Chapter 23 You Simply Can’t Afford It
Maryanne’s lips, painted a bold cherry–red, parted slightly, “Why does it concern you where I am?”
Her gaze dropped, pointedly avoiding Cristofer’s.
Cristofer, however, fixed his attention on her face, its understated makeup–from her perfectly shaped brows to her softly tinted lips- only heightening an almost overwhelming beauty in his eyes.
She wore a sleek black evening gown that clung to her form, every detail a testament to her refined taste.
Clearly, she moved in circles that now included such prestigious events after her close association with Leandro, and her style had evolved into something sharper, more striking than he remembered.
Cristofer’s demeanor was chillingly cold; the usual playful expression had vanished, replaced by stark seriousness.
Sensing the iciness radiating from Cristofer beside her, Latoya knew that he was repulsed by Maryanne, so she felt no need to maintain any facade of innocence.
She lifted her head gracefully, regarding Maryanne with confident poise. “Maryanne, forgive my oversight. With Mr. Leandro Heath, you truly can go anywhere. Is he with you tonight, perhaps?”
She knew Cristofer needed to do business with the Nebula Group. If she could leverage Leandro’s support, she’d become immensely valuable to Cristofer,
Besides, wasn’t her beauty itself a guarantee of catching the attention
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of a man like Leandro?
Maryanne arched an eyebrow. “You want to see Leandro?”
Latoya glanced sideways at Cristofer, his unreadable expression sending a flicker of uncertainty through her.
“Ms. Nielsen. Cris’s business could benefit from an association with Mr. Heath. As Cris’s ex–wife, wouldn’t it be natural for you to
introduce us to Mr. Heath?”
Maryanne felt a surge of contempt.
Did Latoya have no sense of shame whatsoever?
Scorn flickered in Maryanne’s eyes, evident in every line of her composed face. “Latoya, everyone claims Cristofer is deeply in love with you, yet it seems you misunderstand him entirely. He built his empire through sheer determination. You expect him to rely on the connections of his ex–wife? Isn’t that like denying his own accomplishments?
“Furthermore, if your ‘methods‘ were enough to capture a proud man like Cristofer, then what does Leandro signify to you? Just another conquest?”
Latoya was momentarily speechless.
A sneer twisted Cristofer’s lips. “I don’t need it.”
A cold sneer touched Maryanne’s lips. “I also don’t waste my time on people who repulse me
Cristofer’s anger flared intensely. His gaze lingered on her–her cold features, her poised, elegant stance, her exquisite eyes, pools of unnerving calm and sharp intelligence.
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Maryanne possessed not only striking beauty but also undeniable talent, and his face darkened.
With Leandro by her side, why was she still so agitated?
“Maryanne, even after a divorce, can’t you two still be friends?” Latoya began, her voice sweetly conciliatory, aiming for Cristofer’s ears. She wanted to make him aware of just how unrefined Maryanne truly was.
Latoya thought, “A child, mistakenly taken, raised in the countryside… what right did she have to compare herself to me?”
“Friends?” Maryanne laughed, a sound laced with bitter anger.
She didn’t believe in friendships born from the ashes of a broken relationship
Love like theirs could only culminate in enmity.
Her cold gaze flickered towards Cristofer as she said, “We’re already broken up, so to me, you might as well be dead. All I want is for you to never show your face around me again. The two of you–a scumbag man and a bitch–just seeing you together makes my blood boil.
“Besides, do I look so desperate for company that I’d welcome a scumbag like you and demean myself?”
“Maryanne, do you believe I could kill you right now?” The usual arrogance and malice on Cristofer’s handsome face melted away, replaced by a terrifying glint of lethal intent.
Did she have to be so brutal?
He hadn’t realized her tongue could be so sharp.
Maryanne met his glare, her expression utterly devoid of emotion.
“Cristofer, do you truly wish me dead? What have I possibly done to
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offend you so gravely that you would not only drive me to the brink but also wish for my death?”
Maryanne drew a deep breath. Her eyes, breathtakingly beautiful, were clear and bright, yet utterly devoid of warmth. “My life is far too valuable. You simply can’t afford it.”
With that final, cutting remark, Maryanne turned on her heel and walked away.
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