บททั้งหมดของ You Watched Me Break, Now Watch Me Rise: บทที่ 651 - บทที่ 660

But there had been Sally and now Gwen around James. Not to mention, Gwen's recent actions were truly unsettling."Then look at their background," James added."Why not focus on ability?" Beverly asked with a frown."Wendell has already screened them, so they're all exceptional in that regard.""Oh." Beverly sounded a bit downcast. "Can't we give someone from a less privileged background a chance? Those from prominent families have strong connections and can get things done more easily."But those from humble beginnings are aware of that gap, so they'll work harder and be more loyal to you." She turned her head to look at James. "I didn't come from a good background either, yet you still chose me back then. And not the second or third candidate.""You're different.""How am I different?""A spokesperson handles public relations, so connections are part of their skill set. But in your line of work, personal capability is what matters most. And you're highly capable."In the worl

"It's nothing," Beverly said, shutting both her laptop and phone—just as her phone was snatched from her hand.Her curled lashes stilled, and her eyes widened slightly as she watched James look down at her phone. In that instant, it felt like her heart had stopped beating altogether.Suddenly, her phone began ringing incessantly, and the call screen immediately replaced the text message that had popped up earlier.Beverly's heart leaped into her throat. "Who is it?"James took a step closer, slowly bent down, and wrapped an arm around her waist. His expression was calm, but his eyes were unreadable as he stared at her."Anna," he answered.They were very close—so close that she could smell his scent. She couldn't quite place whether it was the faint paper scent from years of reviewing documents or the subtle ink scent left behind from using a fountain pen for so long. It was light and restrained—just like the man himself.His existence was like water to someone who was thirsty—i

Beverly tilted her head up.Worried she would strain herself, James cradled the back of her head and gently lifted her face.She leaned closer, brushing her lips against his. Her soft body carried a sweet, intoxicating scent that warmed his heart.Her cheeks flushed shyly, growing pinker by the second. Her eyes darted left and right before finally meeting his deep, intense gaze.She could sense the subtle tension in his body. Smiling softly, she said in a voice that wrapped around his heart like silk, "James Bronson."His other hand came up to stroke her cheek, his gaze meeting hers, as if silently asking, "Yes?""I love you."Her voice carried a faint huskiness from crying earlier, along with a very quiet, hidden sorrow. It was very faint but terribly beautiful."I love you, James Bronson. I've loved you for a while now, and I will continue loving you for a long time."Her soft lips pressed against the corner of his mouth, where she'd bitten him earlier. She kissed him gently

Beverly ended the call right after saying those words.That was when she caught the faint scent of ink in the air. Startled, she turned around and met James' cold, stern eyes, and she stumbled back in shock until her back pressed against the floor-to-ceiling windows.Outside, the raging storm battered the glass, and the chill seeped through the thin fabric on her back and into her skin, making her shiver.The lights were off, and the room was quiet and dim, filled only with the relentless rustling of wind and rain. And yet, in that moment, she could clearly see the fury burning in James' eyes.He rarely lost his temper and was usually calm and gentle. But now, the air that surrounded him was unnervingly icy.A dull ache throbbed in Beverly's heart. Looking at him, she didn't dare clutch her chest. She could only allow the pain to spread unchecked.James took a step forward, and she shrank back, as if startled. Noticing her recoil, he froze in place. He couldn't rein in his anger

Not long after, Trudy returned."Chief, Mrs. Bronson has fallen asleep on the couch."James' hand rested lightly on the armrest.Wendell shot a glance at Nolan, who was still talking nonstop. Nolan wisely shut his mouth. He'd gotten scolded by Bianca yesterday, so he was pretending not to hear anything involving Beverly today, lest he get another lecture."This is the schedule for tomorrow. Mrs. Bronson hasn't seen it yet," Wendell said, handing over a document. "The higher-ups would like her to attend."James' fingers curled slightly, his gaze dim. "It's not the right time."Suddenly, he recalled what Beverly had said to him yesterday about wanting to step into the light and live in the open.In the end, he reached for the document, then stood up and walked toward the lounge.The door opened just a crack. The faint light from the hallway spilled onto the floor, stretching his shadow long.She was lying on the couch, her face streaked with dried tears. A thin blanket was drape