Chapter: 221

The scent she knew so well wrapped around her, easing the chill and her stern demeanor.

"The nights are chilly. You shouldn't go out so lightly dressed,"

Alan remarked, his voice carrying a slight edge of envy.

Kaitlin was indeed dressed more formally than usual, likely for a client meeting.

Alan suspected it had something to do with the recent rumors about her meeting someone from the Murphy Group.

"I'm not cold. I don't need your jacket," Kaitlin asserted, maintaining a rigid expression as she attempted to remove the jacket.

Alan caught her hands.

“Kaitlin, please, what if you catch a cold?" he implored.

Kaitlin raised her eyes to meet his, her expression void of any warmth. "It's none of your concern if I fall ill," she declared firmly.

Alan's brow furrowed, and he was just about to respond when the blare of a car horn cut him off.

Phoebe leaned out of the rolled-down window and shouted, "Kaitlin, come on. Get in!"

Relieved, Kaitlin quickly shrugged off her jacket, handed it to Alan, and headed towards the car. She slid into the seat, slammed the door, and fastened her seatbelt all in one fluid motion. “Let's go!"

At Kaitlin's command, Phoebe pressed the accelerator, leaving Alan behind.

Alan remained there, jacket in hand, watching the car disappear into the distance.

Dylan checked the time and spoke up cautiously. "Mr. Hewitt, it's time we head upstairs."

Alan shut his eyes briefly to gather himself, then proceeded inside.

As he entered, the elevator doors parted to reveal Shawn stepping out, who gave Alan a quick glance.

Alan, preoccupied with thoughts of Kaitlin, barely noticed him.

It wasn't until the elevator doors had closed behind him that Shawn turned around for a second look.

Years had gone by, yet Alan seemed unchanged, his arrogant air still compelling others to maintain their distance.

Shawn's gaze hardened as he motioned to his assistant. "Find out who he's meeting."

The assistant nodded in understanding....

As Phoebe drove home, she noticed Kaitlin's somber demeanor and suspected it had something to do with Alan. She ventured a question.

"Are you two still not talking?"