Chapter 78: Does she despise the wealthy?

Words : 1172 Updated : Sep 17th, 2025

Chapter 78: Does she despise the wealthy? Augustine’s expression darkened with concern. "Anne, don’t go sneaking around—it’s dangerous. Leave this to me. I’ll handle it and expose Tania when the time is right." He rested his hands on her shoulders, his gaze firm. "I don’t want you getting into trouble. If you find anything suspicious, please tell me. Don’t act on your own." He stepped closer, his eyes filled with worry. "Do you trust me?" Anne’s features softened as she smiled. "Yes, I trust you." She leaned into him, wrapping her arms around him, but a hint of disappointment flickered across her face. "I poured so much time and effort into someone, gave him my whole heart, and ended up with nothing but heartbreak. No matter how much I tried, I could never bridge the gap between our worlds." Augustine’s body stiffened at her words. ’Does she still have feelings for Denis? Is she regretting their breakup?’ The thought unsettled him. But then, she sighed and smiled again, a warmth returning to her expression. "But you’re different—not like those arrogant elites. You don’t see me differently because of my simple background. That’s a relief." Augustine stiffened even more, her words striking a chord. ’What does she mean by that? Does she despise the wealthy?’ He had planned to tell her everything—his real identity, the secrets he had kept hidden. But now, he hesitated. What if she turned away from him once she discovered he was actually one of the richest men in the world? Anne looked up and noticed Augustine staring off into the distance, lost in thought. She tilted her head slightly, curiosity flickering in her eyes. "What are you thinking about?" His expression shifted instantly, as if snapping back to reality. "Nothing," he replied with a forced smile. "You should go home now." "No, I want to stay with you." Anne denied his request straight away. "When is the doctor planning to discharge you?" "The nurse said I’ll be discharged by the end of the day," he replied. "You should head home. You need to prepare for tomorrow’s interview. I’ll be back in the evening." "I want to stay," she insisted, folding her arms. But Augustine shook his head. He needed to meet Gustave, and there were things he had to take care of. "I’m fine, Anne. Gustave will be here this afternoon, and I have some paperwork to handle. You’ll just get bored." Anne’s eyes widened in disbelief. "The doctor told you to rest, and here you are, talking about work? That’s why you are trying to send me away, isn’t it?" Hearing the concern in her voice made something inside him soften. It had been a long time since someone cared for him like this, since he felt like he truly belonged to someone. The warmth of being worried about, of having someone waiting for him—it was a feeling he hadn’t realized he missed. "I won’t push myself too hard. I promise," he said, offering her a small, reassuring smile. Anne studied him for a moment, then huffed, lifting her chin in mock authority. "Fine. I’ll trust you. But you better take proper rest." She turned to leave, but just as she took a step forward, his hand caught her wrist, halting her in place. She glanced back at him, her eyes locking with his. There was something in his gaze—an unspoken longing, a hesitation as if he wasn’t quite ready to let her go. A slow, teasing smile crept onto her lips. "What’s this?" she asked playfully. "Are you regretting your decision already?" Augustine didn’t say a word. Instead, he pulled Anne back into his arms and captured her lips in a deep, fervent kiss. This time, she didn’t hesitate. Her fingers slid into his hair, gripping him as she kissed him back with equal passion. The heat between them flared. Augustine felt his desire for her surge, a fire that begged to consume them both. For a fleeting moment, he wanted nothing more than to claim her completely, to lose himself in her. But he forced himself to hold back, to rein in his emotions. With a reluctant sigh, he pulled away, his breath unsteady. "Go..." His voice was hoarse, thick with restrained longing. "Wait for me at home." Anne looked up at him, her lips still tingling from his kiss. A playful glimmer danced in her eyes as she rose on her toes and pressed a soft kiss to his cheek. "Come home early," she whispered before slipping out of his embrace and hurrying toward the door. Augustine watched her go, his gaze lingering long after she had disappeared from sight. He exhaled slowly, then lifted a hand to touch the spot on his cheek where her lips had been just moments ago. A slow smile curved his lips, warmth flooding his chest. Later that day... Gustave stepped into the VIP ward, his sharp gaze immediately settling on Augustine, who stood by the window. His posture was composed, one hand casually clasping his wrist behind his back as he stared out at the world beyond the glass. Approaching him, Gustave held out a file. "This paperwork requires your signature." Augustine barely acknowledged him, his focus still fixed on the cityscape. With a slight nod toward the coffee table, he spoke in a calm, measured tone. "Leave it there. I’ll go through it later." Gustave followed his order without hesitation, placing the file on the table before straightening up. "I’ll check on the discharge procedure." He turned, ready to leave. But Augustine’s next words stopped him in his tracks. "No need. I’ve already arranged for someone to handle it." Something in his tone made Gustave pause. He turned back, sensing that there was more to this conversation. "Sit down," Augustine instructed. "There is something I need to discuss with you." A flicker of curiosity crossed Gustave’s face. After a brief moment of consideration, he nodded and settled onto the sofa, waiting patiently. Augustine remained standing, his expression composed, his gaze remaining fixated outside. "Do you remember the girl I told you about? The one who saved me from those kidnappers?" Gustave’s eyebrows furrowed slightly, his mind sifting through past conversations. Slowly, he nodded. "Yes. You once mentioned a little girl who helped you escape—hiding you and leading the kidnappers astray." Augustine’s gaze darkened with an emotion Gustave couldn’t quite place. "If not for her, I would never have made it out alive." Gustave studied him closely as he wondered why Augustine had mentioned her all of a sudden. "I also recall that you wanted to find her," he said thoughtfully. "But you never spoke of it after your return. Do you want me to start searching for her?" A silence stretched between them before Augustine finally turned to face him fully. His eyes were cold, his expression unreadable. "I already found her." Gustave’s brows furrowed. "You did?" "It’s Anne," Augustine said firmly. "She is the girl who saved me all those years ago."

Chapter 78: Does she despise the wealthy?

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