After being reborn, I make up my mind to stop chasing after my husband and daughter

Chapter 611

48

55 vouchers

My heart skipped a beat. | wondered if it was just my imagination, but Edward seemed to mind his background.

In Clusia’s long history, the distinction between legitimate and illegitimate children in wealthy families had

always been significant. It was like an ingrained sense of superiority that could greatly influence a person’s life.

“He did mention it, but | didn’t press for details,” | confessed, unable to keep lying any longer.

Edward let out a self-deprecating laugh. “In my family, with our old traditions of scholars, farmers, artisans, and

merchants, | was only allowed to go into business. Do you think that’s funny?”

| was genuinely surprised. ‘Wow, so that’s actually a thing. Is Ryan in politics because he’s the legitimate

grandson?’ | wondered.

“I think no matter what you do, if you can reach the top, that’s seriously impressive. Not everyone has the kind

of talent to make a real mark,” | said, feeling a bit more confident—maybe because | could sense Edward

doubting himself-though | was a little nervous.

“Really?” Edward turned to look at me. “You don’t think I'm only ever meant to be a profit-chasing businessman

like those people out there think?”

“Those people out there only badmouth you because they can’t measure up to you,” | said, raising an eyebrow

with a little scoff.

In my view, only people with lousy character would go out of their way to badmouth others. If someone's truly

secure and content, why would they bother talking down about others?

Edward seemed comforted by my words, a relaxed smile tugged at the corners of his eyes and lips.

“Looks like you've got a real knack for comforting people,” Edward said, stepping closer and gazing down at me.

“You're right. The ones gossiping behind my back just can’t measure up to me. Still, their words do get under my

skin.”

“If even you can’t keep those rumors out of your mind, then | guess it's perfectly normal for someone liketo

let them get to me,” | said with a self-deprecating smile,

Edward's eyes grew darker, a fiery passion flickering there, barely contained.

My heart skipped a beat, and | quickly ducked my head. ‘Am | really just throwing myself into danger, even

though | know better?’ | wondered.

“It’s been ages since | really opened up to anyone about how | feel. Tonight, I'm genuinely happy,” Edward said,

his voice dropping to a husky, almost intoxicating tone.

| couldn’t help but freeze for a moment.

Edward sat down on the sofa nearby, closing his eyes. “I used to be both arrogant and insecure, so | ended up

with a pretty strange personality. Outsiders say I'm hard to approach, and my own family thinks I'm cold and

11:55 Thu, Sep 11

Chapter 611

indifferent. What kind of person do you think | am?”

| was caught off guard. ‘Is this skind of trick question?’ | thought.

55 vouchers

“Honestly, | think you're not easy to get close to, and you coff as pretty aloof and distant,” | admitted.

Edward's eyes flew open, fixing on me. “That shallow?”

| gave a sheepish laugh. “Honestly, | don’t really know you. We haven't known each other that long, so | probably

shouldn't be making snap judgments.”

Edward shota knowing smile. “So, it's just because we don’t know each other well enough yet-that's why

you seethat way?”

“That's right,” | said.

“Now I'm curious-if you really got to know me, how would you seethen?” Edward asked, a playful glint in his

eyes.

| could tell what he was thinking, but honestly, that kind of idea just isn’t realistic.

“Mr. Jennings...” | hesitated.

“Just callEdward,” he cut in.

| was startled, and after taking a steadying breath, | said, “You know aboutand Ryan. After being with the

nephew, | just can’t get involved with the uncle. That's crossing a line. If people ever talked about it, I'd honestly

feel ashamed.”

Edward's handsfeatures went rigid, his gaze dropping as he fell silent in thought. It was obvious-this was a

gap that just couldn't be bridged.

“Let’s just stop here, okay?” | pleaded.

A flash of unwillingness flickered in Edward's eyes, and his voice went cold. “Is this really the end for us?”

| avoided his gaze and nodded. “Yes. There's really no need for us to get to know each other better. You don’t

need to hear my one-sided opinion-it doesn’t matter anyway...”

“No!” Edward's breath hitched, suddenly growing rapid. “You have no idea what really matters to me.”

| stared at him, stunned.

Edward suddenly got up and strode over to me.

| was sitting in a single armchair, and as his tall figure loomed closer, it felt like he blocked out the light

overhead. He planted his arms on either side of the chair, cagingin.

“I want to know what kind of person you seeas,” Edward said, his voice dropping low, his eyes lingering on

my face.

11:55 Thu, Sep 11

Chapter 611

| was totally flustered, my fingers knotted together in my lap.

a7

55 vouchers

“Things like society's rules or morals-they don’t matter at all when it comes to how | feel about you,” Edward

murmured as he leaned in. My whole body tensed up, nerves makingfreeze in place.

“I can ignore what everyone else thinks. Victoria, the only opinion I care about is yours,” Edward said, his voice

low and steady as he leaned even closer.

I held my breath, looking up at him. In that moment, Edward closed the distance and pressed his lips to mine.

On a night so cold, any spark of heat between us felt overwhelming.

The moment our lips touched, I instinctively pulled back, wanting to stop him.

But Edward refused to letescape. As | retreated, he leaned in even harder, his kiss relentless, refusing to let

go.

“No... Edward!” | protested, my voice shaky.

| pushed him away, desperate. “We can’t do this...”