The Man Who Never Looked Away novel Chapter 170

Sigrid abruptly spun around, threw her arms around him, and buried her face in his chest, sobbing with pure heartbreak. Garnett gently rubbed her trembling back, his heart aching for her.

He realized that it was probably time to finally walk away from his marriage to Lavinia.

But he absolutely refused to let Charley off the hook.

"Sigrid, don't you have a lot of connections back in the Aethelgard Country?" Garnett asked.

"Yes, I do. Why?"

"I need you to dig into Charley's background and find out exactly who he is. I get the feeling he's far from ordinary," Garnett said.

"Are you worried about his intentions with Lavinia? He has a fiancée, you know. They're getting married soon. We've all met her."

"He dared to meddle in the Harper family's business. I'm going to make him pay for that."

"Alright, I'll look into him for you." Sigrid sighed softly, burying her face even deeper into his chest.

***

The evening breeze was soft and lingering.

Lavinia slipped the leash loop over her wrist, walking side-by-side with Charley along the riverbank.

She wore a simple white dress, the hem fluttering gently in the wind, occasionally brushing against his trousers.

"Charley, do you think I made the right choice today?" Lavinia asked.

"Given the choice between taking the money and walking away, you chose to do something far more meaningful. I know Ms. Judith will be incredibly proud of you," Charley replied.

Lavinia looked at him and smiled. Every time she got his validation, it filled her with an immense sense of joy, like a child getting praised by a favorite teacher.

"As a reward, I'm taking you to a classical concert. Tomorrow night at eight. Don't forget," Charley said.

Lavinia froze. He hadn't forgotten about the concert?

"Um, I have to work late tomorrow night. You should probably ask someone else. I heard Ms. Chandler really loves classical music too," Lavinia suggested.

Charley stared at her. "What does her liking it have to do with me? I'm asking you."

Lavinia didn't know how to explain it. Jocelyn had practically handed her the tickets, begging her to invite Charley, and Lavinia had already turned her down.

If she turned around and went to the concert with him herself, how could she ever face Jocelyn at work again?

Right before the end of the workday, Lavinia had a document that needed Jocelyn's signature.

She knocked on the door and walked in, surprised to find Jocelyn changed into a sleek, minimalist black evening gown, touching up her makeup in a compact mirror.

Lavinia blinked, smiling. "Director, going somewhere special tonight?"

Jocelyn didn't even look up, answering casually. "That concert I mentioned. Charley refused to go with me. I already bought the tickets, so why shouldn't I go by myself?"

Lavinia found herself genuinely admiring Jocelyn's personality. No self-pity, no endless overthinking. Was this just how truly successful people operated?

She handed the document over. "Director, I just need your signature right here."

Jocelyn set down her eyeliner, carefully reviewed the file, and signed it.

Lavinia took the paperwork back and headed for the door, but paused right before leaving. She turned back around.

"Director, you look absolutely stunning tonight. You're definitely going to be the best-dressed woman in that hall."

Jocelyn smiled, brimming with effortless confidence. "I know."