Reborn, Reawakened, Rekindled novel Chapter 499

Upon hearing my words, Russel's expression finally shifted, his gaze filled with unfamiliar emotions.

At that moment, his phone began to ring. I instantly recognized the name 'Karina' flashing on the screen. She probably couldn't find him and was calling to hurry him up.

The phone kept ringing, and I scoffed, "Aren't you going to answer that? What if she gets impatient and your plans get derailed?"

Russel bluntly hung up the call, stowing the phone away before beginning to explain, "I don’t have any dealings with her."

"You're still lying to me even now. If you've truly gone against Whitmore Co. because of me, then I can tell you right now, no matter what, I won't be with you. I can't stand being toyed with like this!" My anger was reaching a boiling point and my tone grew increasingly irate.

"I've never lied to you. Everything I've done is for our future, don't you understand?" Russel noticed my agitation and tried to reach for my hand, but I brushed him off.

"Don't touch me!" I snapped, "Is this your way of saying you love me? Is this how you treat someone you care about?"

"Calm down first, hear me out." Russel was always the composed one, even now he was trying to cool my temper. I was no match for him.

I tried to calm myself down because I hadn't heard Russel's explanation yet. I wanted to know how he would continue to deceive me.

Once the atmosphere in the car had somewhat subsided, Russel's voice broke the silence, "I admit, I've been in contact with Karina recently, but it's about the Whitmore family, not to deceive you, understand?"

"So for the sake of the Whitmore family, you and Karina plotted to ruin Whitmore Co.?" I felt like I was hearing a colossal joke. Karina can't wait to marry Neil and join the Whitmore family, how could she help Russel destroy the Whitmore family?

If the Whitmore family went under, what benefit would she get?

Russel saw the cold smirk on my face and knew I didn't believe him, so he continued explaining, "Given Karina's status, marrying into the Whitmore family isn't easy. She wants Neil, not his family. If Whitmore Co. were to face problems, it would benefit her more."

"Enough." I didn't want to hear any more. If I believed a single word Russel said, it was because I was insane.

"You don't believe me?" Russel frowned slightly.

"If that's your explanation, then you should leave." My voice was colder than ever, my disappointment in Russel was at its peak.

He didn't move, "You should know I love you."

He's told me he liked me before, but he's never used the word "love". To bring it up now was laughable.

I gave Russel a cold look, not wanting to waste more words, "If you say you love me, then stop everything. If you continue to target Neil, I'll remarry him immediately, I'll even tell him about Serena and Brandon's real identities, got it?"

As soon as I finished speaking, Russel's composure finally shattered. He gritted his teeth, "Irene, why are you doing this?!"

"Because that's the only leverage I have over you, isn't it?" I asked quietly.

"Yes, you're right!" Russel was clearly angered by my threat, "I'm a damn fool, I just can't let it go!"