Chapter 22

Olivia was acutely aware of the situation. She immediately protested, "That's not necessary. I can manage!"

Lily was speechless.

Darkness shrouded the car's exterior, making it clear they weren't near the community entrance. Across the street was a dimly lit alley that looked unsafe.

Alexander, sensing Olivia's discomfort, intervened. "Edward, take her home. Back to her front door," he ordered. "Go quickly and return immediately."

"Yes, sir," Edward replied. He stopped the car, unbuckled Olivia's seatbelt, and exited. Olivia, flattered, insisted, "No, no, it's not necessary."

Edward was already at her door, opening it. "Miss Hart, please." With the situation as it was, refusal was futile. Olivia reluctantly left the car. "T-Then I'll leave first. Lily, you and Mr. Russell have a good rest."

"Okay," Lily nodded. After watching Olivia and Edward walk some distance, she snapped back to reality, realizing something was amiss.

"Did Olivia say Mr. Russell and I should have a good rest?" Lily turned to see Alexander staring at her with a peculiar expression.

Testing the waters, Lily asked, "Surely you're not jealous?"

Alexander loudly scoffed, "Hmph. Did you just realize that?" Lily was speechless. "No way! Olivia is a girl." "So what if she's a girl? Can't I be jealous of a girl? Your concern for her was both celebratory and protective. It's my turn, okay?" He spread his arms and moved toward her, his tone laced with resentment. Lily wasn't sure whether to laugh or cry; he behaved like a petulant child. "It's not the same!"

"How is it not the same?" Alexander paused. "Unless, deep in your heart, you think she's more important than I am?"

Unreasonable men were terrifying, especially jealous ones. He was like a child denied candy. Lily laughed. "Indeed, more important."

Lily encircled Alexander's neck, pulling him down as his expression darkened. She kissed him, whispering, "But you're the most important."

That appeased the great president. He cupped the back of her head and deepened the kiss, wanting her to taste the bitterness in his heart.

Edward paused a few steps ahead. When Olivia caught up, he resumed walking. They maintained a comfortable distance. Olivia lowered her head. At this distance, she could see the tip of Edward's shadow; it was a practical arrangement.

She walked this route daily after work—a somewhat frightening path. Though nothing had happened since she moved there, it was quiet and secluded. Occasionally, a cat would rummage in a trash bin, startling her. However, today, she felt safe with Edward's company.

(The final lines "Today's Bonus Offer," "Previous Chapter," and "Next Chapter" are navigational elements and not part of the story itself.)