Chapter 139

Annie's POV

"What is it you want to tell me?" I asked softly, noticing that inscrutable emotion in Howard's gray eyes.

The memory of our passion on the balcony last night still sent waves of warmth through my body. The way he had pulled me into his embrace,claiming me beneath the stars and city lights remained vivid in my mind.His strong body pressed against mine, his voice low and intimate as he whispered words of love in the night breeze, until we were both exhausted yet satisfied, retreating to the bedroom to continue our passionate encounter well into the night.

Even now, my inner thighs still carried a pleasant soreness, and Howard's love marks scattered across my collarbone and chest were discreetly hidden beneath my blouse. Whenever our eyes met, I could hear his heavy breathing in my ear from the night before echoing in my mind.

"Aren't you jealous?" Howard suddenly asked, pulling me from my reverie.

I looked at him, confused."Jealous of what?"

Howard set down the document he was holding,his gray eyes looking directly into mine. "If I'm going to properly mentor Amy, I'l1 naturally need to spend more time with her."

I smiled slightly, placing my hand over his. "I trust you, and I trust her as well. Since you've chosen me, I believe you won't suddenly transfer your affections elsewhere."

My fingertips lightly traced the blue veins on the back of his hand, feeling

the warmth of his skin. "She doesn't even trust her own family-she only trusts herself. It's unlikely she would believe a man couId change her destiny."

"I also don't think she'll fall in love with you," I added, my tone slightly teasing.

After hearing my answer, Howard seemed unsatisfied. His long fingers gently lifted my chin, forcing me to look directly into his eyes. "But I want to see you jealous." His voice was deep and magnetic, just like when he had whispered in my ear last night.

I felt a current of electricity spreading from where he touched me. His touch was too famniliar, involuntarily making me recall how his hands had explored every inch of my skin last night, sending shivers through my body. I forced myself to focus, playing along: "When I see you interacting with other women...I do feel a bit uncomfortable."

Howard's gaze softened, and he leaned forward, almost kissing my lips."But you're the one I love." His breath brushed against my cheek,making me hold my breath involuntarily.

I looked at him in surprise at such a direct declaration, my heart racing.His behavior in such a public setting as the office made me both nervous and excited.

Howard seemed to notice my distraction and gently played with my hair before withdrawing his hand. "I need to get back to work now."

"Alright," I answered, trying to steady my breathing and heartbeat.

I turned to my own workspace, immersing myself in my comic illustrations.Work had been particularly busy these past few days, and I was

determined to use every minute in the office to advance my picture book project.

Occasionally, I would feel Howard's gaze on me, like a silent caress that made my cheeks flush slightly.

After several hours of focused work. I finally completed my morning tasks.I gently massaged my sore shoulders and decided to rest briefly on the sofa. Shortly after lying down, there was a knock at the door.

Howard, accustomed to interruptions during work, responded calmly:"Come in."

Catherine Morgan pushed open the door and rushed to my side,grabbing my waist with evident agitation. "You can't imagine how ridiculous Bill White is! When he came to the company looking for me last time,I thought it was too much! But who could have guessed he could do something even more outrageous!"

I wrapped my arm around her shoulders,feeling her body tremble with anger."What happened?"

Catherine took a deep breath, forcing herself to calm down. "A few days ago, he called me claiming that my father offended his family while standing up for me. He said his family had withdrawn all their investments, putting my family in a dangerous position, possibly leading to bankruptcy!" Her voice mixed with anger and disbelief. "Then he had the audacity to say that if I agreed to marry him, he would persuade his family to continue investing in my father's business."

Catherine rolled her eyes as she repeated his words. "I immediately berated him over the phone. I asked if he had mental problems. He already has a girlfriend he supposedly loves dearly. Instead of treating her

well and maintaining a normal relationship, why is he approaching me?"

I noticed Howard had set aside his work and was listening attentively to our conversation, a cold gleam flashing in his eyes.

Catherine looked at me intently. "Guess how he responded?"

Unable to comprehend his logic, I simply raised an eyebrow quizzically. 'Hmm?"

"He said that even when he's with his girlfriend, he still can't control thinking about me." Catherine let out a contemptuous laugh. "He claimed he still loves me more. I scolded him for another half hour before finally telling him I'd already seen the news."

She paused, a hint of smugness crossing her face. "The news reported that my father had established a partnership with Howard Technologies.Howard is wealthier than his family and would certainly help my father resolve any financial issues."

I genuinely praised her quick thinking. "You're so clever."

Catherine lifted her chin confidently. "Of course. Then I reminded him to stop thinking about me and suggested he pay more attention to his own company, or it might go bankrupt before he realizes it." She shook her head. "How can people in their circle be so brainless? Their family business is declining, potentially leaving the entire family unable to maintain their lifestyle, yet he doesn't care at all and only has romance on his mind?"

Howard and I exchanged a glance, and he nodded slightly, evidently agreeing with my thoughts. I tentatively suggested, "Is it possible he believes that no matter what problems he causes, his family will always

solve them for him? Perhaps that's why he's so reckless?"

Catherine nodded in agreement. "Very likely."

I smiled and added. "What he didn't anticipate was that this time,his family is busy saving themselves. And the only project that might turn things around has now been handed to your,family."

Hearing my assessment. Catherine covered her mouth to suppress her laughter. "If I were his family. I'd be regretting it deeply."

"Unfortunately for them, it's too late for regrets now," I replied, a hint of schadenfreude in my voice. Thinking of Bill White, I couldn't help but draw a parallel to Philip-men who believed they could have everything without consequences. But life always proved them wrong.

Just then, Catherine's phone alarm suddenly rang. She hurriedly stood up."I need to get to work now."

"Good luck," I said, standing to see her off before turning to Howard,finding him watching me intently.

After Catherine hastily closed the door, only Howard and I remained in the room. A subtle electric current flowed between us.

I walked back to my position, but Howard's gaze followed my every move.At that moment, I was grateful he couldn't read my thoughts-I was savoring every sweet word he had whispered in my ear last night, and every touch. Comparing Amy's determined independence and Bill's presumption, I recalled Howard's earlier words and suddenly understood.

"Do you really want me to be jealous?" I asked softly without looking up.

Howard was silent for a moment, then the tip of his pen stopped on the

paper as he looked up. "I want to know how important I am to you."

My heart skipped a beat as I finally understood his intention. This outwardly calm and self-disciplined man also had a vulnerable side that yearned to be loved and needed.

A smile appeared on my face as I picked up my pencil and continued my illustration work. "Rest assured, you're even more important to me than you imagine."