Chapter 34: He Simply Does Not Want To See Me

This is outrageous! You always have time to accompany her, but when it comes to me, you’re suddenly too busy. Yadiel, you’re playing favorites!

When Ruth returned to the office, she was still dwelling on the matter and seething with anger. Glancing at the thesis in her hand, she scoffed disdainfully and muttered to herself, “Madelyn? With your level, what good can you possibly write? I wouldn’t believe it if you said you didn’t hire a ghostwriter. Just wait and see. If your thesis passes, I’ll stop calling myself Ruth!”

Ruth was brooding over this when it suddenly occurred to her that Yadiel would also be involved in grading the papers this time to ensure fairness and impartiality. Even though Ruth firmly believed that Madelyn’s writing was subpar, she couldn’t help but worry. What if Yadiel was biased and gave her a high score?

With this in mind, Ruth nervously spread out Madelyn’s thesis. Then, she read Madelyn’s thesis from beginning to end in detail. After reading it, she couldn’t help but marvel. The quality of the thesis was truly impressive. It would be no exaggeration to give it a score above ninety.

With a sudden jolt, Ruth realized it was Madelyn’s thesis! Ruth immediately grew more irritated, “What a load of rubbish this paper is! It’s not good at all. There’s no way I’m giving it a high score!” After saying that, she casually tossed the thesis onto the desk and left sulkily.

Unnoticed by anyone, the office door was swung open not long after Ruth left. Two figures sneaked in and rummaged through the table. At last, they spotted Madelyn’s thesis. Then, the two surreptitiously replaced Madelyn’s thesis with a completely different one. After completing that, the two once again slipped out quietly, making sure to close the door behind them.

After leaving school, Madelyn hailed a taxi and headed straight for Lockhart Group. She was reluctant to dine in with Yadiel because her mind was preoccupied. She felt down and just couldn’t muster up the energy. It had been several days since Madelyn last saw Sebastian. For the first time, she understood what it felt like for each day to feel like a year in his absence. The torment of missing someone was simply unbearable. In this world, there was no one like him. Yet, because she missed him so much, she felt his presence everywhere.

Madelyn felt that she couldn’t continue like this anymore. Not everyone would get a chance at rebirth. Since fate had granted her such an opportunity, she couldn’t afford to waste it. Upon reincarnating this time, aside from seeking vengeance, the most crucial objective was to salvage this relationship. But now, the two hardly saw each other. How could they possibly salvage their relationship?

Reflecting on this, Madelyn’s resolve grew even stronger. She needed to find Sebastian, regardless of what he might say. She couldn’t just sit back and do nothing anymore. Otherwise, the distance between them would only continue to grow.

Ten minutes later, at Lockhart Group…

As Madelyn stepped into the company, she was directed by Malcolm to a faraway location in the blink of an eye. Malcolm took a few steps toward her and respectfully asked, “Mrs. Lockhart, what brings you here?” Madelyn didn’t elaborate much. She only stated resolutely, “Step aside. I need to see Sebastian.”

To Madelyn’s surprise, Malcolm stepped in front of her and said, “I’m truly sorry, Mrs. Lockhart. Mr. Lockhart has been away on a business trip these past few days. If you really miss him, perhaps you can try calling him or sending him a…”

Had Madelyn not been calling or texting? She certainly had. Yet, Sebastian seemed to have vanished from the face of the earth. Not a single response came from his end. Madelyn looked at Malcolm and asked calmly, “Where did he go on his business trip?”

“This…” Malcolm paused, mentally cursing himself. He had actually forgotten that detail. Upon seeing Malcolm’s hesitant expression, Madelyn instantly solidified her resolve. “Move aside! I need to see him,” she demanded.

“Mrs. Lockhart, Mr. Lockhart has indeed gone on a business trip. Even if you go up there, you won’t find him.” Malcolm once again stepped forward to stop her. Yet, Madelyn stubbornly refused to believe. “Don’t lie to me. I know he simply doesn’t want to see me.”

Malcolm looked helpless. “Mrs. Lockhart, I’m telling you the truth. Mr. Lockhart really has gone on a business trip to Atharia. If you don’t believe me, you can check his flight details.” Madelyn let out a cold chuckle. “You’re his assistant. Wouldn’t he take you along on his business trip?”

Malcolm, however, still stood his ground, insisting, “Mrs. Lockhart, Mr. Lockhart really did go on a business trip. For this project, he only brought the project manager with him. I’m afraid there’s nothing I can do.”

After speaking, Malcolm took out his phone and deliberately pulled up Sebastian’s flight information. Then, he handed it to Madelyn and explained, “Mrs. Lockhart, here’s Mr. Lockhart’s flight details from his last two meetings.” Upon hearing those words, Madelyn froze. She stared at the screen for a while.

Indeed, the flight records showed that Sebastian had set off for Atharia two days ago… Madelyn’s heart suddenly sank. It seemed like he had really left. Lost in thought, she couldn’t help but let out a bitter laugh. She hadn’t expected Sebastian to go to such lengths to avoid her.

“Mrs. Lockhart…” Seeing Madelyn’s disappointed expression, Malcolm waved his hand in front of her eyes and asked with a hint of worry in his voice, “Are you okay?”

Madelyn finally snapped back to reality. She shook her head in slight disappointment. “Oh, I’m okay. By the way, if Sebastian comes back, remember to let me know immediately.” After some thought, Malcolm nodded. “Rest assured, Mrs. Lockhart. I will.”

Madelyn had no choice but to leave. After watching Madelyn leave, Malcolm turned around, climbed the stairs, and entered Sebastian’s office. At that time, Sebastian was sitting sideways in his seat, his face devoid of any expression. He was idly fiddling with a metallic object. Despite everything, his unique noble demeanor remained undiminished.

Malcolm walked in and said in a low voice, “Mr. Lockhart, Mrs. Lockhart just came by. As per your instructions, I told her that you were on a business trip, and she left.”

Upon hearing that, Sebastian didn’t show much reaction. He merely gave a slight nod.

On the other hand, Malcolm saw the ashtray on the table already filled to the brim with cigarette butts. He seemed to want to say something but held back. In the past, Sebastian hardly ever smoked. However, these past few days, he had been smoking almost like a madman. His office was often shrouded in a haze of smoke.

The most crucial part was Mr. Lockhart had been in an especially foul mood for the past two days. Any slight mistake would set him off into a thunderous rage. As a result, the employees were all on edge. None of them dared to speak loudly.

Malcolm had guessed that the reason for Sebastian’s change in behavior must be due to Madelyn’s manipulations. As it turned out, he was right. Sebastian was always known for his decisive and swift actions. Upon hearing his name, everyone in the industry would inevitably feel a sense of trepidation. In this world, Madelyn was likely Sebastian’s only weak spot.

Just then, a muffled rumble of thunder suddenly echoed outside the floor-to-ceiling windows. Soon, a heavy downpour began. Sebastian gazed at the rain, his thoughts wandering aimlessly. Then, it suddenly occurred to him that Madelyn had just left the office not too long ago. Could she possibly be caught in the rain now!