The Man Who Never Looked Away novel Chapter 211

Over the past few days, Garnett's burned hand had made signing documents incredibly awkward.

Sigrid walked in.

Seeing his swollen hand, she jumped slightly, her face etched with concern. "Garnett, what happened to your hand?"

"Lavinia accidentally spilled some hot water on me when she was pouring a drink," Garnett said flatly. "I've already treated it. It's fine."

Sigrid's gaze lowered slightly. "You went back to see Judith, and she was there too?"

"Yeah, Judith really missed her, so she called her over," Garnett said.

Sigrid's eyelashes fluttered. "You're right, I forgot," she murmured softly. "You two are the real family."

A few days ago, Sigrid had returned to the penthouse suite just in time to catch Garnett heading out, a hotel staff member trailing behind him with his luggage.

When she asked where he was going, he simply stated that Judith had moved back to the Gilmore Estate, and since he was worried about her, he was going to stay there to take care of her.

If she hadn't bumped into him by pure chance, he wouldn't have even bothered telling her he was moving out.

Sigrid subconsciously brushed her thumb against the surface of her diamond ring.

"Maybe you've just been pushing yourself too hard lately. Juggling work and looking after your grandmother takes a toll," Sigrid said gently. "Do you want me to get you something soothing to drink?"

"Maeve will make something," Garnett replied.

Sigrid's eyes dropped. She stood before him with her hands clasped together, looking like an abandoned child.

Garnett's heart softened. "Sigrid, you've been working hard too. You don't need to trouble yourself with little things like this. Don't overthink it."

Keeping her head bowed, Sigrid whispered, "I haven't checked out of that room yet. Will you ever come back?"

Garnett froze for a second, offering no reply.

She looked up at him, her gaze lingering with a desperate reluctance, her eyes misty and glimmering.

"Garnett, do you still need me?"

Garnett's fingers twitched.

During the immediate aftermath of his separation from Lavinia, he had been a chaotic mess. It was Sigrid who stayed by his side, never leaving his sight, helping him weather that deeply humiliating period.

How could he bear to tell her he didn't need her anymore?

"I had the executive office keep that room on the tab, so don't worry about it," he paused. "I might have to work late again, so maybe I'll head over to sleep there sometimes."

"Garnett, we haven't had dinner together in so long," Sigrid offered softly. "That sushi place we always go to just got a new head chef. I made a reservation. Want to go try it tonight?"

"Judith's birthday is coming up, and I'm busy helping put everything together," Garnett said dismissively. "I don't have time today. Rain check."

Her bright eyes shimmered in the light.

"If you still can't sleep tonight, you can call me," he said.

She looked at him. The initial flash of grievance morphed into a gentle smile.

"Okay. I will."

Then, she turned and slipped away quietly.

Garnett watched her go, exhaling a faint, almost imperceptible sigh through his nose.

***

Judith's birthday was just a few days away. After work, Lavinia headed to the mall to pick out a gift for her.

As she strolled through the stores, she unexpectedly bumped into Charley.

He was dressed in casual wear—simple and relaxed, yet undeniably high-quality.

"Charley, what are you doing here?" Lavinia asked.

"Just picking up some stuff for the house. You?" He looked at her, his gaze dipping slightly.