The Man Who Never Looked Away novel Chapter 169

Garnett tightened his grip on his phone, the busy dial tone echoing in his ear.

He never should have made that call. The assets belonged to his grandmother, and she had every right to leave them to whomever she pleased.

Outsiders didn't truly understand Judith. They saw her as nothing more than a dependent old woman living in her son's house. But Garnett knew exactly who she was—a woman with an unbreakable will. Once she made a decision, nothing could change her mind.

After agonizing over it, Garnett eventually sent Maeve a text:

[Maeve, please pretend I never said anything. And I'd appreciate it if you didn't mention this to Grandmother.]

Maeve replied almost instantly: [Understood, Sir. Don't worry.]

Setting his phone down and turning around, Garnett suddenly realized Sigrid was standing right behind him. He had no idea how long she had been there.

A small suitcase sat by her feet.

Garnett looked at it, momentarily stunned. "Are you going on a business trip? Where to?"

Sigrid shook her head. "Garnett, I've decided to move back into my own apartment."

Garnett's heart immediately sank. "Why?"

Ever since he had pulled her out of the Arden Estate that night, she had been staying with him in his penthouse suite. Even though absolutely nothing had happened between them, he had grown incredibly accustomed to having her around.

"Are you going to leave me, too?" Garnett frowned.

Sigrid felt a sharp sting in her nose. "Didn't you say it yourself at the cafe today? You told Lavinia not to divorce you, and you even asked her to give you a child."

Garnett froze. Honestly, saying those words had surprised even him. It was as if some buried, subconscious desire had hijacked his mouth.

Sigrid looked up at him with tearful, aggrieved eyes. "Garnett, if I keep staying by your side like this, what are people going to think of me?"

Garnett remained silent for several seconds before stepping forward, stopping just inches away from her. Slowly, he reached out and pulled her into a tight embrace.

Sigrid trembled slightly, obediently leaning her head against his chest.

Garnett could feel it. She didn't actually want to leave.

Truthfully, as his marriage completely fell apart, even he couldn't understand why he still refused to let it go.

A week after the incident, he had returned home to the Arden Estate. The moment he opened the door, he found shattered glass scattered across the floor, their wedding portrait lying in ruins amidst the wreckage.

He had never once considered divorce. If his mother hadn't died so young, his parents would have stayed together until the end.

Wasn't that exactly what marriage was supposed to be? Otherwise, wouldn't it just be a joke?

"Garnett, what exactly am I to you?"

Sigrid's muffled voice against his chest suddenly snapped him back to reality.

Garnett had no idea how to answer. A friend? A confidante? A lover?

After a heavy, prolonged silence, Sigrid finally seemed to make a decision. She pushed Garnett away, grabbed the handle of her suitcase, and turned to leave.

His hand shot out, catching her wrist.

"Sigrid, stay with me for just a few more days," he said, his voice low and tight.

Sigrid stopped in her tracks. Garnett let out a quiet sigh of relief.

"Sigrid, I promise I'll give you an answer," he said. Even though he still had no idea what that answer actually was.