Chapter 41
Nate’s face flushed red with anger. He lunged forward, clearly intent on confronting Sharon, but Xavier intercepted him halfway.
With a cool, almost languid tone, Xavier spoke. “Nate, there are so many people here, and yet you still dare to get violent. That says a lot about how arrogant you are on a regular basis. And the reason you’re so brazen…”
He glanced toward Carter, a faint, unreadable smile curling at the corner of his lips.
“…is because someone keeps indulging you. Mr. Biggs, it’s one thing to show favoritism to your girlfriend, but what now? You’re extending that same indulgence to your girlfriend’s friends as well? Taking them all under your wing?
“Are you telling me that from now on, anyone remotely connected to Kelly gets a free pass to walk all over Sharon?”
Carter’s dark eyes grew deeper, heavier with silence. After a moment, he turned toward Sharon.
“What do you want me to do for you to be satisfied?”
Nate’s expression shifted. “Carter…”
Sharon’s tone was detached. “Since he splashed water on me first, let him experience the same. A hundred cups should do.”
Nate’s fists clenched instinctively, his expression contorted with resentment. Kelly’s eyes widened in disbelief. She hadn’t expected Sharon to be so unrelenting, especially in front of Carter.
Kelly opened her mouth. “Carter-”
Her plea was swiftly cut off by Carter’s calm voice.
“Do you want to do it yourself, or should someone else handle it?”
He was speaking to Sharon.
She replied in an unhurried tone, “I’m not in the best condition to move around. Better have someone else do it. Not worth worsening my injuries over someone like him.”
Carter’s gaze darkened, like ink pooling in a still well. “Alright.”
Nate gave Sharon a venomous glare before turning on his heel and storming out of the room.
Kelly realized that bringing up the car accident now wouldn’t do her any good either, and quickly followed after him.
The whole ordeal left a trace of quiet exhaustion on Sharon’s features.
Carter taking her side was no surprise. It stirred nothing in her. With clear evidence and the absurd fact that his friend attacked his wife, what kind of man would he be if he turned a blind eye? 1
Besides, Kelly hadn’t lifted a hand. If she had… things would’ve likely gone very differently.
Sharon closed her eyes. “I’m tired. I’d like to rest. Whatever it is, let’s talk tomorrow.”
Neither Xavier nor Carter moved.
Xavier stepped forward. “Sharon, eat something before you sleep.”
She opened her eyes again, meeting his gaze. These past couple of days, he had been the one looking after her. She gave him a small, grateful smile.
“Thank you.”
“I asked the kitchen to prepare a few of your favorites,” he said. “But your wounds haven’t healed yet. Best avoid anything too
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Chapter 41
spicy.”
She glanced at the food he brought. Her eyes lit up. It really was all her favorite dishes.
Off to the side, Carter took in the scene-and for reasons he couldn’t name, it made him feel uneasy.
It looked as if Xavier were the real husband. And he… was just an outsider.
Carter pressed his lips into a tight line. A quiet irritation flared in his chest.
“Mr. Cooper,” he said abruptly, breaking the moment’s warmth. “If there’s nothing else, I think you can leave now. I’ll take it from here.”
Xavier paused, clearly surprised by the bluntness.
“Mr. Biggs, it doesn’t seem that you’re particularly helpful by staying here,” he replied, his tone gentle but sharp. “Why not go check on Kelly instead?”
Carter’s expression remained unreadable. “Sharon is my wife. My presence here, naturally, matters more than yours.” (1
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