His Untamed Rose novel Chapter 42

Lumina rubbed her aching temples, feeling another spike of pain throb through her head at Hilton’s words.

“Hilton, you really don’t need to waste your time on this. After what happened in front of everyone, I have no choice but to leave. If I apologize and show up at work as if nothing happened, how do you think people will see me? What about my team—what will they think?”

Hilton was taken aback by how calm she sounded. He’d always thought that with Ms. Jardin, as long as Mr. Royce showed even a hint of leniency, she’d swallow her pride and let things go. But this time, something felt different.

Lumina’s expression was icy, her features striking in their detachment—like she’d grown weary of the world, as if nothing could touch her now.

Hilton tried again. “Mr. Royce’s hands were tied. Ms. Tatum… is a very important friend to him, but not in the way you’re thinking. Please, try to see things from his perspective. You’re always the one he cares about most.”

“And who exactly is looking out for me?” Lumina shot him a cold, impatient look. “He put out a public announcement throwing me under the bus, but conveniently kept Ms. Tatum’s name out of it. Is that what being his top priority looks like? If that’s how he shows he cares, I’d rather step aside. His concern is something I can live without.”

Hilton was left speechless, completely at a loss.

Lumina didn’t want to argue anymore. They were talking past each other—neither could convince the other.

“Hilton, please go. I’m not angry at you. I’ll have my things packed and be gone by the end of the day.”

With that, she cut him off, the message clear on her face: I’ve played the good soldier for three years. I’m done pretending.

Hilton could only slink away in defeat, quietly returning to the executive office.

Cedric was seated at his desk, flipping through documents. Without looking up, he asked, trying to sound casual, “What did she say?”

Hilton shook his head.

Cedric’s expression darkened immediately. He tossed the file onto the desk, his lips pressed into a hard, unforgiving line.

Hilton felt a chill run straight through him and scrambled to explain. “But, Mr. Royce, Ms. Jardin is just upset. She cares about you, she cares about her work. She’d never really leave. She’s just blowing off steam, I’m sure of it—”

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