Chapter 49 A Business Trip With Queena
Finished
Shawn gazed at me without a trace of emotion. “So, you actually believed the rumors about Queena and
me at work?”
I met his stare, my voice trembling with restrained anger. “Since you knew about the rumors, why didn’t you stop them from turning into reality? If you no longer love me, I can accept that, but what I won’t tolerate is your distrust. My chest tightened as sorrow and fury surged through me like a raging tide.
Shawn found my response unreasonable. Instead of clarifying his relationship with Queena, he uttered something even colder. “Even if something did happen between us, Tillany, maybe you should ask yourself why.”
I stiffened. A chill crept through my veins.
What did he mean by that? Was he blaming me?
“If you don’t love me anymore, just say it. There’s no need for excuses. Yes, I admit it. I’ve neglected myself over the years. I didn’t chase dreams, clinging to you like a vine wrapping around a tree. I gave you and our child everything and forgot to love myself. But don’t worry, starting now, that will change. My red- rimmed eyes locked onto his, filled with a mix of bitterness and determination.
Shawn frowned. “At least you realize your problem. That means there’s still hope for you. But don’t be so paranoid. Queena and I work together. We are merely superior and subordinate. There’s nothing inappropriate between us.”
I let out a cold laugh. “Is that so? Since when do coworkers sing love songs so passionately?”
His patience snapped. “Tiffany, must you keep pushing? Calm yourself down,” he said, his voice turning sharp with frustration.
Without another word, he turned around and walked away, leaving the ro
in silence.
I sat there, staring at the disheveled sheets, replaying his every word in my head. Whenever I didn’t conform to his expectations, he questioned my love for him. He had always been sharp–tongued.
But this time, he wasn’t wrong. I didn’t love him anymore.
The next morning, I went downstairs for breakfast, only to find Shawn lounging on the couch. Moments later, Queena walked in, carrying a stack of documents. In her other hand was a neatly folded shirt and a suit–both for him.
“Good morning, Mrs. Hartwell,” she greeted me with a polite smile. “Mr. Hartwell and I have a flight to Andorwood at 10
Would you mind if I had breakfast here?”
Her tone was courteous, but every word was filled with a hidden threat.
I responded without hesitation, “Of course.”
Susanna glanced at me, and in her eyes, I caught a flicker of sympathy–pity, even. Perhaps women, no matter their age, possessed an innate sense when it came to matters of the heart..
Even she could tell that Queena’s motives were far from pure. If Susanna saw it, there was no way Shawn
didn’t.
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13:38 Sat, Apr 5 .
Chapter 49 A Business Trip With Queenal
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Finished
Last night, he claimed nothing happened between them. Maybe this trip would finally give them the chance to cross that line.
“Thank you, Mrs. Hartwell. You’re truly a generous and considerate wife. Queena stepped forward, took a seat, and began eating as if she belonged there.
I took a slow sip of my oat milk. “Ms. Tackman, don’t bother flattering me. I’m not as generous as you might think. I’m not always so understanding about everything
Her face stiffened, the forced politeness slipping for a fraction of a second. Then, as if on cue, she cast a pitiful glance in Shawn’s direction, silently seeking his atention.
But Shawn was too engrossed in his documents to notice the quiet battle unfolding right beside him.
“Oh, speaking of which, Mr. Hartwell got his shirt and suit stained last time. I washed them by hand until they were spotless. Mrs. Hartwell, I’ll have to trouble you to tidy them up for him later, Queena reminded me warmly.
I gave her a nod. “Got it. Thanks, Ms. Tackman. You’d make a great wife. Whoever ends up with you is truly fortunate.
I made sure to speak a little louder than necessary, and just as expected, Shawn, who wasn’t too far away. glanced in my direction.
Queena’s cheeks turned pink as she quietly sipped her soup. Since I had already set the mood for them, it was only natural for me to take my leave.
I grabbed my handbag and announced, “Hubby, I’m heading to work.”
To my surprise, Shawn trailed after me to the garage, his sharp gaze sweeping over me from head to toe.
I had on a pair of flared jeans and a rose gold blouse. In the past, I used to pile on luxury accessories, as if expensive trinkets could fill the emptiness inside me.
But today, I kept it simple, just a delicate necklace resting against my collarbone and a pair of soft pink pearl earrings. It was understated yet elegant.
“Drive safe,” Shawn said, his tone free of any criticism, just quiet concern.
I responded gently before pressing my foot on the gas and pulling away.
Shawn would likely be away for a four–day business trip, so I called Yuna. She didn’t pick up, not even once. A clear message that she had no intention of speaking to me.
Instead, it was my mother–in–law, Susanna, who called. Her voice was sharp, laced with disappointment. She scolded me, claiming I had failed as a mother and broken Yuna’s heart. For now, she said. I should stay away. She would take care of Yuna herself.
I used to believe that Yuna’s rebellious phase would hit around 13 or 14. Back then, she had me compl at her mercy. But now, it seemed her rebellion had arrived early. At just six, she already knew how to rally everyone against me. Oh well, at least I’d get some peace and quiet.
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