The Man Who Never Looked Away novel Chapter 6

She walked to the breakroom and called Corinne.

Corinne had been Garnett's chief secretary for five years and was highly efficient. The phone rang three times before connecting.

"Corinne, it's Lavinia." She paused. "Garnett told me to contact you directly regarding my uncle's medication—"

"Ms. Joplin," Corinne cut her off, her tone strictly professional. "He hasn't mentioned anything of the sort to me."

Lavinia's fingers tightened around her phone.

*Ms. Joplin.* Not Mrs. Harper. In two years of marriage, Corinne had never once called her "Mrs. Harper." Not to her face, not behind her back. It was as if her status as his wife had always been illegitimate.

"He told me yesterday to reach out to you."

"I understand. I'll check with Mr. Harper," Corinne said, promptly hanging up.

Lavinia stood by the breakroom window, watching the crowds of people coming and going below. The early spring sunlight streamed in, stinging her eyes until they watered.

A few minutes later, her phone rang.

Corinne's voice came through the speaker. "Mr. Harper has issued instructions. Please contact Director Coleman in the International Affairs Department."

Just as Lavinia was about to say thank you, her messaging app chimed. It was a text from Corinne: [Ms. Joplin, Director Coleman's contact info is attached below.]

Forcing down the bitter lump in her throat, Lavinia dialed Director Coleman's number.

The voice on the other end was equally polite, distant, and strictly professional. "Ah, Ms. Joplin, yes? I'm aware of the situation. I've already delegated it to our Aethelgard branch. Reach out to Manager Judd. I'll send you his contact info."

"Alright. Thank you."

"Don't mention it."

The call ended. Director Coleman forwarded a name and a string of digits.

Staring at the cold numbers, Lavinia suddenly found it hilarious. She was being kicked around like a football, and no one wanted to catch her. They didn't take her seriously because everyone knew that the illustrious Mrs. Harper was despised by her husband's family.

Footsteps approached from outside the breakroom, accompanied by hushed giggles.

Two young nurses walked in carrying mugs, completely oblivious to Lavinia standing in the corner, and continued gossiping in low voices.

"Hey, did you hear? The old guy in room six on the sixth floor is the CEO's wife's uncle."

"Oh my god, we're so dead!"

Their hurried footsteps faded down the hall.

Lavinia stood there for a while. Suddenly, her ringtone blared again.

It was Garnett. She thought he was calling about the medication, but instead, he said, "Accompany me to a reception tonight. Dress up."

The tiny spark of hope in her chest was instantly extinguished. Looking down, she said, "I don't want to go."

Silence fell on the other end. After a few seconds, his voice turned frigid, laced with impatience. "Lavinia, you are my wife. This reception is filled with our corporate partners. How would it look if you didn't show up? Being this introverted—how do you expect to survive as Mrs. Harper?"

He paused, his tone shifting into an outright command. "I'll have the driver pick you up this evening. Go back to the manor and pick out some jewelry."

Then he hung up without saying goodbye.

Lavinia stood frozen for several seconds. Go back?

She didn't want to go back to the Harper Manor.