Chapter 170
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Chapter 170
Lost in her thoughts, Autumn heard Keith’s voice above her.
“Her grandfather once did mine a favor, but there’s never been an engagement between us. That rumor only started after my grandfather passed away.
“That year, the Whites faced a major project crisis, so they floated the idea of a business alliance through marriage with my family.
“Out of respect for my grandfather, we didn’t step in to deny it.
“They benefited from that silence, which is why they dared to pull the same stunt now, but I’m done indulging them p>
Most of all, Vivian had the nerve to confront Autumn directly.
That was something he could never tolerate.
The girl he went out of his way to protect–how could he stand by and let someone else push her around?
If he didn’t push back, people would start forgetting their place, thinking they had the right to dictate to the Sinclair family.
Waving borrowed authority like it was their own was utterly delusional.
Autumn listened quietly, and for reasons she couldn’t quite explain, she felt that beneath his cool, aloof exterior, he wasn’t as cold–blooded as he appeared.
At least in this matter, he was loyal to those he cared about.
Otherwise, with his influence, there was no way he’d allow the Whites to treat her this way.
Still, this was the first time she’d ever heard him speak so much, and it was to explain his situation with Vivian.
“Senior, honestly p>
She hesitated before saying, “You don’t have to tell me all this. I don’t care about that sort of thing p>
Whether Keith and Vivian had any personal involvement was irrelevant to her–they were nothing more than former classmates.
Too much explaining only invited misunderstandings.
Keith studied her for a long moment. When he saw she truly wasn’t bothered, he let out a quiet sigh.
“It’s late. Go home and get some rest. And don’t forget, you’ve got your follow–up at First Light Hospital at nine
tomorrow. ”
Autumn nodded. “Alright. Thanks for the reminder, Senior p>
She turned and made a quick exit from the garage, taking the stairs this time to avoid running into Vivian.
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Keith watched her retreating figure, his expression thoughtful.
He didn’t get into his car until her silhouette had completely vanished.
Sliding into the driver’s seat, he pulled out his phone and dialed Jesse.
Jesse had just wrapped up for the day and was pulling out of the company parking lot when he saw Keith’s name flash on his screen. His stomach gave a small lurch.
Every time Keith called after hours, it meant he wasn’t really off the clock–there’d be something else to handle.
And now, with it pushing close to eleven at night, Jesse had no idea what could be so urgent.
Letting out a resigned breath, he pulled over, rubbed at his tired brow, and answered quickly. “Mr. Sinclair, it’s late. What can I do for you p>
Keith leaned back in the rear seat, eyes closed in fatigue.
After a long moment of silence, he finally voiced the thought that had been sitting in his mind.
“Jesse, how do you win a woman over so she truly lets you in p>
Jesse froze, his breath catching for half a beat.
He even pulled the phone away to check the caller ID again–yes, it really was Keith.
He hadn’t expected that question.
Was the boss actually falling for someone?
After a brief pause, Jesse chose his words with care. “From what I’ve heard, women appreciate a sense of occasion and a man who genuinely wants to share his life with them.
“Things like keeping her in the loop about your day. And when it comes to that sense of occasion–holidays, birthdays–think flowers, jewelry… gestures that make her feel special p>
Keith listened quietly, committing every word to memory, before tossing out a casual follow–up.
“You seem to know a lot about women. Have you ever gotten the girl you wanted p>
Jesse was speechless.
Right.
It was a clean hit to the ego.
Keith knew perfectly well he’d buried himself in work these past few years–where would he have found the time to chase anyone? 1