Chapter 10 You Really Want Me Gone?

"It was she who started it," Nolan Duvall said with a hint of grievance, his beautiful almond-shaped eyes fixed squarely on Marielle Duvall, making him look heartbreakingly pitiful. Marielle knew Nolan was pretending, yet she still couldn't resist this vulnerable act. Shaking her head, she said, "Aunt Chloe was just showing she likes you. That doesn't mean you should act like anything less than a gentleman." "Fine, I'll apologize." Nolan dropped his innocent look, sighed, and walked out. Chloe Bennett still adored Nolan—after all, the boy was so pleasing to the eye that it was hard to stay angry with him. Before long, she was doting on him again. Out of respect for Marielle, Nolan endured it silently, though he made every effort to maintain his distance. The three spent a harmonious evening together. When Marielle woke the next morning, Nolan had already returned with breakfast and laid it out neatly on the dining table. "Good morning, Mom," he greeted her with a bright smile. Though his features resembled Rowan Blackwood's, Rowan had never once smiled at her. But Nolan was her angel—her very own. "Good morning!" Marielle happily ruffled his hair. Hearing the noise, Chloe emerged from her room. Seeing breakfast, she immediately cheered, "Mangge, you're an angel! You actually prepared breakfast! Amazing! Today I can finally eat before class." "It was Nolan who bought it. I just got up," Marielle said. She was used to Chloe's dramatics, but Nolan frowned. "Mom, do I really have to go to Aunt Chloe's kindergarten?" His tone carried a hint of disdain. Chloe's ears perked up instantly. "You little brat, what's that tone? Let me tell you—I'm the star teacher at our kindergarten!" "Tch!" Nolan sat down and picked up his chopsticks. Chloe was on the verge of tears. Marielle quickly retreated. "I'm reporting to Horizon Corp today. Need to freshen up." "Marielle Duvall, you traitor!" Chloe stomped her foot, but Marielle had already slipped into the bathroom. After the morning's chaos, Nolan followed Chloe to kindergarten while Marielle headed to Horizon Corp. Eight years of marriage, five years since being forced to leave—she had been the Blackwood household's eldest daughter-in-law, Rowan Blackwood's wife, yet had never once stepped into Horizon Corp. Now, returning under a stranger's identity, she wondered—had Rowan Blackwood slept well last night upon seeing the name "Marielle Duvall"? A faint smile curved her lips as hatred flickered through her eyes. She composed herself and entered Horizon Corp. "Excuse me, miss. May I help you?" The receptionist quickly noticed and stopped her. Marielle glanced around the grand lobby. No wonder Horizon Corp had become the leading enterprise in Nexopolis. But now that she was back, whether the Blackwoods could maintain their dominance remained uncertain. "I'm here to see Rowan Blackwood. I'm Marla, the designer sent by Argentum Group from Glonia. I'm here to report," Marielle said with a calm smile. The receptionist didn't dare delay. "Miss Marla, please wait a moment. I'll inform Mr. Blackwood right away." "Alright." Marielle stood quietly at the front desk. Just then, a familiar voice came from behind. "Miss Zhang, is Rowan here? He left in such a hurry this morning—didn't even have breakfast. I brought him something to eat. No need to announce me—I'll go up myself." Selina Vaughn approached briskly, holding a thermos. Five years apart, and she still looked as beautiful as ever—perhaps even more flawless. Marielle glanced at her, her eyes briefly flashing with unmistakable anger. Selina, sharp as ever, turned and locked eyes with Marielle. Though Marielle quickly masked her fury, Selina still frowned. "Who are you? What are you doing here? Look at that sly, seductive face—trying to seduce our Rowan, aren't you?" Selina spat. She even felt jealous of Marielle's beauty. This woman gave her a dangerous vibe. And her looks—wasn't she just too stunning? Even more than herself. That figure, that face—Selina, a woman, nearly lost her breath. How much more would men be captivated? At that thought, Selina instantly tensed. "Miss Zhang, call security and have this woman thrown out of Horizon Corp!" The receptionist hesitated. Before she could explain Marielle's identity, Marielle began to laugh. That laugh was utterly mesmerizing. "And who might you be? What's your position at Horizon Corp? Are you sure you want me to leave?"