---- Chapter 7 After I saw the customer out, Kendrick sauntered over with a teasing smile. ''Well, I never thought the Fanning heiress would end up with a job like this." I shot him a cold glance and replied flatly, "And I never imagined the great Mr. Thorne would have the time to browse a tiny gallery like this. Thinking of buying a painting to support my little business?" He let out a dry chuckle. "you sure ran off in a hurry and made me look like a complete fool. Do you know that Nellie's video is all over the internet now? Also, Ambrose is tearing the city apart looking for you. Should I tell him you're here?" he shot back. His tone was tinged with mockery. My smile didn't waver. "Do whatever you want. I'm sure a man like you doesn't need my ---- permission." Kendrick clicked his tongue, looking almost disappointed. "You're always like this. So dull." He was a playboy, and I had known that the moment our families arranged our engagement. He lived for the thrill, chasing women just to prove he could and never once offering anything real. Thad once fallen for his good looks and a tenderness that never went beyond the surface, too. But now, the whole thing seemed like a joke. Even Nellie was nothing but a shiny new toy to him. She was a pawn he used to push back against the engagement his parents forced on him. Without warning, Kendrick leaned in close. A smirk was playing on his lips. "Just a heads-up. Ambrose is getting close. He's not someone to be trifled with, so you might want to watch your back. " ---- "Ts that so? Thanks for the warning, then," I answered with a dismissive smile. Deep down, I felt nothing. But I was somewhat surprised that Ambrose was still looking for me. Was he still obsessed with my uterus? Right then, Kendrick pressed his lips together. For the first time in forever, I saw a hint of guilt cross his face. "I know I treated you unfairly," he began. "I pushed back so hard against the engagement, and you took the brunt of it." He paused, like he was summoning his courage to continue. ''I'm sorry. I was wrong about you." My thoughts drifted back to three years ago. Back then, Kendrick had been like the sun to me- blinding, but impossibly charming. Thad thrown myself at him, offering sincerity again and again. But in return, I was left with