Chapter 165
Chapter 165:
Shortly thereafter, Richard’s car pulled up.
Once Jenessa climbed into the safety of the vehicle, she exhaled a deep sigh of relief and expressed her gratitude warmly.
“Thank you so much for coming to get me. I really didn’t relish the thought of walking back alone p>
A rare shade of irritation crossed Richard’s normally calm demeanor as he inquired, “Weren’t you supposed to leave the banquet with Ryan Haynes? How come you’re out here all by yourself? Did he leave you behind p>
Jenessa’s silence spoke volumes, tacitly confirming his guess.
Richard inhaled deeply, trying to quell his rising anger.
“He has really crossed the line this time. It’s nearly nightfall, and he leaves you here, in the middle of nowhere? How could he be fit to be your husband p>
Jenessa’s smile was tinged with bitterness as she replied, “It’s irrelevant now. I’m getting a divorce. What kind of man he is—or isn’t—is no longer a concern p>
Noticing her reluctance to continue discussing Ryan, Richard softened his expression.
That suited him just fine. The more Jenessa grew disillusioned with Ryan, the better his own chances might seem.
Choosing his silence wisely, Richard continued the drive to Brinley’s apartment in quiet contemplation.
Out of the corner of her eye, Jenessa caught a glimpse of a familiar vehicle trailing them.
Her heart skipped a beat—it was the car she had just exited, Ryan’s car.
As quickly as it appeared, it was gone, leaving her to wonder if her eyes were playing tricks on her.
Ryan had clearly abandoned her earlier; why would he be following them now?
Jenessa dismissed the idea that Ryan could be concerned about her welfare.
Overwhelmed by the evening’s upheaval, she allowed her head to rest against the seat and drifted off into a deep sleep.
Upon reaching Brinley’s place, Richard discovered Jenessa’s slumbering form. Thoughtfully, he stepped out of the car, walked around to the passenger side, and carefully opened the door, intending to carry her inside with gentle hands.
But as soon as he opened the door, Jenessa’s eyes snapped open.
“Don’t touch me,” she exclaimed, her voice laced with caution.
Richard was taken aback, not anticipating her sharp response. He quickly explained, “I saw you were asleep, so I wanted to help by carrying you in p>
When Jenessa recognized it was Richard, her tension eased slightly, but she firmly pushed his hands away, saying, “No, thanks. I can get out of the car by myself p>
Richard stepped back, his disappointment evident, yet he managed a smile.
“Why were you so defensive just now p>
Jenessa bit her lip. Recent events had taught her to be constantly on guard. Despite her fatigue, she had not been deeply asleep. The slightest sense of someone approaching had jolted her awake.
However, she inclined not to share these thoughts with Richard.
“I can’t sleep well in cars. It’s easy for me to wake up,” Jenessa responded with a dismissive shrug.
“I’ll walk you to the door,” offered Richard, his tone soft and understanding.