Chapter 25
Slater’s grip was iron-tight, his fingers digging painfully into Seren’s wrist.
In that moment, she saw nothing but disgust in his eyes, as if she were something filthy-something beneath contempt.
Seren didn’t hesitate. With a sharp jerk, she wrenched her hand free and instinctively took two steps back, raising her arms defensively.
Her voice was cold and steady. “I told you, I’m not leaving with you. If you didn’t hear me the first time, I’ll say it once more p>
Slater stared at his empty hand, momentarily stunned, then looked at Seren.
She put a safe distance between them, her chin lifted as she met his gaze. She was still the same proud, stubborn girl he remembered.
But he couldn’t ignore what had changed. The adoration she used to have for him was gone. All that was left in her eyes was a calm, unflinching indifference.
At that moment, even though Seren stood right in front of him, Slater felt as if an unbridgeable chasm had opened between them.
“I’ve broken up with Sheridan. I’m not going back to Riverbend City, and there’s nothing left for me there. I don’t need your help. From now on, my life is none of your concern p>
Whatever faint hope Seren once held for Slater, his behavior had finally snuffed it out.
She met his gaze, enunciating every word. And when she got to the last-“your concern”-she put extra emphasis on it.
She kept her tone polite but distant, drawing a clear line between them.
Slater wasn’t stupid. He sensed that not only was Seren’s attitude different, but
she was determined to cut him out of her life for good.
For a fleeting second, he panicked-almost tempted to apologize, to try to salvage things.
But pride pulled him back.
He was Slater. When had he ever apologized to anyone? When had he ever tried
to win someone back?
His face clouded with anger, and he jabbed a finger at her.
“Seren, remember what you said today! Even if you dropped dead, I wouldn’t spare you a second glance p>
He meant it. Her deliberate detachment only stoked his fury.
Fine by him he didn’t want to bother with her problems anyway.
No matter how harsh his words, Seren wasn’t surprised. She was used to it by
now.
Slater was practically shouting in her face, eyes blazing.
But Seren only smiled.
“Good. Thank you, Slater. I hope you remember what you said today, too p>
It was like punching into thin air.
For a split second, Slater was at a loss.
Did she just thank him? Was she out of her mind?
He stared at her in disbelief, but his view was suddenly blocked by a tall figure.
Lennon had stepped forward, his broad-shouldered frame shielding Seren completely.
Slater was a big man, but he was no match for Lennon’s imposing height. When Lennon looked down at him, it was with an icy, barely concealed anger-so different from his usual gentle demeanor.
He spoke slowly, voice low and even. “Seren can handle her own
problems. And if there’s anything she can’t deal with, I take care of it. for her p>
Seren glanced up at Lennon instinctively. His large hand was wrapped firmly around hers his warmth seeping into her skirt spreading a quiet comfort through her chest.
Maybe she’d been strong for too long, because this was the first time she’d ever felt someone stand up for her.
The first time she’d felt truly protected.
She stood a little stiffly, her gaze lingering on Lennon’s strong, steady hand, her heart unsettled.
It dawned on her, almost belatedly-she’d dated Sheridan for three years and not once had they held hands.
He’d never liked her, so he’d never reached for her hand. And she, unaccustomed to touch, had never thought to reach for his, either.
No hand-holding, no kisses, none of the intimacy couples usually shared. Their conversations had been few and far between.
Suddenly, Seren wasn’t sure she’d ever really loved Sheridan at all.
“Let’s go,” Lennon said.
With that, he led Seren away, their hands still linked.
“Okay,” she replied softly, following him without looking back at Slater.
Slater, still simmering with frustration, wanted to say more, but Lennon’s words had left him speechless.
He couldn’t afford to offend Lennon—his business depended on NE Group’s goodwill. Crossing Lennon would be a disaster.
All he could do was stand there, swallowing his anger, and watch as Seren’s figure receded into the distance.