Semua Bab A Regret too Late: Bab 291 - Bab 300

The moment Maria stepped into Richard's office, Hector's disappointed face flashed before her eyes. She took a deep breath and walked into the office without looking back.An expensive, dark-colored Persian carpet covered the floor. A solid rosewood desk sat in the center. Richard sat in a wide leather chair and lifted his gaze toward her.Maria's heart pounded in anxiety in the quiet room, more than she thought it would. She swallowed and walked forward. "Mr. Shaw."Richard smiled. His eyes were deep and dark, as if he was sizing up his prey. He looked at Maria without any surprise, like he had already seen through everything.It was as if he had always known she would come at this time."Hector shouldn't have done that and upset you. Can you let him go this time? I promise he won't do something like this again. Do we have a deal?" Maria's tone stayed as steady as she could manage.Richard leaned forward. He felt something bitter well up inside of him as he watched her beg

The moment she thought about that possibility, Maria felt her chest tighten until it hurt. She then asked Richard, "Only this one condition? If I refuse, there's nothing else to discuss?" Her voice trembled with disbelief.Richard looked at her, his gaze deep and unreadable, the corners of his lips slowly lifting into a smile."Yes."Just one word, and Maria could hear the finality in his voice. There was no room for negotiation.Maria clenched her jaw, rage and despair boiled inside of her. She forced the words out between her teeth."Didn't you keep saying you love your wife? You're disgusting and hypocritical! If you love her so much, why are you forcing me to be your girlfriend? Don't you realize how ridiculous you look?!"Her anger was almost out of control.Richard let out a quiet sigh, something complicated flickering in his eyes. "I'm sure you're my wife. Even if you're not, I still have to see the real face under that mask to confirm!"He turned his head slight

Nighttime.Maria arrived at the building where Shaw Group was located.She touched the edge of the mask on her face and glanced across the street.A car was parked in the shadows. Inside sat Hector and several bodyguards. Maria tightened her grip on her phone. If she encountered any emergencies she couldn't handle, she would press the button.Speed dial 1 was bound to Hector's number. The moment she called, he'd know she was in danger and would rush over.Maria lifted her gaze to the towering building before her. She felt a knot of anxiety in her gut, but she had no choice. She took a deep breath and went in.At the elevator, she pressed the button.The doors slid open to reveal someone stepping out, and their eyes met. Trent raised a brow, clearly not expecting to see her here, but not truly surprised either.Richard had already told him that to solve Hector's crisis, Maria had been forced to agree to be Richard's girlfriend for a month. So, seeing her appear here now di

Jonathan pulled out the family contact card in his hand and held it up for Maria to see. "Ms. Marina, my new school is really strict. If I don't finish my homework, they'll call my parents. I wrote your name on the form I filled out."Maria stared at him, stunned in disbelief. "What do you mean they'll call me if you don't finish your homework tonight?""Yes, Ms. Marina. I told my teacher and said my Dad is too busy with work, so his girlfriend will go in for him." Jonathan grinned at her, bright and pleased with himself.Maria's eyes narrowed. Upset, she spat, "Are you threatening me?""No, Ms. Marina. I promise I'll be a good boy. If you tutor me, I'll finish everything, and the teacher won't call you. Okay?" Jonathan gave Maria the same bright grin.Maria was completely speechless, not sure what to say after that.She didn't want to go to school wearing a mask.She didn't want to sit down with any teacher after being called.She didn't want to take responsibility for Jonat

Maria closed her eyes and forced every old memory out of her mind.She hated Richard for the deliberate arrangements, the recreated scenes, the way he tried to drag her back into the life they once shared.What was gone was gone.The wounds Richard dealt her had never healed, yet he acted as if nothing had happened, as if they could simply go back to how things were. He wanted to relive her past with her.It was so disgusting.She closed her eyes. When she reached the ground floor, she saw Hector was still waiting outside.The moment he spotted her coming out of the building, he finally relaxed. He hurriedly got out of the car and walked over."How was it? He didn't touch you or take advantage of you, did he?" His eyes were full of worry.Maria only shook her head, her voice drained. "No, he didn't. I'm just exhausted. Let's get in the car first."Seeing her like this, Hector didn't press further. He moved aside and gestured for her to get in.Back in the car, Maria stared ou