Charles couldn't eat or sleep after sending the letter. All he did was anxiously wait for a reply.Jake was gone for two days.He managed to meet Renata in an elegantly decorated guest room. It was late summer, and she had just woken from her afternoon nap. Her clothing was a bit casual. She seemed quite relaxed too. It was clear that she was doing well.Jake understood perfectly that this trip was in vain. However, he still put on a brave face and tried to negotiate with Renata.Renata opened the gift box. There was fresh maple leaf and a set of ruby jewelry inside. The quality alone told her that it was worth a fortune. It was easily more than tens of millions of dollars. She looked down and smiled faintly, "Why is Charles sending me these? Doesn't he need to save money to get married?"Jake spoke candidly, "From what I see, Mr. Charles's engagement with Ms. Alisha is likely off.""That has nothing to do with me," Renata replied. "I won't accept these gifts, and I won't rec
Charles leaned backward.Alisha deduced his intentions. He wanted to sever ties with her and reconcile with Renata. She sneered, "You missed her, but she's having sex with Darrell. You have to see if she's willing to reconcile with you, even if that's what you want."Would she abandon the younger guy to be with you? You're a middle-aged man."What's in it for her? You're still sleeping around with so many ladies, and you're not that wealthy, either."…Alisha said her piece and felt good. However, Charles's face darkened as he stared at her with unblinking eyes. There was no trace of affection between them now.After a while, Charles looked up at the ceiling light and spoke slowly, "At this point, I won't hide anything from you anymore. It's over between us, Alisha. "We're not suitable for each other even if Renata is out of the picture. Naturally, I'll provide you with appropriate compensation."House or cash. Take your pick."A pillow was thrown at him.Alisha lost her
Charles began to hit the gym frequently.Moreover, he avoided having any improper relationships with women. He lived a life akin to that of a priest.After two months of adjustment, he appeared several years younger and was full of life.In October, he went to Brookesville for a work report.He had three off days after finishing his work. He intended to visit Renata, but she neither answered his calls nor allowed him into her villa.He was faced with a hopeless situation. So, he had to find out about her itinerary. She had an important dinner engagement on Friday night. It was related to a major project for the Sanders Group and could potentially bring in billions in profits for the company. It'd advance her career as well.It was a big deal for Renata.Although she brought two secretaries with her, the client insisted on drinking with her. She drank until she was half drunk, but they were still not satisfied. Instead, they wanted to go somewhere else to drink.She would vomi
As night fell, everything grew quiet.Though it was a club, the temptations of wine, wealth, and pleasures seemed far removed from them. Time appeared to stand still. The only thing that was left in the world was Renata's retreating figure.She turned her head slightly. Outside the window, the moon was setting in the west, reminiscent of their fading love.Renata felt a pang of sorrow in her heart, her lips moved as if she wanted to say something. However, no words came out eventually. She moved stiffly and walked forward slowly as she left his side."Renata."Charles called out to her.He quickly stepped forward and grabbed her slender wrist. He didn't want to let go and let her leave. The last thing he wanted was to see her go back to another man's embrace!At this moment, his heart was filled with pain. The only thing that could fix it was if she turned back.Unfortunately, she didn't do it.Renata lowered her head and looked at her wrist. She struggled to free herself, b
Renata regained her senses and asked incredulously, "Are you crazy, Charles?""Maybe I am!"She grabbed the car handle. She intended to open the door and get out, but it was locked. There was nothing she could do to open it. Renata turned to glare at Charles, "What exactly do you want?"It was dimly lit inside.Charles looked extraordinarily captivating in his white shirt. He stared at her quietly. His expression carried a hint of a unique sternness and maturity. They made him very attractive."What do I want to do?"He unbuttoned his shirt cuffs and rolled them up to his elbows leisurely, revealing a portion of his solid forearm. Then, a partition rose between the back seat and the front and created a private space. All of a sudden, Charles pulled Renata into his arms. He turned on the overhead light as if to humiliate her.The light shone brightly.Renata wore a dress when she fell into her ex-husband's arms. He touched her wantonly and pulled her thin stockings down her
The limousine was in utter disarray.Renata's face was covered in fine sweat, and her black hair stuck to her forehead. She kept her eyes shut tightly and refused to look at Charles.How could she look him in the eye?Just as she was finally moving onto a new life, he pulled her back. She could press charges against him if she was a young lady. Then, she could've forgotten about this incident and started anew with Darrell. However, she wasn't a young lady. She used to be married to Charles. So, the others would only see them as having lingering feelings for each other.What was more, Charles was involved in too many things. Noah would be the first to disapprove if she intended to take action against him.Adults often had to make sacrifices. She understood this well.Renata sat up slowly and held her clothes as she shed tears quietly. She didn't act hysterically. Instead, she could only wept silently. Charles sat next to her. He had already zipped up his pants, but his shirt w
" I am a human being. I'm not an animal, Charles." Renata said. "I have feelings. I can fall in love with someone else."…Renata felt deeply upset. There was utter despair on her face. "However, you ruined my relationship and snuffed out my happiness with your hands. You've destroyed me yet again, Charles. "You must feel very proud of yourself, right? Well, I'll never be with you, even if I break up with Darrell."Renata struggled to sit up. She told herself that she wouldn't spend the last moment of her life next to Charles if she was dying this minute. She'd never bear his last name.Charles restrained her. Both of them sunk deeply into the soft bed together. He gently held her face in his hand and murmured, "I'll delete the picture if that's what you want! I never intended to show it to Darrell anyway. How could I bear to let anyone see you when you're turned on?"Thinking about it reminded Charles that she used to sleep with another man. It bothered him, but he couldn't
Renata wasn't a young lady anymore. She seemed to have regained her composure after she cried it out. However, Charles wouldn't let her leave. She was confined to stay in his villa.He sent for someone to bring Daphne over.As night fell, the sound of a car could be heard in the courtyard on the ground floor. She could also hear some women's faint voices.Renata had cleaned herself up. She wore a white silk pajama and leaned against the sofa by the window. She silently drank from a wine glass by herself.The bedroom door creaked open.Charles walked in. He had also showered and changed into a fresh shirt and trousers. His whole demeanor looked refreshed.He approached Renata and put his arm around her shoulder gently. "You wouldn't eat. So, why are you drinking wine now? Drinking on an empty stomach is bad for your health."Renata let out a cold laugh. Her delicate face leaned against the luxurious sofa and rubbed against it lightly. "Don't you find it ironic? You were so