Chapter 326 Quitting Smoking
William didn’t bother finishing his cigarette. He took a few drags before putting it out.
Renee smirked. “What’s this? Thinking about quitting?”
William’s tone was serious. “Yeah. I am.”
She raised an eyebrow. She had only been teasing. He had picked up smoking after enlisting in the military. He was never a chain-smoker, but a cigarette was usually between his fingers.
Lately, though, she had noticed he barely touched them.
So, he really was trying to quit.
“What made you decide?” she asked, curiosity getting the best of her.
“It’s bad for the kid,” he said simply.
Then, with a sharp look, he asked, “Since when do you smoke?”
Renee shrugged like it was nothing. “A long time ago. It’s not exactly hard
to learn.”
William stared at her, taken aback.
The way he looked at her now was the same way he used to when she was reckless and always stirring up trouble. Back then, he couldn’t stand her.
But now, as she met his gaze, she caught something else. A flicker of warmth and love.
“You should stop,” he said.
Her eyes danced with amusement. Without thinking, she reached up and lightly touched his face.
There was always something distant about his gaze, as if no one could ever truly reach him. But the moment Renee’s cold fingers brushed against his eyes, he froze. It was as if time had stopped, and all he could do was stand there, locked in her stare.
Her fingers traced the curve of his eyes, and memories of their younger years surfaced.
With a slight tilt of her head, she murmured, “William, I wasn’t always that reckless. Most times, I just wanted you to notice me.”
For a brief second, his expression faltered. A flicker of surprise. Maybe even
regret.
He slowly wrapped his fingers around hers, his voice softer than she expected. “Well, you got what you wanted.”
Renee blinked, caught off guard. She wanted to ask more, to push him for
answers. But before she could, he turned away.
Was he actually embarrassed?
She narrowed her eyes. “Hold on. What do you mean by that? So, you
noticed me back then?”
William turned again so she wouldn’t see his blushed face.
Just as she was about to turn him over, his phone rang. The sudden call
saved him from the conversation.
He pulled it out and answered. Denton’s voice came through, urgent and sharp. “William, we found it. You were right. Damir’s finances don’t check
out.”
William’s expression darkened. His voice remained steady, but there was an edge to it. “Tell me everything.”
Whatever Denton said next made William’s frown deepen.
Renee remained quiet, watching from the side as William ended the call. When he looked up, he caught the concern in her eyes and forced a small smile. “Don’t worry. I can handle it.”
Then, as if remembering their earlier conversation, he added, “But I might need your help with something.”
She tilted her head slightly. “Of course. What do you need?”
“I remember your friend, Ryland. His family is close to that appraiser, Nigel Olson, right?”
Nigel Olson was a highly respected figure in the world of antique appraisal. His expertise was unmatched, and his word carried serious weight in the
field.
Renee thought for a moment before nodding. “Yeah. He’s actually Ryland’s godfather.”
William got straight to the point. “Could you ask him to arrange a meeting and introduce us? I need Mr. Olson’s help with something.”
She didn’t hesitate. There was no need to check with Ryland either.
“Consider it done.”
Without wasting time, she dialed Ryland. The moment he heard the request, he didn’t even think twice. “That’s perfect timing! My godfather’s birthday banquet is in two days. I can bring you along and introduce you directly.”
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