Never

Chloe immediately moved away from William, as if she was avoiding something dirty.

Linda said, “Mr. Hunter, please don’t say that. It could damage Chloe’s reputation.”

Luke looked confused, not understanding the implications of her words or William’s presence. He seemed puzzled about the connection between damaging Chloe’s reputation and William’s presence.

Linda clarified, “He’s the guy I liked when I was blind.”

Luke was even more perplexed as he wasn’t familiar with Linda’s and William’s history.

He had met Linda during a pro poly auction event. He knew her primarily because of his investment

in that project. As for other things, he had no idea.

Linda’s simple remark about liking William when she was blind tore William’s heart apart.

The realization that her affection for him was seen as a mistake was excruciating.

The pain was similar to the four years ago when he recalled who the little girl in the fire was. The pain. suffocated him.

Linda further explained to Luke, “I was once married. He’s my ex–husband.”

He finally understood the story behind it and suggested, “It’s quite late. How about I give you both a ride. home?”

She initially wanted to refuse. With William standing there, she accepted the offer, though. “Alright, thank you, Mr. Hunter,”

Luke waved it off. “It’s a great privilege to escort such lovely ladies.”

The three of them ignored William and walked past him.

After returning to the hotel, Chloe asked Linda, “Linda, any feelings for Luke?”

Linda didn’t hide her thoughts. “Chloe, I only see Luke as a collaborator. I know you want me to look for a new relationship, but I’m not interested right now.”

She still had a lot of things to do. At this moment, she only wanted to deal with the matters that needed her attention. As for anything else, it would have to wait until later.

Chloe asked again, “Linda, if William keeps bothering you, would you consider leaving Osmo?”

It was a question that Samson had asked Linda before. She remembered answering him that one should

always return to their roots.

“Not sure,” Linda replied. “At least I can endure it for now, though.”

Once everything was settled, she might consider leaving

Osmo since William’s presence had made her

uncomfortable.

Chloe didn’t push further. She knew she didn’t need to interfere as Linda had her own thoughts about it.

Linda walked Chloe back to her room before heading to the hotel’s lounge. The singer on stage was performing a song with regretful lyrics.

“I later went alone to see the spring breeze,

To see all the things I missed in the world.

Every mountain peak, Còntens bel0ngs to Nô(v)elDr/a/ma.Org

To meet each other from miles away.

Luckily, there will be endless days..

It’s like falling in love with the swallows of the south.”

She reflected on her past, which felt like what the lyrics meant. She had loved those southern swallows, but they always flew away when spring came.

Her whole life had been a series of self–consolutions, never leading to a real result.

Linda ordered a light fruit cocktail and sat listening to the singer performing their songs. She remained particularly calm, unlike those audience members who were singing along.

The lounge manager seemed to recognize her and approached Linda. “Ms. Felix, are you not enjoying tonight’s music?”

Linda smiled softly. “No, the singing is wonderful.”