrender after their arguments when they were still in love.
But the moment his fingers brushed her skin, Cynthia recoiled instinctively, snatching her hand away.
Benedict’s hand hung awkwardly in the air.
Cynthia shook her hand out in clear disgust, not bothering to hide her revulsion. She felt as if something filthy had touched her.
Benedict’s face tightened at her reaction, but he awkwardly pulled his hand back, his chest rising and falling as he tried to tamp down his anger.
Ignoring him, Cynthia rummaged through her bag for a tissue and began scrubbing her fingers where he’d touched her, rubbing so hard her skin turned red.
“I swear nothing like this will happen again. Please, try to calm down and help me get VistaSphere Group through this crisis.”
“Forgive me, Cyndi. Please.”
Just as he finished, the elevator arrived at his floor. Cynthia remained silent, giving him nothing. Benedict’s jaw clenched as he stepped out.
As soon as he left, Cynthia flung the file he’d forced on her out into the corridor.
Benedict turned back just in time to see her icy, indifferent eyes as the papers scattered across the floor.
Employees passing through the office area glanced nervously at the mess, but no one dared say a word.
Benedict stood in the hallway, brow furrowed in frustration, unable to shake the coldness in her gaze.
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