Unmasking Mrs. Newton's Secret Identities novel Chapter 1673

Jenson snapped out of his daze, a look of realization crossing his face. "You're right! Women really do know women best. I know exactly what I need to do now.

"It's getting chilly. You should head upstairs and get some rest. Don't worry about coming to the office early tomorrow."

"I'm fine," Germaine responded. "But you've had quite a bit to drink. I'll wait until I see you in the car before heading up."

"Alright. See you tomorrow."

"See you tomorrow."

With a sense of clarity that Germaine had helped him find, Jenson groggily turned and climbed into the cab.

The driver started the engine, and the car eased into the quiet night.

A sharp gust of cold wind swept through the streets, and Germaine instinctively pulled her coat tighter around her. It was the same coat Jenson had draped over her earlier when they got out of the car. She realized then that she had forgotten to return it.

But it didn't matter. This wasn't the first time something like this had happened. Over the past seven years, Jenson had only become more mature and considerate. With him by her side, she never felt invisible.

His tenderness had been like a hidden vine, gradually winding its way into her heart. Over seven years, it had grown steadily and silently, taking root within her without her even realizing it.

Nonetheless, Germaine knew all too well that she had fallen for him too late. Their chance had already slipped away. No matter how deeply she cared for him now, it was all futile.

With a bitter smile, Germaine shook her head and made her way into her apartment.

…

20 minutes later, Jenson's taxi pulled up to the vibrant Bar Street in Glendale.

When the car came to a stop, he paid the driver and headed straight into a Thairos-style lounge bar.

"I get it, but so what?" Jenson spread his hands, confusion written across his face. "I'm in the same boat. Sure, I'm not officially part of Dragon's Den, but we've been through everything together for years. What does accepting Abigail have to do with any of this?"

"Everything!" Taylor's voice cracked, a bitter smile tugging at his lips as tears welled in his eyes. "It has everything to do with it. Even someone as capable as Helen went missing in her 20s—alive or dead, we still don't know.

"And with someone as headstrong as Abigail… if something were to happen to me, it could break her. I can't be that selfish."

Jenson's expression softened as he nodded in understanding. "I can see you're trying to do the right thing."

After a pause, he added, "But isn't that way of thinking a little too bleak? Nothing says we're doomed to a bad ending. Why not treat each day as if it could be our last?

"Life will always have its regrets, no matter what choices we make. So why not choose the path that brings happiness to both of you in the moment?"

Taylor shook his head firmly. "That's a selfish way to look at it. Besides, this is a promise I made to Helen. As a man, I can't go back on my word just for the sake of my own desires."