The Man Who Never Looked Away novel Chapter 196

Lavinia's eyes pricked with sudden moisture, but she forced a smile. "You definitely shouldn't have a daughter in the future."

"Why not?"

"You'd completely spoil her."

He glanced at her, then bent down again to pick up a jagged shell directly in her path, tossing it into the waves.

Lavinia's phone rang. She pulled it from her pocket and glanced at the screen. It was Garnett.

She didn't want to answer. But she also knew that if she ignored him, he would go crazy and there was no telling what he might do.

She looked at Charley, muttered, "It's him," and pressed answer.

He must have heard the sound of the waves in the background. "Lavinia, where are you?"

"I'm taking a walk by the beach to clear my head. What's wrong?"

"Who are you with?"

"I'm alone."

Silence stretched for a few seconds.

"Do you need me to come keep you company?" Garnett asked.

Lavinia hesitated, then said flatly, "No need. I won't be able to relax if you're here."

Another long pause on the other end.

"I heard the report you submitted made Mr. Coleman very unhappy. Lavinia, the corporate world is deep water. The vast majority of people have to endure things just to survive, but you don't have to be like them." He paused. "Come home."

His argument didn't surprise her in the slightest.

"I'm fine, thank you for your concern," Lavinia said coldly. "If there's nothing else, I'm hanging up."

"Lavinia!" His voice spiked in volume.

Charley threw a glance in Lavinia's direction. She pulled the phone slightly away from her ear, shaking her head at Charley to signal that she was fine.

Garnett's tone grew harsh, adopting the voice of a strict lecturer. "Do you even know why you can't survive at Celestial Capital? The workplace is exactly this kind of environment. Who is right or wrong doesn't matter. What matters is whose side you are on!"

"Do you honestly think Mr. Coleman doesn't know that Renova has issues? He knows better than you do! He doesn't need someone to do the right thing—he needs someone who belongs to him! His own person!"

"Yes."

"So how do you choose?"

"I don't."

"But what if you have to?" Lavinia tilted her head, looking up at him.

He looked back, a hint of seriousness in his eyes. "To eat or not to eat? Don't eat. To go or not to go? Go. To say it or not? Don't."

"Pfft." Lavinia burst out laughing.

Walking back up the shore, she tried to put her shoes back on. He gently gripped her arm to help her keep her balance.

His hands were large, his palms warm and comforting.

Lavinia suddenly felt that this level of closeness wasn't appropriate, so she pulled her hand back. Even though she wobbled, she managed to slip her shoes on by herself.

She didn't notice that the moment she pulled away, the light in his eyes dimmed.