Chapter 207 Bitter bedge /b

    Renee nodded firmly.

    Without hesitation, Marcelo escorted her out.

    He wasn’t concerned about Jessica. She was merely a tool for Paul’s maniption, and Paul would ensure her safety if he didn’t want to piss Marcelo off even more.

    From a distance, Vivian watched Marcelo and Renee leave hand in hand.

    Such a simple gesture, yet it spoke volumes of their bond pure, caring, and free from pretense.

    Vivian felt a pang of sadness, but her energy for jealousy had waned.

    Marcelo’s directive for her to leave Harvillston signified his decision was final. Any plea from her now would only taint their shared history.

    She weighed her options and concluded it wasn’t worth thepromise.

    Marcelo was right; with her qualifications, securing a respectable job elsewhere in the country was feasible.

    Yet, to overshadow her fallout with Light, she needed a high–ranking position in a prestigiouspany.

    Then Paul appeared in front of her. He offered, “The King family owns a jewelry business. You could join us.”

    Vivian’s initial reaction was to reject the offer.

    Working for a King enterprise implied aligning with Paul, didn’t it?

    “Don’t dismiss the idea so hastily,” Paul said evenly. “Being part of the King family opens doors for you, including chances to be near Marcelo. Remember, Marcelo will inherit a portion of the King family’s

    wealth in the future.”

    Paul’s n was clear: he wanted ia /iloyal ally close to Marcelo, and Vivian fit the bill perfectly.

    Meanwhile, a Maybach rushed from the hospital to the airport.

    Ast–minute flight to Hagua meant no private jet. Renee and Marcelo had to settle for amercial

    flight.

    Marcelo had arranged for a swift passage through the airport’s VIP channel to catch the final flight to

    Hagua.

    “What’s the situation?b” /bMarcelo inquired as they boarded.

    b“/bIt’s rted to Sarah’s auction. I don’t have all the details yet,” Renee replied.

    Hearing that, Marcelo’s brow furrowed in thought.

    Wasn’t Sarah under Marvin or Quincy’s watch?

    He mulled over it briefly and then asked Luke to contact Marvin before takeoff.

    Quincy was definitely not an option.

    Renee seemed not entirelyfortable with his presence.

    “Are you sure you want toe with me?” She inquired.

    She felt capable of handling it alone, and it appeared Marcelo hadn’t been to his office in some time.

    He quirked an eyebrow. “After all the effort to calm you down, what if you get agitated again?”

    She was momentarily at a loss for words.

    “When do I ever get upset that easily? It was clearly your faultst time.”

    “Yes, it was my fault,” he conceded readily.

    His indulgent tone seemed to affirm everything she said.

    This exchange caught the attention of a flight attendant, who lingered a moment longer than necessary.

    “Then, thank you for being here,” Renee said, her eyes shining with gratitude. She instinctively leaned

    closer to him.

    This was their first trip together, feeling almost like a new adventure.

    “Mrs. King, if you’re looking to express your gratitude…” Marcelo gently cradled her face, his thumb tracing her lips suggestively. “We can continue this conversation in our bedroom at home.”

    She gave him a pointed look, a silent plea for discretion in public.

    Marcelo, far from backing down, boldly took her hand in his, as if to stake his im.

    Renee, observing their linked hands, felt a surge of warmth in her heart.

    As he yed with her palm, he noticed something amiss.

    Releasing her hand, he leaned closer and delicately reached for her ne.

    His fingers found the tinum chain, drawing out a sparkling pink diamond ring. He removed the ring, took her right hand, and carefully slid it onto her ring finger.

    b“/bMrs. King, always wear your symbol with pride.”

    “Could you share some stories about your brother?” Renee asked him.

    “What made you think of him all of a sudden?” Marcelo was a little surprised.

    These days, few recall the once–renowned Sebastian of the King family.

    “I’m just curious.” Renee noticed his deep respect and longing for Sebastian, he might call his mother by her name, yet he always respectfully mentioned his brother as “my brother.”

    The first–ss section was quiet, upied only by Renee, Marcelo, and an older gentleman, allowing for a private conversation.

    Marcelo took a moment to reminisce before sharing, “He was a good man, tragically misced in the King family.”

    Sebastian should not have been born into the King family, a ce where kindness was often overshadowed by ruthlessness

    Renee stared at Marcelo in bewilderment.

    He softly touched her head, murmuring, “Renee, do you recall my warning? Being kind isn’t always beneficial. If my brother had been lesspassionate, he’d have survived longer.”

    She felt a heaviness settle in her chest at his words.

    “How did he…How did he meet his end?” Rene inquired, barely whispering, “Andrew mentioned a fire

    took his life.”

    Her words were careful, yet Marcelo could piece together what Andrew had shared with her.

    Marcelo wasn’t shocked that Andrew had brought it up to Renee.

    The King family believed they held something over him with this story.

    “My brother always believed children shouldn’t suffer for their parent’s sins and showed kindness to everyone including Paul and Gary. Gary betrayed that kindness, poisoning my brother. Thankfully, the plot was uncovered in time. Yet, Gary imed it was an ident.”

    Paul, seeing it as an “ident,” chose not to escte the matter.

    It was a family shame, not for outsiders to know.

    Thus, Gary’s image remained untarnished.

    “After leaving the hospital, my brother returned to Kings‘ house to recover. That very night, a sudden wind was followed by a fire. The household staff found only me walking out of the courtyard.”

    Marcelo was the sole survivor of that tragic event.

    He alone walked away without harm.

    “People judge by what they see,” He stated evenly, indicating towards himself, “and theybeled me bthe /bculprit.”

    Renee’s heart skipped a beat, but she shook her head decisively, saying, “It wasn’t byou/b.”

    The idea of Marcelo being used of his own brother’s death was unthinkable to her.

    Witnessing her staunch defense, he felt a hint of warmth. He shifted slightly, locking eyes with Rene. “Do you believe so easily? Following my brother’s death, I was named the sole heir to the King family.b” /b

    The King family used this as a reason to exin his motive for murder, branding him as ruthless and

    irrational.

    Renee moved closer to embrace him.

    In the dim ne lighting, her eyes brimmed with sympathy. “Arson and murder don’t match your character.”

    Despite his ruthless nature, Marcelo wouldn’t resort to such tactics.

    He had no interest in the King’s family’s wealth and power.

    He possessed these things independently.

    Besides, the ones reaping the most benefits were Gary’s family!

    Marcelo wrapped his arms tightly around her closer, seekingfort in her presence. This gesture warmed a part of him that had long been cold.

    He gazed down at her, his smile carrying a bitter edge.

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