Chapter 21
“I’m not…” Elena said instinctively, trying to explain.
She suddenly realized that since she had met Alexander, he had never been overly tender, but he had always been polite and considerate.
It seemed he only got upset when he thought she wasn’t taking care of herself.
Thinking it through, she continued, “I’m not working myself to exhaustion for anyone. It’s just that the project I’m responsible for is in its final stage, and there are still a few things to wrap up. I want to see it
through, out of respect for the team that’s been working alongside me. And…”
She lowered her gaze, speaking softly, “Once this project is over, I plan to resign.”
Hearing her words, Alexander’s expression softened slightly.
He seemed like he was about to say something else, but Elena quickly added, “I’m really fine. What
happened this morning was due to a special situation, and I’m completely okay now.”
It felt a little strange explaining this to Alexander. Still, looking at his concerned face, she felt it was
necessary to reassure him.
Alexander furrowed his brows, but seeing her serious expression, he chose to respect her wishes. “Get in
the car.”
On the way to the Riggs Group, Alexander remained silent, and Elena didn’t speak either.
It wasn’t until they were nearly at the building that she finally spoke. “Mr. Golden, thank you again for saving me this morning and for treating me to such a delicious breakfast. When I return to Hupolis, I’ll
take you out for a meal.”
She knew one meal couldn’t repay such a huge favor, but saying too much now would only come across as insincere. She would find the right opportunity in Hupolis to repay him properly.
“When are you heading back?” Alexander asked.
“The 15th of next month.”
Alexander’s expression remained calm. “Perfect. I’m flying back that day too. We can go together.”
“You’re flying back on the 15th as well?” Elena asked, surprised.
She wondered why his business trip in Slushire would take so long.
“Yes. My private jet leaves Slushire Airport at noon on the 15th of next month,” Alexander explained. “You can just go straight to the airport.”
Elena was about to reply when he added, “Even without you, my private jet leaves Slushire for Hupolis on the 15th. Picking you up doesn’t inconvenience me, so you don’t need to feel like you owe me a favor.”
Since he said that, Elena didn’t refuse. “Alright, I’ll be there on time. Thank you in advance, Mr. Golden.”
By the time their conversation ended, the car had stopped in front of the Riggs Group building.
Elena said goodbye to Alexander and stepped out of the car.
Watching her enter the building, Alexander told Alfred to drive off, then dialed a number on his phone.
“Change my return flight to the 15th of next month.”
On the other end of the line, Oliver hesitated. “Are you sure? Your original schedule was to return the day
after tomorrow.”
“Yeah.”
After receiving the confirmation, Oliver didn’t dare question him further and quickly acknowledged.
Meanwhile, Justin sat in his office, staring at his phone with a dark expression. A breaking story flashed
across the screen from a gossip site.
“Heir of the Golden Family in Hupolis Romance Exposed? Seen Getting Close with Mysterious Woman.”
The article included two candid photos. One showed Alexander walking side by side with a woman into
what looked like a restaurant. The other captured them talking by a car.
The woman’s face wasn’t fully visible-one shot showed her back, the other only a partial profile –but it
was enough for Justin to recognize her as Elena.
Perhaps because of the angle, the photo of Elena and Alexander talking by the car looked particularly
intimate.
Justin wondered what was going on between the two of them.
“Jus, don’t get so worked up,” Nadine said from the side, trying to hide the smirk on her face.
“Ms. Miller probably just acted without thinking. After all, Mr. Golden saved her this morning.”
“Saved her? So what? Does that give her the right to be so close to another man?” Justin’s face darkened. “I think she’s forgotten who she belongs to. She’s mine!”
Nadine furrowed her brows. At first, she had felt quite pleased-Justin was surely going to argue with
Elena. But now, a sudden sense of unease crept over her.
Justin’s reaction was unexpectedly strong. Elena seemed to matter to him far more than she had imagined.
But she quickly dismissed that thought. It was probably just his pride getting the better of him.
The more Justin thought about it, the angrier he became. He was just about to call Elena when a knock
came at the door.
“Come in,” Justin said, his face showing impatience.
To his surprise, it was Elena who stepped into the room.
Elena had just arrived at the office with a document that urgently needed Justin’s signature, so she’d brought it straight to him.
Seeing Nadine there didn’t surprise her at all.
She walked up to Justin’s desk, set the document down in front of him, and said professionally, “Mr. Riggs, this document requires your signature.”
After speaking, she realized Justin had no intention of looking at the document. Instead, his eyes were locked on her, simmering with anger.
Elena frowned, wondering what was wrong with him.
“When did you arrive at the office, Ms. Miller?” Nadine asked sarcastically. “I thought you were still with Mr. Golden.”
Justin snapped, “Elena, you’d better explain yourself!”
