Chapter 38 Too Little, Too
Late
“No, I don’t know anyone named Rose,” William asserted flatly.
Denton arched an eyebrow, disbelief creasing his face. “Don’t you even have to think about it?” he prodded.
With a dismissive wave, William said firmly, “No need. I have a great memory.”
Denton’s lips parted, poised to argue, but after mulling it over, he found himself at a loss for words. He grumbled softly, more to himself than to William, “Could be one of your past flings.”
William’s voice came out cold and cutting. “My memory’s sharp, and so is my hearing,
Denton.”
Denton offered a lopsided grin, trying to lighten the mood. “I’m not making this up. You’re the type that naturally draws admirers. Didn’t Sylvia cause quite the spectacle in the office last month? Even got your new secretary dismissed, if the rumors are true?”
William massaged his temples in silence, which spoke louder than any confession.
Clicking his tongue, Denton shook his head in mock sympathy. “The whole office is buzzing about you and Sylvia. Why not just marry her, give the poor girl some security. she desperately needs? That way, she wouldn’t have to keep showing up at your office
to keep tabs on you.”
No sooner had the words left his mouth than William fixed him with a withering stare,
one that clearly conveyed his irritation. “Where are you getting this nonsense from?”
Seeing the shift in William’s demeanor, Denton quickly raised his hands, palms out, in a gesture of peace. “Alright, alright! I’ll drop it.”
“Drop what? What’s going on here?”
Out of nowhere, a woman’s voice came from the doorway, making Denton nearly jump. Speaking of the devil!
Struggling to keep his composure, Denton turned and caught sight of Sylvia. His face lit up with a practiced grin as he cheerfully called out, “Hi, Sylvia!”
Behind him, William’s eyes narrowed, his gaze turning frosty at the warmth in
Denton’s voice.
Sylvia’s response was radiant, her cheeks coloring with feigned bashfulness. “Hey, Denton. I made lunch for William, but there’s plenty to share. Why don’t you join us?”
“Oh, that’s really kind of you!” Denton exclaimed, his voice bubbling with enthusiasm.
Suddenly, a book thudded against his back, coaxing a startled yelp from him. Rubbing the spot with a sheepish grin, Denton quipped, “Guess that’s my cue to leave. Enjoy your meal, you two.”
Wary of another impromptu missile from William, he hastily placed the book back on the shelf and made a quick retreat.
No sooner had he stepped out of the office than a nosy secretary sidled up to him with
a smirk.
“Mr. Goodwin, giving up on playing third wheel?”
Denton laughed off the insinuation. “What are you talking about? William and I have been tight since we were kids-we’re practically brothers. There’s no third wheel here.”
She raised an eyebrow, skepticism etched across her face. “I don’t buy it. That’s the boss’ future wife in there, you know.”
Denton’s lips curled into a slight sneer as he replied, “Not necessarily.”
With that cryptic comment, Denton turned on his heel and left, leaving the secretary in
a state of bewildered curiosity.
“What does he mean?” she murmured to herself, her brow furrowing in confusion.
At that moment, another secretary approached, her voice hushed and conspiratorial. “Haven’t you heard? Mr. Mitchell was once married.”
“Isn’t Miss Payne the real love of his life? I thought his previous marriage was nothing more than a business arrangement. Is there something else we’re missing here?”
The second secretary glanced around before leaning closer. “I’m not privy to all the
secrets, but I do know his ex-wife ended things and filed for a divorce first. And there’s
more—once, I found Mr. Mitchell drunk at a bar. I helped him and called Mr. Goodwin
Chapter 38 100 Little, 100 Late
to fetch him. That night, amidst his slurred words, he called out a name—it wasn’t
Miss Payne’s.”
The revelation was like a spark to dry tinder, instantly igniting the other’s interest. Arm in arm, they walked towards the break room, minds racing with speculation.
“That explains why they have yet to make it official, even after all this time. Could it be that Mr. Mitchell’s still haunted by memories of his ex-wife?”
“Precisely. It seems Mr. Mitchell’s ex-wife chased after his affection for years. Now that she’s out of his life, he realizes he’s still not over her. It’s a classic case of too little, too
late.”
