Never

William tuned out everyone else, concentrating solely on cleaning Linda’s hand. After he finished, he looked sharply at Vera.

“Do you think I’m being unfair to Ida?” he asked, his brows knitting together and his eyes blazing. “I don’t even have any ties to her. How could I be unfair to her?”

“But aren’t you two about to get engaged?” Vera asked, surprised by his reaction.

“Engaged? Who told you that?” William replied, fiddling with Linda’s hand.

A pang of guilt hit him when he saw the scar again. His girl shouldn’t have endured such an injury, and it was painful knowing he had caused it.

His voice was resolute and unwavering. “I, William Wilson, have only ever wronged one person–Lindal

Felix.

“I won’t tolerate anyone spreading false rumors about Ida and me. Ida is nothing more than a pet for my mom to keep occupied. She’s deluded if she thinks she’ll ever be Mrs. Wilson.”

William knew Joanne and Ida were both there today. He scanned the surroundings and, turning toward Ida, spoke with a seemingly warm tone but with a biting edge, “Let her dream all she wants.

“She’s just a lapdog thinking she can become the boss. She’d better not embarrass herself before.

everyone.

Ida stood in the corner, her eyes reddened.

Meanwhile, Linda watched the scene without uttering a word. She had removed herself from the situation and was now enjoying the drama. What began with her at the center of attention had turned into her being just a bystander.

“Mr. Wilson, could you let go of me?” Linda asked.

“Did I hurt you?” William asked, looking down and carefully examining her hand. Fortunately, it was fine.

“I’m not that delicate,” Linda replied, her tone icy.

When she glanced up at him, he saw that the sparkle that used to light up her eyes was gone. It was as though she had never truly loved him. William felt a sudden jolt of pain in his chest.

After that, Linda went out onto the balcony to enjoy the breeze. William trailed behind her, maintaining his distance and keeping his eyes on her from afar.

Their roles had reversed from four years ago when Linda was the one who kept her distance and observed him from afar. Now, it was William who didn’t dare get closer. What a turnaround.

The guests at the gala were shrewd. They realized that William was completely infatuated with Linda. So, they had to consider how William would feel before taking any actions involving Linda.

Linda knew William was following her. She turned around, flashed a smile, and motioned him to come

closer with a finger. William immediately stepped forward, like a devoted, well–trained pet.

“Is that necessary?” Linda yawned. She was feeling drained after being overworked lately.

“What?” William asked.

“Why say those things in front of everyone?” Linda stared into his eyes, which were full of love and

tenderness.

If only all of this had occurred four years earlier, things wouldn’t be how they are now.

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“William, do you know you’re causing me trouble? Ida is already going after Chloe, and I’m getting pulled into it. I’m exhausted from dealing with all this.”

Linda’s voice was surprisingly gentle, more so than it had been since her return.

William almost felt like they were back to four years ago. But as he met her eyes, he was jolted back to

the present. He reassured her, “I’ll handle everything, so you don’t need to worry.”