Chapter 750 Action Over Words
William shot Ashton a look.
Ashton understood William immediately and signaled for everyone to step back. The group retreated to a distance where they couldn’t hear the conversation.
William’s expression hardened, his thin lips pressing into a cold, tight line. “What kind of illness? Physical or psychological?”
The office building was quiet and still on this workday, with only the sunlight casting reflections on the pristine tile floors.
The two men faced each other, both tall and aloof, their stares locked in an unyielding standoff.
Wesley said, “One night, she was working late at the company. Despite running a high fever, she kept silent and pushed through.
“When she was dizzy from the fever, she went to the pantry to get some water and take her medicine. However, she couldn’t bear it anymore. She dropped the cup and passed out.
“The building’s security team was careless, and they didn’t notice anyone in the pantry. They assumed everyone had left for the day, so they turned off the lights and locked the door.”
A storm seemed to surge in William’s eyes.
Wesley continued, “I couldn’t reach her, and I sent out many people to find her. They only located her just before dawn.
“By then, she was already awake, having been jolted out of a nightmare she had while unconscious. When I asked her about the nightmare, she said it was about her past.”
William’s lips lost their color.
Wesley continued coldly, “She was facing many difficulties at work, which kept reminding her of her previous job and the people and events she encountered there. Those memories only added to her already heavy heart.”
Emelie’s previous job was as a secretary at the Swanson Corporation, working for Bryan.
However, William knew all too well that it was his actions that had caused her nightmares. She had been thinking about how it was just like working under him during those tough times.
“She was already on the edge emotionally. After waking from the nightmare, she was alone in the dark. She had no phone to reach out for help, and no one responded to her cries for help. Her sorrow and frustration reached a peak.
“She hid under a table, crying and desperately trying to remove a ring from her finger.”
Wesley’s voice was tense, like a string pulled to its limit.
Wesley continued, “However, she couldn’t get it off, no matter what. In her emotional breakdown, she used a fruit knife from the pantry to slice off her entire finger.”
William was shocked. He felt his heart drop. He finally understood the horrific situation in which she had severed her finger.
Wesley made it clear to him. “During that time, any difficulty that she encountered in her life would remind her of that unbearable past.
“The doctor said that it was a severe psychological condition. She started self-harming, and if it continued, she would eventually end her life in a very tragic way.”
“After that, I set aside most of my work to focus on her and care for her. I helped her through that dark period and the lowest point of her life. You are the one who drove her to hell, while I was the one who pulled her back into the light.”
Finally, Wesley asked, “So, William, how can you still so shamelessly approach her?”
William was stung deeply, his jaw clenching immediately.
However, in just an instant, his expression shifted to a mocking smile. “My relationship with her is not something you need to comment on, Mr. Cronus. At least she saw my true self, both good and bad. What about you?
“What role are you playing? What name are you using? What relationship do you have to be by her side?”
The four consecutive questions struck Wesley like thunderbolts.
William stared into Wesley’s hazel eyes. The both of them wore hard, cold expressions. While the surrounding employees couldn’t hear their words, it was clear that the situation was fraught with conflict.
Ashton and Marcel exchanged glances and moved to stand by their respective bosses.
“Mr. Middleton, lunch is ready. Would you like to head to the restaurant now?” Ashton said.
Meanwhile, Marchel said, “Mr. Graham, we have a schedule this afternoon and may need to leave soon.”
Both were trying to defuse the confrontation and avoid an escalation. After all, they were in public. If things escalated, both parties would be adversely affected.
Wesley turned away. The corridor was a spiral, with the lower floor visible from above.
He suddenly said, “Is that the employee recreational area below? It seems well-equipped. Is that a fencing setup?”
His comment seemed to shift back to inspecting the company.
William replied, “Yes, Mr. Cronus. Are you interested in trying it out?”
Wesley smirked. “I’ve heard that you are skilled at everything, Mr. Middleton. Today, I’ll
take the liberty of learning from you.”
Ashton and Marcel both felt uneasy.
While he was claiming to learn from William, it was clearly a prelude to a physical
confrontation.