Chapter 51 He Never Signed Those Divorce…
William’s tone was icy as he asked, “What’s the nature of their relationship?”
The soldiers shifted uncomfortably, their gazes darting around before settling on the approaching figure of Renee.
Esme, still seething with anger, jabbed a finger in Renee’s direction and spat out, “That bitch! Who does she think she is?”
“Arrest her. We’ll question her later,” Renee commanded the soldiers, nodding towards Sylvia without so much as a glance at Esme.
This blatant disregard only fueled Esme’s rage further. She stepped forward, positioning herself protectively in front of Sylvia.
“I dare anyone to lay a finger on her!” Esme bellowed, her eyes blazing as she faced Renee, her voice echoing down the corridor.
“Renee, you think you’re tough? Don’t assume you can strut around just because Ryder’s watching your back. You don’t intimidate me!”
“Really?” Renee shot back with a sneer, her eyes locked on the far end of the corridor. “Perfect timing. Here comes your husband. Why don’t you ask him what he has to say first?”
As Eric approached with his entourage, his gaze lingered on Esme, his brow furrowing in a mix of confusion and concern. However, the urgency of the moment left no room for personal inquiries. His attention shifted swiftly to Renee, his demeanor shifting to one of reluctant respect. “Rest assured that I’ll have my team thoroughly investigate this matter,” he assured her with a polite nod. “We’ll leave no stone unturned, and those responsible will face justice to your satisfaction.”
Upon observing this exchange, Sylvia’s jaw clenched, her anger simmering as she witnessed the deference Eric extended towards Renee. Her hands balled into fists at her sides, barely containing her brewing resentment.
Meanwhile, Esme bit her lip, a retort teetering on the brink of her lips. But a sharp glance from Eric was enough to seal her words behind a cautious silence, reminding her that timing was everything.
Eric’s voice then cut through the tension, decisive. “Take Sylvia into custody.”
“Mr. Mitchell?” Sylvia’s eyes widened, her gaze snapping to Eric in a silent plea for explanation. Disbelief etched across her features as she struggled to comprehend how Renee had ascended to a position of such influence that even Eric, a figure of authority, complied without hesitation.
Eric let out a sigh, a gesture of weariness escaping him as he briefly closed his eyes. “Sylvia, this is only a precaution,” he assured, his tone gentle yet firm.
A smug smirk played on Renee’s lips, her eyes narrowing slightly. If Sylvia had even the tiniest hand in the kidnapping, she’d make damn sure the bitch paid for it–one way or another.
Upon turning back to Eric, Renee’s expression hardened. “I expect complete confidentiality on my identity and no slip–ups during this mission,” she commanded with an air of authority that left no room for argument.
Eric responded with a crisp nod, his reply a simple but solemn, “Understood.”
With the matter resolved, Renee felt no need to waste another second–there was nothing left between them anyway. She pivoted on her heel to leave, but a firm grip encircled her arm–a large, imposing hand that halted her escape. On reflex, her training kicked in, and she maneuvered her captor with a swift, practiced move, pinning him against the wall.
William, a seasoned veteran, could have easily sidestepped her assault; yet, he was caught off guard, not anticipating her to wield such prowess.
“Sorry, just a reflex from my training,” Renee remarked casually as she released him.
William studied her with a knowing look, his eyes crinkling as he offered a disarming smile. “No worries. Given our relationship, apologies are hardly necessary.”
“Our relationship? You must be mistaken. We’re practically strangers,” Renee
countered, her voice laced with confusion.
“Oh, really?” William’s chuckle resonated with warmth. He closed the distance, his presence enveloping her. Leaning in, his breath tickled her ear as he murmured a startling revelation, “Just so you know, those divorce papers still don’t have my
signature.”
