Chapter 651

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

Chapter 652

"You will assume the role of spokesperson starting today," James announced."What?""What!"Instantly, all eyes turned toward the unassuming Trudy."Chief Bronson." Someone cleared their throat but fell silent again after meeting James' glance.James remained remarkably gentle. "Would my wife's judgement ever be wrong?"The question was directed at everyone, and it left them all stunned.Whispers rippled through the room."Did Mrs. Bronson choose her?""Has Chief Bronson become henpecked?""Trudy isn't lacking, you know. She wouldn't be here if she weren't capable.""Don't underestimate her.""Does Trudy know Mrs. Bronson? I've never heard of a connection between them."This was the advisory team Wendell had assembled after James returned to Ravenwell. The management came from the base, while the staff below had never even set foot there. Thus, they weren't acquainted with Beverly.Trudy's palms grew damp with sweat as a mix of excitement, nervousness, and disbelief washe

Chapter 653

"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

Chapter 654

Beverly wanted to push the laptop's lid down, but she couldn't.As the lid opened, the screen lit up, and the password prompt automatically popped up.Beverly told herself that James didn't know the password, and her tightly wound nerves loosened just a little. However, his hand moved over the keyboard, tapped a few keys, and the screen unlocked instantly.He knew the password—Esther's birthday.Her heart had just barely settled when it tightened again, and her hand curled into a fist in his grasp.He didn't release his hold on her, nor did he stop what he was doing. He'd never been this forceful before. He moved the cursor, his finger curling slightly on the touchpad—then froze.He stared at the blank desktop screen, seemingly at a loss.Beverly had hidden everything away. There was nothing for anyone to find.She finally let out a quiet breath. Then, she continued to speak into her phone, pretending to be relaxed and unbothered that he'd opened her laptop."Why don't you ret

Chapter 655

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

Chapter 656

Beverly mumbled shyly, "It's been a while—a whole month."James froze for a few seconds. So it was after they returned that he slowly started to move her?If he hadn't backed down 13 years ago, he might not have lost to Evan. An ache rose in his chest as he kissed her softly, trailing kisses from her lips to her ear."I came too late, honey," he whispered next to her ear, his voice tender and affectionate. "I should've taken you away 13 years ago."In that instant, he wanted to pour out all the words he'd kept buried in his heart for over a decade to her."I'm sorry you had to suffer."Beverly's eyes flew open. Tears pooled in them before spilling down, stinging as they fell.13 years? Had James loved her for 13 years? Had it really been as Elaine had guessed in her diary? Had James liked her from the very beginning—since the first moment they met?She trembled uncontrollably in his arms, sobbing softly. He placed his hands around her, lifted her into a sitting position, and re