Chapter 19 After Cathan finished speaking, Raelynn was momentarily shocked, then shook her head to comfort him. "Mr. Mor- timer, you don't need to blame yourself. This has nothing to do with you. Even if it wasn't Ophelia, it would have been someone else." Maverick's heart was too big, able to hold both her and someone else at the same time. His love was not pure enough, nor lasting enough. "I'm just glad you don't blame me. And from now on, don't call me Mr. Mortimer, call me Cathan," Cathan said, pre- tending to be relaxed. "Besides, I've decided to devote myself to charity work just like you. From now on, I'll be your assistant." "You don't have to do that. I'm doing just fine now," Raelynn politely declined. "I know you're doing well. I just want to learn from you and do my part," Cathan pretended not to understand her re- fusal, smiled, and took the textbook from her hands, continuing to teach the children. Cathan settled down in the village, spending most of his days helping with construction and teaching the children. He took meticulous care of Raelynn, always anticipating what she wanted and needed. While making an effort to keep a safe distance, he gave her all his love. Everyone in the village could see that he liked her. Simone often advised her to accept him. Raelynn was a bit troubled. That day, as the sun was setting, Raelynn climbed up to the platform to watch the sunset. Cathan had followed her up at some point, handing Raelynn a peeled apple. "Try it, it's very sweet." "Thank you." Raelynn took the apple but didn't eat it, instead gazing at the sky dyed red in the distance. "Cathan, are you really happy staying here?" she asked softly. "Yes," Cathan nodded. "Anywhere you are, I'll be happy." "I know how you feel, but I can't love again, nor do I have the strength to. Don't waste your time on me out of guilt." She handed the apple back to him. "A few days ago, I found a worm in an apple I ate. I won't eat apples anymore." "Raelynn, a lifetime is long. I believe one day you'll move on and believe in love again. It's fine if you don't eat ap- ples, there are other fruits," Cathan insisted. He wasn't doing this out of guilt; he truly liked Raelynn. 0.0 % 10:35 He had liked her since the very first time he saw her five years ago. He had deliberately become a lawyer at the Hatton Group, trying every possible way to get close to her. No matter how long it took, he would wait. Even if he had to stay by her side as a friend for a lifetime, as long as he could see her safe and well, he would be con- tent. As the sun set and the evening glow was swallowed by darkness, Raelynn said nothing more, quictly getting up and leaving. Forget it, if she couldn't be persuaded, he would stop trying. Sooner or later, she would come around. Meanwhile, Maverick had never given up searching for Raelynn. Every time he followed a lead, he would discover that Raelynn had bought tickets to various places. She was deliberately avoiding him. Maverick grew increasingly anxious, becoming more and more irritable. Several times, he lost his temper with busi- ness partners during negotiations, resulting in losses of hundreds of millions of dollars. The company's shareholders united in protest, demanding the replacement of the executive director and that Maverick personally bear the losses. The shareholders gathered together, blocking Maverick at the office door. "Mr. Joyner, the company has lost so much for no reason. We can't accept this." "If your personal feelings are affecting your work, you should consider stepping aside for a while." "The company doesn't belong to you alone. You have to consider our interests as well. We've already informed Madam Joyner. If you remain stubborn, we'll sell our shares and withdraw our investment." Faced with their threats, Maverick showed no reaction at all, clearly not taking them seriously. At that moment, his assistant rushed over, panting, and said, "Mr. Joyner, we've found Mrs. Joyner's whereabouts!" 55.1 % 10:35