chapter1432

An hour later, in a private room at an exclusive club.

Beatrix followed the waiter in, calm and composed.

When she saw Keaton, there was no anxiety, no nervousness—almost as if she were meeting a colleague in a library. She wore her usual glasses, her look crisp and understated, like a rare snow lily blooming on a mountaintop.

She set her handbag down and quietly took the seat opposite Keaton.

Keaton didn't get angry right away. He just narrowed his eyes at her, his expression icy.

The waiter brought over a pot of coffee, poured them each a cup, and left. Only then did Keaton speak:

"Really trying to get yourself killed, huh?"

Beatrix knew he'd figured it out. She owned up to it, cool as ever.

"Alicia? I arranged for her to be there."

Keaton frowned. "Why? What's your angle?"

Beatrix picked up her coffee, took a slow sip.

"I don't like how she's always glued to you. Plus, Janelle and Mr. Huber adore her -she's a threat to me."

Keaton raised an eyebrow. "So tell me, how do you think I feel about you always watching my every move?"

Beatrix adjusted her glasses and looked him straight in the eye.

"You could kill me, if you want."

Keaton: "..."

Beatrix continued, "I'm not after your heart, Keaton. But I need the status of being Mrs. Huber. If you give me that, you're free to do whatever you want. I won't interfere."

"If you want me to stop watching you, there are only two ways: marry me... or kill me."

Keaton stared at her, silent for a few seconds. Then, suddenly, he let out a cold, short laugh.

"No wonder you're so fearless. You know damn well I'm not going to kill you. You're right-I won't. But that doesn't mean I'm completely powerless."

He pulled out his phone and, making sure she could see, dialed a number.

"Pull the funding. Not another cent goes into the project. Tell Professor Watson

and the rest of the team exactly why: this was Beatrix's doing."

As soon as he hung up, Beatrix shot up out of her chair. "Keaton!"

He calmly sipped his coffee. Within seconds, Beatrix's phone buzzed. She

checked the screen, frowned, and answered.

"Professor Watson..."

Whatever the professor said, it wiped all the color from Beatrix's face.

"I understand. I'll figure something out."

She hung up, her breathing quick and shallow.

"Why would you drag innocent people into this? What happens between us has nothing to do with them!"

"Professor Watson treats me like his

own daughter. He's spent years on this research he's so close to a breakthrough! By cutting the funding now, you're ruining him!"

Keaton remained unbothered.

"You're the one who dragged innocent people into this. You're the one putting him in danger."

Beatrix's chest heaved with anger. She was quiet for a long moment, then finally gritted out an apology.

"I was wrong. If you want me to apologize to Winona, I'll do it."

Keaton rolled his eyes. "Just stay away from her."

Beatrix bit her lip, her eyes shining with unshed tears. "... You like her, don't you?" Get full chapters from Find~Novel.net

"None of your business."

Keaton's tone was sharp.

"You know exactly why I protect you. Stop pushing my limits, Beatrix. I won't warn you again."

He stood up to leave. Beatrix called after him, "What about the funding?"

"A promise is a promise. It's

and it won't be coming b t out yourself...Maybe t

next

time, you'll learn your lesson."

Beatrix was left speechless.

Later that afternoon, Winona was discharged from the hospital and returned to Tanhe Manor.

She'd only needed a few stitches-no need for an overnight stay.

Elysia had to pick her child up from preschool, but with Ridley and Caroline

keeping Winona company, she felt at ease.

After dropping Winona off at Tanhe Manor, Elysia headed home.

Ridley and Caroline both knew

Keaton had helped Winona a lot with the Zane situation. They were grateful So even with everything that had happened today, they couldn't bring themselves to blame Keaton.