Chapter 8
The moment Justin saw Elena, he immediately let go of Nadine’s hand.
But Elena’s eyes only skimmed over their joined hands with a calm indifference. What was done was done. Trying to cover it up now was nothing but laughable self-deception.
“Lena…” He called out to her, but she didn’t respond. She simply walked past them and returned to her
room.
“Jus, do you think Ms. Miller is upset?” Nadine tugged on his arm with a pout. “Maybe you should go
comfort her?”
His brows furrowed. He had meant to say there was no need, but the words stuck in his throat. With a
flick of his wrist, he shook her hand off and headed toward Elena’s room.
Nadine’s smile stiffened.
She hadn’t actually wanted him to go. However, they still needed Elena to bear a child. There was no
helping it. If it weren’t for Nadine’s infertility, Elena wouldn’t have had the chance to be with Justin like
that.
Elena sat at the desk, about to take more gastric medicine, when she heard the door open behind her.
“Lena, why did you come back early tonight?”
She knew it was Justin, but didn’t turn around or answer.
He walked over, saw the pills in her hand, and immediately frowned with concern. “Why are you taking
medicine again? What’s wrong this time?”
Picking up the box, he glanced at the label. “Your stomach is acting up again? Why didn’t you tell me?”
“There’s no need.” Her voice was cool and detached.
His expression darkened. “Does your stomach hurt a lot? Let me rub it for you.”
He reached out, but she stiffened and jerked back. The chair screeched against the floor as she dragged
it away.
“Lena?” His face soured.
“That won’t be necessary.” She stood. “I’m not in that much pain. I just want to rest. You should leave.”
“You’re upset about tonight, aren’t you?” He pulled her into his arms. “Lena, be sensible. Nadi just joined the company.
If you don’t show her a little respect, how is she supposed to survive in the CEO’s office?”
Elena’s lips curved into a bitter smile. “With you protecting her, does she really need to worry about that?”
“It was just one glass of wine. You shouldn’t take it so seriously. It’s not as if you haven’t had a drink
before.”
Her fingers curled tightly around her.
He reeked of alcohol, and he was slurring. It was obvious he had had more than a few drinks that night.
As for Nadine… Elena had just seen her. Her eyes were clear, and her complexion was steady. Chances were, she hadn’t touched a drop of alcohol tonight.
Justin had shielded her flawlessly.
“Lena, you’re getting more willful by the day,” he snapped, irritation mounting. “I see what this is-you’re taking medicine just to make a show of it, aren’t you?
“You walked out early without a word, and now you’re pulling this little stunt in front of me. One drink from
Nadi couldn’t possibly wreck your stomach.”
He knew full well her stomach had been-fragile lately, yet he still said that. All for the sake of defending
Nadine.
Exhaustion washed over her. She didn’t even want to argue anymore. “You’re right about everything. Now, can you leave? I need to rest.”
For some reason, her calm indifference only aggravated him further. He knew she was usually gentle, but she did have a temper. After what he had just accused her of, why didn’t she defend herself? Why was she simply pushing him away?
Did she really not want him in her bed? Impossible. Elena loved him deeply.
His gaze drifted to her lips. They were pale, drained of color from her discomfort. Yet under the haze of
alcohol, he found himself craving their taste.
His body reacted instantly. His throat bobbed as he rasped, “Lena…”
Her heart jolted when she saw the hunger darkening his eyes. She shoved at him. “I told you, I want to
rest. Leave!”
But he caught her wrist instead. His breath was hot and overwhelming. “Lena, I don’t want to go. I want to
stay here with you tonight.”
