Chapter 214
Albert realized all the shops on the ground floor of his office building had swapped
out their signs for bright green ones. Even the chain stores, which never used green before, had switched things up. It felt like they were doing it just to mess with him.
He’d asked his secretary to talk to them, but every single store gave the same answer. The signs were staying green, no discussion.
Albert figured if he couldn’t see it, he wouldn’t have to care, so he started wearing sunglasses to the office. With them on, all those clashing colors just faded away.
One morning, as he walked past the break room in his sunglasses, he overheard his coworkers whispering.
“Albert’s been wearing sunglasses to work a lot lately. Did you hear his wife beat
him up p>
“What? Isn’t his wife Carola? She looks so sweet. Can you even imagine her hitting anyone p>
“I don’t know… is Albert really the kind of guy who’s scared of his wife p>
“Who knows… Maybe he cheated, and Carola gave him what he deserved p>
Albert yanked off his sunglasses, his patience gone. He tossed them right into the break room trash can in front of everyone.
“Don’t you all have work to do? Tell your manager to come see me. I have some questions about how your work is being assigned p>
The room went silent. Everyone stared at their shoes, too nervous to speak.
But the rumor that Albert had been beaten by his wife only seemed more believable now. People probably thought he was covering up bruises with makeup.
Lately, nothing was going his way. An old business partner from overseas had come to visit Cabinda and invited Albert out for dinner. After thinking it over, Albert agreed.
“Albert, it’s been ages,” his friend said.
Albert forced a smile and hugged him. “Luke, it really has p>
Luke had brought his wife along on the trip. “I can’t believe you’re married now. Remember how you used to fly out to Apex all the time just to see your girlfriend p>
Albert’s smile faded. Hearing people talk about his reckless past only left him with regret and frustration.
Luke was chatty as always. After gushing about how much he loved the vibe and scenery in Cabinda, he asked Albert for some travel tips.
Albert handled it right away. “I’ll arrange for a professional guide to take you around tomorrow. There’s too much to see, so it’s better to have someone show you.” “Thanks, Albert p>
Then Luke changed the topic. “Do you remember that snowstorm last year? You were supposed to catch a flight home but the snow blocked. the roads. You didn’t make it back for another day p>
Of course Albert remembered.
That was Dorothea’s birthday. He’d planned to hurry back but out of nowhere, Apex was hit by a heavy snowstorm it almost never snowed
there, and if it did it was
just
a little dusting. But that day, thick flakes fell fast, blocking all the roads.
Albert couldn’t even get his car out of the driveway he had to turn back. He’d called Luke for help, but there was no one working late to clear the snow, so he gave up.
Weirdly, the next day, all the snow had completely melted.
“I remember. Why do you ask?” Albert said, trying to sound casual.
Luke grinned, looking like he knew a secret. “I heard recently it was actually someone trying to create a romantic surprise for his girlfriend. They made artificial snow, and you just happened to get stuck because of it. Kind of inconsiderate, honestly. Since your villa was the only one out there, you got the short end of the stick p>
Albert’s eyelid twitched. “Luke, do you remember the guy’s name p>
Luke thought for a second. “I think it was Latham. Do you know him p>
Albert’s face darkened in an instant.
Latham. Of course.
He knew exactly who that was. But a year ago, Latham didn’t even have a girlfriend.
Or maybe… maybe he’d done it on purpose, just to stop Albert from coming back home.