Chapter: 1249

A single rejection was not enough to deter her. She was not one to give up easily.

"I have asked the cook to prepare your favorite dishes. You must be tired from your trip, right?" she inquired.

Sean, however, didn't even glance her way as he unbuttoned and removed his suit jacket with one hand.

Marlene instinctively reached out as Sean tossed his jacket onto the living room sofa, but her hands grasped only air.

“So why are you here?"

Her warm smile faltered, and she felt flustered. “I want to care for you, Sean."

“No need." He adjusted his tie with slender fingers. "Don't overstep. Just do what's expected of you."

With an impassive expression, Sean brushed past Marlene.

Previously, Marlene's appearance had caught his attention. He had rescued her, sponsored her education, and covered all her expenses.

He had even heard her lament about feeling isolated in her dormitory, which prompted him to offer her a place in his private apartment at no cost.

Actually, he expected nothing from Marlene; his only wish was for her to live comfortably.

Susanna watched the unfolding drama, her hands clasped beneath her chin.

She had once thought her brother harbored feelings for this cunning woman. Now, it was clear the affection was one-sided.

Yet, this woman remained a romantic obligation Sean had incurred.

With Norah back in the picture, there seemed little reason to keep Marlene around.

"Sean, why do you need her when you have me? How am I any less?”

Susanna pondered briefly before a mischievous thought struck her. She clung to Sean's arm, her voice playful yet plaintive. “Why would you choose her over me?"

As Marlene watched the young woman glide over to Sean and engage him with an ease that seemed almost intimate, a surge of jealousy washed over her. That closeness was something she had only ever aspired to.

“Who are you?"

"What? Who am I?" Susanna's laughter was light, her hand covering her mouth. "I'm Sean's most cherished girl, aren't 1?"

Sean nodded resignedly and cast a fleeting glance at Susanna.

"Alright, enough talk. Let's get something to eat."

Interacting with Sean had never come naturally to Marlene. She hardly knew anyone in his circle, except for his assistant, Frank.

Her face drained of color. "Sean..."