The Man Who Never Looked Away novel Chapter 202

"Lavinia, we are still legally married." His voice carried a distinct warning. "It's inappropriate for you to be going out to dinner with other men."

Lavinia looked at him, not bothering to deny it.

"I've heard quite a bit about this Renova Biosciences mess lately. Don't you want to know what Mr. Coleman is really thinking?" Garnett looked down at her.

She tilted her head up to meet his gaze. "Who told you? Sigrid?"

"You already know the answer to that," Garnett scoffed dismissively. "Business is a battlefield. Don't you want to know your enemy?"

Lavinia pressed her lips together.

Sensing her hesitation, he softened his tone. "Get in the car. I'll bring you right back after we talk. It won't take long."

In the distance, a black SUV turned onto the side road, slowing down before coming to a stop just down the block.

Lavinia didn't notice it. Garnett opened the door of the Bentley and ushered her inside.

The black Bentley merged into the traffic and disappeared around the intersection.

The black SUV remained parked. The man in the driver's seat gripped the steering wheel tightly.

After a few moments, he started the engine, made a U-turn, and drove away.

***

The restaurant Garnett booked was situated right along the river. The floor-to-ceiling windows in the private dining room offered a sweeping view of the water as the evening sky darkened.

There weren't many dishes, but each one was exquisite.

He pulled out her chair, asked if she wanted wine, and served her a portion of every dish before touching his own.

He was the picture of a perfect gentleman. Just like when they had first started dating.

Lavinia had been completely fooled by this elegant courtesy back then, naive enough to believe it meant he at least cared for her.

Garnett picked up his wine glass, but Lavinia didn't move.

He studied her profile. "Lavinia, how long has it been since we've sat down and enjoyed a meal together?"

She didn't answer. He paused for a few seconds, letting out a soft breath through his nose.

"Do you know why Caden Coleman actually gave you that permanent position?" he asked.

"Because I met the criteria for it." She still didn't look at him, nor did she pick up her silverware.

She stood up and grabbed her purse.

"Whoever enjoys being emotionally abused can be Mrs. Harper. I pass."

"Lavinia!" Garnett shot to his feet, knocking his chair over. It crashed to the floor with a loud bang.

"You are my legally wedded wife! You have the status of Mrs. Harper, you have my grandmother backing you up, and you have my acknowledgment! What more are you fighting for?!" Garnett demanded, furious.

Lavinia stared at him coldly. "Whatever it is I'm fighting for, it isn't you."

She let two seconds pass. "A man I have to fight for is a man I don't want. If Sigrid wants you so badly, she can have you."

She turned and walked out. The heavy door to the private room clicked shut behind her.

Garnett stood frozen, making no move to chase after her.

He stared at the empty chair beside him, slowly lifted his glass, and glared at the closed door as he drained the rest of his wine.

Did she think the corporate world was some playground for heroic justice? It was a meat grinder that stripped people of their humanity.

She could walk away looking as cool as she wanted today, but the day she came crawling back to beg him for help, she was going to look pathetic.