Chapter 210

Trevin is a prime example. Thinking about Trevin’s fate, my heart trembled. Winston was his younger brother, though they had different mothers; they were still blood brothers. He would never harm Winston, no matter what. But I was in danger. I didn’t want to lose a limb; I just wanted a peaceful life. The chilling aura emanating from Reynaldo’s body was palpable, even from a meter away. Honestly, these people were so annoying. They competed secretly, but in the end, I wasn’t the one who suffered.

“Mr. Humphrey, please let go!” I said, trying to pry Winston’s hand off, but to no avail. Reynaldo chuckled, “Do I need to use tools to separate you two?” The cold words held a clear threat. I doubted that if Winston didn’t release me, he might even resort to a knife. With Trevin’s example in mind, I was terrified and disregarded Winston’s feelings. I coldly said, “Let go, Mr. Humphrey. Please have some self-respect!”

Winston seemed stunned, then offered a bitter smile before releasing my wrist. A clear red mark remained, indicating how tightly he’d gripped it. A sneer came from beside me. I looked up and found Reynaldo staring at my wrist, a cold smirk on his lips. What was he laughing at? All day, he’d displayed disdain; what was so amusing about the red marks on my wrist? I berated myself, silently pulling down my sleeves to cover them.

By then, Winston and Anton had exited the elevator. I was alone inside. I quickly dragged the table outside. Anton didn’t help, and I was angry with Winston, so asking him for help wasn't an option. Reynaldo stared coldly, his expression indifferent. I was even less inclined to speak to him. I had to manage alone, awkwardly pushing and dragging the table out. Just as I finally got the table out, sweat dripping from exhaustion, Winston coldly said to Reynaldo, “Ralda, I’m taking her away.”

I was so shocked my hand trembled, and I collapsed onto the table. Reynaldo chuckled, casting a chilling, teasing gaze at me. I glanced around and quickly said to Winston, “I’m not leaving. The treatment Mr. Humphrey has given me is very good, so I’ll stay here.”

“Ralda!” Winston frowned, refusing to give up. Reynaldo chuckled, hand in pocket, “Or maybe I should let you choose for yourself?” Stay here or go with him—your choice, so certain people can’t say I’m forcing or tempting you. Winston, hearing this, looked at me expectantly, saying, “Ralda, did you hear that? He’s letting you choose for yourself.”

“Come with me, Ralda. I assure you the treatment I will give you will not be worse than his…” I watched silently as a playful smile curled onto Reynaldo’s lips. He said it was my choice, but it was a way to make me confront reality. He was reminding me that no matter my choice, I couldn’t escape his control.

“Ralda!” Seeing my silence, Winston urged, “Come on, Ralda, choose to go with me, okay?” Going with Winston would make escaping the city easier. But Reynaldo would never let me go. I knew how ruthless he was. I pursed my lips and said, “Mr. Humphrey, I won’t go with you. I like it here, and I want to stay and work here.”

“Ralda…” Winston looked at me, hurt evident in his expression. Initially, seeing his expression, I felt a pang of reluctance—a vestige of affection from our younger days. Now, I felt nothing. I didn’t want to be a sacrificial lamb in their power struggle. I said lightly, “Mr. Humphrey, you came to talk to our Mr. Humphrey, so I won’t hinder you.” Struggling, I half-carried the office desk towards the Secretariat, clearly feeling several pairs of eyes on me.