Forsaking the Years of Longing
Forsaking Billionaire 99

Chapter 23

"What do you mean by saying I'm just 'lucky'? The company isn't a place for you to scheme about snagging a rich husband!"

Daphne had only intended to confront Maia briefly, but seeing her lack of remorse and continued defiance, her anger boiled over.

"I'll be submitting evidence to headquarters soon, and don't bother coming to me again," Daphne said, her voice cold and firm as she stormed out of the restroom.

As she entered the hallway, an ominous feeling crept over her.

Before she could react, Jonathan appeared like a bolt of lightning, pulling her into his protective embrace.

"Daphne, watch out behind you!"

When Daphne opened her eyes, still shaken, she saw a crimson streak trickling down Jonathan's forehead.

"Brother..."

Her heart clenched painfully, the word escaping her lips involuntarily.

Office workers rushed over, their expressions a mix of shock and concern.

It turned out Maia, fueled by resentment, had picked up a vase in the hallway to use as a weapon. She had intended to harm Daphne, but Jonathan's timely intervention saved her. Security quickly restrained Maia. As she was led away, the truth of Daphne's identity finally dawned on her: the vice president's sister and, more importantly, the CEO's daughter. Maia's face turned ashen, her regret and fear palpable.

"Are you alright, Daphne?" Jonathan asked, his voice full of worry, his eyes soft with concern.

Tears welled up in Daphne's eyes as she saw the wound on her brother's head.

"No one will ever bully my sister again," Jonathan declared, his voice low and menacing. "If they try, they'll answer to me."

He took Daphne by the arm and walked her out of the office, leaving behind a storm of whispers.

"So Daphne is the vice president's sister? That means she's the CEO's daughter!"

"No wonder her last name is Walker! If I'd known, I'd have treated her better..."

Once outside, Daphne immediately drove Jonathan to the hospital.

"Jonathan, why didn't you dodge? What if something worse had happened to you? What would I do?" she scolded, her voice trembling with emotion.

"I'm fine, really," Jonathan replied, biting back his pain to reassure her. "But what about you? Why didn't you tell me about yesterday?"

Choking back tears, Daphne murmured, "I saw how tired you were yesterday and didn't want to add to your stress. Now look- not only are you exhausted, but you're also injured..." Their bickering continued, but the underlying love and care for each other were unmistakable.

At the hospital, the doctor carefully treated Jonathan's wound and bandaged it securely. Just as Daphne was settling the bill, she heard a faint, familiar voice from the hallway. "Daphne..."

Turning around, she saw Matthew hurrying toward her. He had heard about the incident and regretted not stepping in earlier.

Spotting her instantly, he rushed to her side.

"Daphne, are you alright?"

"I'm fine. It's Jonathan who's hurt," Daphne replied coldly.

Ignoring her tone, Matthew pulled her into a hug, his eyes filled with relief.

"Thank goodness. I'm just glad you're okay."

Daphne pushed him away forcefully, her anger boiling over.

"What are you doing?"

"If it weren't for those flowers you kept sending and your constant appearances, none of these misunderstandings would have happened! Jonathan wouldn't have gotten hurt!" When it came to Jonathan, Daphne's protective instincts flared.

Matthew might have been the person she once trusted most, but that trust was now frayed Matthew sighed, his expression tinged with helplessness.

"Daphne, I never meant to cause you so much trouble... I'm sorry."

Daphne took a deep breath, trying to calm herself.

"Matthew, I want you to stop showing up in my life. I don't want anything to do with you anymore."