Novel Palace
Chapter 39
Chapter 39
As Anthony cast a brief glance at the seated duo, Louls maintained a deep, inscrutable expression, revealing nothing of his Inner emotions. Text property © Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org.
Genevieve, slightly taken aback by Anthony’s sudden arrival, maintained her composure and discreetly shifted her gaze
away.
Feeling a sinking sensation in his heart, Anthony Inhaled deeply, subtly adjusted a chair next to their table, and inquired politely, yet firmly. “Would you mind if I join you?”
Genevieve and Louis, In unison, replied, “Yes.”
The atmosphere abruptly shifted to a tense silence.
Anthony, narrowing his eyes sharply, seated himself assertively between them, emanating a faint scent of peppermint smoke.
His intrusion disrupted the previously harmonious vibe, yet Anthony displayed no remorse, even managing a smile.
Noticing the bouquet of roses on the table, a trace of iciness flickered across Anthony’s eyes. He turned his darkened gaze toward Genevieve.
“There are still some unresolved details regarding the Sincapital project. Perhaps we could discuss them elsewhere?” His voice, though cold, was deliberately moderated to sound as gentle as possible.
Genevieve’s lips tightened as she raised her eyes to Anthony, her voice flat and unyielding. “Today isn’t a good time. Let’s schedule it for another day.”
She took a discreet sip of her drink, masking her growing annoyance.
Since their divorce, Anthony’s unexpected appearances had become increasingly frequent. ‘Why can’t he just fade into the background as he used to?‘ Genevieve wondered.
Anthony, facing rejection yet again, visibly struggled to maintain his composure, his expression betraying a mix of displeasure and effort to remain calm. Regaining his emotional equilibrium, he managed a light chuckle. “Another time then. It’s rather inconvenient with an outsider present.”
With a wave of his hand, he summoned the server, adopting the air of a casual host. “Please add another set of cutlery.”
‘As if I would leave them alone for a private moment, Anthony thought defiantly.
Genevieve, taken aback by his audacity, silently questioned, ‘How can he be so shameless?‘
Rising from her seat, she turned to Louis with a forced smile, “I think we should call it a night, Mr. Fallon. I’m feeling a bit tired and would like to head back for some rest.”
Louis, ever the gentleman, stood up with a smile. “What a coincidence, I was just about to leave as well. Allow me to drive you home.”
Louis‘ offer was echoed by Anthony’s frosty interjection, “Let me drive you home.”
A tense silence enveloped the group.
Anthony’s icy gaze fell on Louis.
Genevieve, ignoring Anthony’s presence, graciously accepted Louis‘ offer, “Thank you, Mr. Fallon.”
Louis responded with a polite nod and a smile, “It’s my honor.”
As Genevieve descended the stairs, she didn’t notice a protruding piece of wood and stumbled, sharp pain shooting through her ankle.
Struggling to regain her balance, she was suddenly steadied by a strong force behind her, finding herself against a man’s firm chest, the faint scent of tobacco wafting up her nose.
“Ms. Lawrence, did you hurt your foot?” Anthony inquired with concern.
Before Louis could reach her, Anthony had already knelt down, gently examining her ankle.
Louis‘ brows furrowed slightly, a hint of displeasure flashing in his eyes.
As Genevieve watched Anthony kneel and touch her ankle, she felt uncomfortable and attempted to pull away, but the pain Intensified with every movement.
Holding her ankle firmly, Anthony looked up, his voice stern. “It’s a sprain. You should see a doctor immediately.”
A frown marred Genevieve’s countenance as she endured the pain and took a forceful step back. “There’s no need for your concern. I’ll take care of it once I’m home.”
But Anthony was not one to take no for an answer. Swiftly, he scooped her up, securing her waist with his arm,
Genevieve’s attempts to wriggle free were futile as Anthony held her tightly, striding confidently toward his car.
“Anthony Hoffman, put me down!” Genevieve demanded.
Anthony’s expression turned grave, his voice cold and commanding. “Don’t move.”
Ignoring her protests, he carefully placed her in his car, shutting the door with a decisive slam.
The icy gaze in Anthony’s eyes, coupled with his furrowed brows, conveyed a mix of cold detachment and hostility. Addressing Louis with an air of dismissive indifference, he stated firmly, “Thank you, Mr. Fallon, but I’ve got this situation.
under control.”
Louis, struggling to maintain his composure, narrowed his eyes and retorted, “I was the one who brought her here, only right that I see her off.”
so it’s
Neither man showed any signs of backing down, as the air grew thick with tension.
Anthony, taking a step closer and exuding an icy demeanor, retorted, “Mr. Fallon, there’s no need for you to concern yourself
with someone who doesn’t belong to you. You’re not the one who gets to make these decisions.”
Anthony’s tone was unmistakably arrogant, his presence imposing and unyielding, making no attempt to mask his true feelings.
Louis, eyes narrowing further, was about to respond, but Anthony had already turned and entered his car.
For Anthony, his patience with Louis had been stretched to its breaking point.
A tumultuous mix of anger and an indefinable emotion surged within him, fueling a rising urge to confront Louis directly if the conversation continued.
As Calvin stepped on the gas pedal, the car sped off, leaving nothing but a trail of dust behind.
Genevieve sat coldly beside Anthony. The distance between them was notably vast, as if there was room for two more people.
Anthony rubbed his forehead, attempting to quell the emotions that had momentarily overtaken him, and directed Calvin, “Head to the hospital.”
Genevieve’s gaze on Anthony was devoid of warmth, her voice equally unemotional as she said, ‘Thank you for the ride to the hospital, Mr. Hoffman, but there’s no need for such gestures in the future.”
Her words of gratitude lacked any semblance of sincerity.
Anthony’s lips tightened, and a visible vein throbbed on his forehead as he pondered, ‘Why must we be so formal with each other?‘
His tone laced with sarcasm, Anthony inquired, “So, you’d prefer Louis to take you there?”
Genevieve’s response was direct, “He would be a more appropriate choice. Don’t you think?”
Internally, she reasoned, ‘It’s better to have Louis escort me than my ex–husband. Besides, I want nothing to do with him.‘
A sneer formed on Anthony’s gloomy face, his eyes darkening once more. Unable to contain his thoughts, he voiced them bitterly, “Appropriate? Even if you’re looking for someone, you should choose someone who bears a striking resemblance to me. Is it because you still have feelings for me and can’t move on, so you sought out a substitute?”