Chapter 79 Don’t Push Me Away
The distinct rhythm of high heels clicking against the floor trailed behind Renee–it was
undoubtedly Roxanne emerging from the ladies‘ room. Renee’s patience was already fraying, and just as she poised herself to leave, an unexpected grip, firm and unavoidable, yanked her sideways into the adjacent restroom.
Her heart raced as she stumbled into the men’s room, a space she never intended to
enter.
“William…” she began, her voice a mix of surprise and rebuke, but before she could gather her thoughts, William’s lips crashed against hers. His kiss, fierce and commanding, swallowed her protests, leaving her momentarily powerless.
The relentless clicking of Roxanne’s heels gradually faded into the distance, and only then did William relent. As soon as she could move, Renee’s hand flew up in a reflex of defiance, striking him across the face.
The sound of the slap echoed off the walls, sharp and resounding.
William stood there, stunned, his cheek reddening under her glare.
Renee’s voice cut through the tense air, stern and unyielding. “William, my tolerance has its limits. We’re over, and your refusal to sign the divorce papers doesn’t change
that. It’s time you accept it and let me move on.”
William’s jaw clenched, his words emerging through gritted teeth. “Not a chance,” he
declared, his fingers tightening around her chin, forcing her eyes to meet his.
The desperate, almost wild look in his bloodshot eyes was chilling. “Renee, don’t push me away,” he warned, his voice low and threatening. “I’m at the edge, and I don’t know
what I might do if you try to leave me again.”
Renee peered into William’s eyes, an icy shiver tracing her spine. His gaze held a dangerous promise; she knew he was capable of anything.
In the back of her mind, an unsettling thought of Felix flickered–what if William
decided to use him as leverage?
Just then, a cough shattered the tense silence. “Excuse me…”
Startled, Renee whirled around to find a young man awkwardly standing by the bathroom door. He caught her eye and offered a sheepish wave.
“Sorry, I didn’t mean to crash your… um… moment, but…” His cheeks tinged pink with embarrassment. “I really need to pee.”
Heat crept up Renee’s cheeks as the reality dawned on her–they were in the men’s room! She shot William a fierce glare, her eyes flashing with irritation.
Feeling the weight of the awkward audience, William released her arm, his expression souring. Renee brushed past the young man with a hurried, “Sorry.”
He flashed a carefree smile and replied, “No worries.”
Renee paused at the doorway, stealing a glance back. The man’s grin held a hint of roguish charm beneath his handsome features, intriguing yet unsettling.
She hurried out of the men’s room and didn’t stop until she was outside the restaurant. No sooner had she stepped onto the sidewalk than a black sedan pulled up sharply in front of her, honking twice. She slid into the backseat without a second glance.
By the time William emerged from the restaurant, all he could see was Renee’s silhouette disappearing into the car, the door slamming shut with a sense of finality,
Inside the car, the air was tense as Renee addressed the driver with a firm tone. “Did
Mr. Chadwick instruct you to follow me?”
“Yes, Ms. Carter,” the driver replied, his voice steady.
“Since when?”
“From the time you and Felix arrived back in Tofral.”
Renee nodded thoughtfully. “You’re quite impressive, I’ll give you that.”
Uncertain if Renee’s comment was genuine praise or veiled sarcasm, the driver stole a glance at her through the rearview mirror.
Renee offered a reassuring smile. “I sincerely mean it. I’m not upset. Mr. Chadwick is merely concerned about Felix’s safety, that’s all.”
Today, for instance, the driver had intuitively realized Renee’s urgent need for
transportation, which explained his timely appearance.
Renee wasn’t particularly bothered by Ryder’s decision to have someone keep an eye on her. She knew he meant well.
However, the driver hesitated before admitting, “I’m sorry, Ms. Carter. The day Felix was kidnapped, I briefly stepped away to use the restroom. When I returned, I saw him being forced into a car. I tried to follow, but they lost me. I’ve been combing the area ever since, but… I found nothing. It was my grave mistake…‘
