Chapter 608
Chapter 608:
He lifted his glass, swirling the liquid, its restless motion mirroring the turmoil roiling within him. He feared that after Maia found out the whole story, she would want to help him and willingly step into the chaotic mess of the Cooper Group, putting herself in danger. Her safety was his paramount concern.
Maxwell studied Chris, his expression inscrutable, before letting out a heavy sigh. “Aren’t you afraid your playboy reputation might push Maia into another’s arms p>
Chris froze and then fixed Maxwell with a withering stare. “Do you doubt me or my wife? Not everyone’s as fickle as you p>
Maxwell’s glass halted halfway to his lips, stung by the barb. His brow furrowed.
“Fickle? I’ve never been the one to walk away. Women leave me. And since I started working with you, I haven’t had a moment for romance.” Chris’ words had struck a nerve.
Scowling, Maxwell downed his drink in one fierce gulp, the burn of the liquor spreading warmth through his chest, easing the sting. Abruptly, he turned to Chris. “You know, people might think we’re more than friends p>
Chris recoiled, shifting his legs away with a grimace. “I’m a married man now, Maxwell. I have nothing to do with you.” Maxwell stared, dumbfounded by Chris’ harsh words.
In the restroom, Pattie handed Roland a tissue, her hand gently patting his back. “You shouldn’t drink so much if it overwhelms you. You’re only hurting yourself p>
Roland shrugged off her touch, his pride bristling at being seen so vulnerable. “Why are you here?” he asked, his voice laced with frost. “I didn’t ask for your help p>
“Am I not allowed to care?” Pattie shot back, her tone fiery.
Roland was momentarily stunned before turning to look at Pattie’s delicate face, his breath erratic. With red eyes, he couldn’t help but ask, “Pattie, why are you so good to me?” Whenever he drowned in drink, Pattie was there.
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When Maia’s choice of Chris had left him desolate, Pattie had been his solace. No woman, save Elvira, had ever shown him such steadfast care. Pattie’s smile was radiant, unguarded. “Because you’re my ideal man.” Her words were a bold confession.
Roland’s eyes widened, sobriety crashing over him like a wave. His expression teetered between disbelief and wonder, his mouth parting as if to speak, yet no words came.
Pattie held his gaze, then tugged his tie, drawing him close. “Maia’s married, Mr. Cullen. She’s beyond your reach. So why not consider dating me p>
Roland stood there, dazed by what he had just heard. Their faces hovered inches apart, breaths mingling in the charged air. Pattie’s heart raced as she gazed at the man who had captured her soul.
Roland, too, stood transfixed as her lips inched ever closer to his. His pulse thundered, a storm of butterflies churning within.
But just as their lips were about to meet, Pattie suddenly stopped, stepping back. “You’re still drunk,” she said, her voice steady but kind. “I won’t take advantage of you p>
She turned to leave, but Roland’s hand shot out, catching her wrist and pulling her back.
Pattie was caught completely off guard and fell directly into Roland’s embrace. A rush of heat followed. His lips found hers with an intensity that she hadn’t expected — urgent, unrelenting.
Shocked, Pattie opened her eyes wide. This couldn’t be the same Roland — the one always so composed, so polite. But strangely, she didn’t hate it. Instead of pulling away, Pattie leaned in. Her arms slipped around his neck, and she rose on her toes to match his rhythm, returning his kiss with one just as fierce.
Everything else faded. There was no room for thought, only the warmth between them.
Meanwhile, the door creaked open just outside the private room. Maia stepped through first, followed closely by Elvira. The moment they noticed the empty space, Elvira’s eyes narrowed. Neither Roland nor Pattie was in sight. Panic sparked in her chest. Had Pattie tried something?