The Man Who Never Looked Away novel Chapter 42

Sigrid patted the back of her hand. "Mrs. Harper is just a housewife. When things go wrong, all she can do is beg her husband. As career women, we need to look out for each other."

Corinne thought of Lavinia's haughty, condescending attitude, and she almost ground her teeth to dust.

With just one sentence, Sigrid had completely defused the boss's anger. It was glaringly obvious who Garnett's true love really was.

She needed to latch onto the future Mrs. Harper's good graces as soon as possible, help Sigrid push Lavinia out of the picture, and prove her absolute loyalty.

Smiling, Corinne said, "Ms. Sloan, if you ever need anything, please just give the word."

"Don't be so formal," Sigrid smiled softly. "We're friends."

"Yes, we're good friends." Corinne gave a knowing smile. "From now on, we'll keep each other in the loop and have each other's backs."

"Of course."

***

Lavinia opened the door to her home for the first time in five days, immediately spotting Garnett sitting on the living room sofa.

For a split second, she was disoriented, as if she couldn't quite remember who this man was.

It took her a few seconds to snap back to reality.

She was married, and this man was her husband.

In just four short days, it felt like everything had changed.

She had stared death in the face and clawed her way back from the brink of despair. The things she used to obsess over now felt as weightless as a feather.

"Weren't you supposed to be gone a week? Why are you back early?" Lavinia asked as she kicked off her shoes.

Garnett sat with his arms crossed, glaring at her coldly.

"What exactly did you mean by what you said on the phone the other day?"

"Which day?"

Lavinia thought about it for a moment before remembering: after she discovered the pills Corinne brought were fake, she had indeed called him.

"Oh, that." She walked past the living room in her slippers, heading toward the guest bedroom. "You should go ask Corinne."

"She said she gave you the medication."

"Then take her word for it."

Lavinia stepped into the guest room, but just as she was about to close the door, it was pushed open.

Garnett had followed her without her noticing, wedging his foot against the door.

His tone softened. "Is your uncle okay now?"

Lavinia pursed her lips. Her uncle had the most aggressive form of pancreatic cancer—how could he possibly be 'okay' that easily?

She didn't want to explain everything to a man who hadn't cared or helped from the very beginning. She pulled her arm free and said coolly, "He'll be fine."

Garnett could feel it. She had grown completely cold toward him.

Did she know about his trip to Portus City? Maybe she did, maybe she didn't. He wanted to explain, but then decided it wasn't necessary.

Lavinia looked up at him. He just stood there, showing no signs of leaving.

"How did you get the medication?" Garnett asked.

Lavinia stayed silent.

After a moment, she lifted her chin and met his eyes. "If you're not planning to sleep right now, let's talk."

Garnett's heart sank.

"Talk about what?"

"About Sigrid."