When Left

When she left, He went crazy 

Chapter 173: Go Against My Principles. 

I was taken aback. 

“Believe me.” Avery sat cross–legged on the couch, looking all confident. “He’s just conflicted right now. He likes you, but he’s scared to admit it.” 

I–chuckled, “Don’t overthink it. He likes Bella Harris. I just happen to resemble her a bit.” 

Avery retorted, “No, that’s not it! Jerry isn’t like that. Over the years, there have been many people who look more like Bella than you do, but he never gave them a second glance. I’m not badmouthing him, but he never does anything that doesn’t benefit him. If he didn’t like you, why would he keep helping you over and over again?” 

“That’s because…” I wanted to argue back, but halfway through, I realized I had no convincing reason. 

It seemed like he was not just happening to save me, whether it was Noah kidnapping me or Skylar making me kneel in the snow. Afterward, Jerry never asked me for anything in return. 

As I left, I was still a bit distracted. Yesterday, Claire had tried to set us up, and today Avery told me all this. Even if I didn’t want to, it was hard not to be affected. 

I just didn’t expect that as soon as I stepped out of the manor, I would see a familiar Cullinan. 

I quickened my pace toward the Rolls–Royce that Claire had arranged to take me. Just as I was about to get in the car, a hand suddenly grabbed my wrist and pulled me in another direction! 

I was furious. “Christopher Valence, what are you doing!” 

“Taking you home for Christmas!” Christopher’s voice was muffled, sounding tired, but he grasped my wrist firmly. 

I found it incredibly funny. “Home? We have nothing to do with each other anymore!” 

Christopher, who had spent our wedding anniversary with someone else, was now talking about going home for 

holidays. 

Christopher said firmly, “If we have nothing to do with each other, then let’s start over.” 

Christopher’s persistence was terrifying. 

a 

I struggled desperately. “But I don’t want to.” 

Christopher abruptly turned me around, pinning me against the car with an unsettling intensity. His eyes, and weary, suggested many sleepless nights. Veins bulged on his forehead as he spat out, “Then who do you want to be with, Jerry Hammer? Why are you here in Maple Valley? Are you planning to spend the holidays with him?” 

bloodshot 

I sneered, “It’s none of your business. We’re divorced. I can do whatever I want.” 

“Hope, I can give you freedom.” Christopher sighed, his grip slightly loosening as he softened, “But can you keep your distance from other men?” 

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Chapter 173: Go Against My Principles. 

A mocking voice cut through the tension. “Mr. Valence, you really crack me up. Since when is it your decision to grant my woman her freedom?” 

Christopher’s body tensed as his gaze locked onto the approaching figure. Jerry raised an eyebrow and waved at me, his voice dripping with amusement. “Are you coming over, or should I teach him a lesson?” 

“Hope Royston!” Christopher’s voice trembled with a mix of rage and desperation as I tried to slip away. “Are you really 

with him?” 

I turned away, deliant. “Yes.” Content property of NôvelDra/ma.Org.

Christopher shouted, “Look at me and say it!” 

I met his gaze head–on. “Yes, Christopher! I’m with him! Satisfied now? Can you let go of me?” 

I 

The grip on my wrist instantly disappeared as if his strength had evaporated. I couldn’t tell if Christopher was willing to let go or if he had run out of strength. 

The black Cullinan soon drove away, but this time, I didn’t feel abandoned. It felt like a fresh start, a rebirth. 

Jerry snorted lightly, mocking, “If you can’t bear it, should I help you get him back?” 

I 

“Jerry Hammer,” I cast a glance at Jerry, standing not far away, and tried to speak as lightly as possible. “Did you just help me because of our deal, or did you genuinely want to help me? 

It was impossible to remain unmoved by a man who had saved you from peril repeatedly. It was crucial to clarify some 

things.. 

Jerry’s brow furrowed ever so slightly. ‘Does it really matter?” 

“It does. I offered a tentative smile, gathering the courage to continue. “I’m worried you might have feelings for me.” 

Jerry chuckled, “Worried? If I liked you, would that keep you up at night?” 

Speaking candidly, I replied, “Yes. You have a commendable character, an impressive family background, and you’re unwaveringly loyal. It’s tough not to be swayed by someone like you, but precisely because of that, we can’t be together. 

gaze intensified as he looked at me. “Can’t be together?” 

Jerry’s gaze 

“Yes,” I 

I took a deep breath, locking eyes with Jerry. “I’m not a wide–eyed girl anymore. I can’t knowingly walk into danger. Your loyalty, while admirable, is a complication for me. You helped me earlier, and I’ll assist you in managing your parents. Beyond that, let’s remain/rational.” 

That night, after washing up in the guest room Claire had arranged, I lay in bed, wide awake. What had Jerry said to 

me earlier? 

Jerry had said, “Hope, don’t think you are the only one who is scared.” 

think 

Before I could delve into what he meant, Jerry had stuffed me into a car and had the driver take me back. 

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Chapter 173: Go Against My Principles 

I adjusted my pillow and was about to turn off the light when my phone, resting on the bedside table, buzzed. It was Jerry calling. 

I frowned and answered, “Hello?” 

On the other end, Jerry’s languid voice came through. “Come out. Hurry up, it’s cold,” 

I responded, albeit reluctantly, “Okay.” 

I got up, grabbed a long down jacket, and headed out while putting it on. As I was zipping up, I unexpectedly collided with a firm chest, causing me to step back and look up sharply! 

Under the streetlight, Jerry leaned against the car, inhaling sharply from the impact, his brow furrowed. “Are you so upset that I called you out in the middle of the night that you wanted to kill me?” 

He had the faint scent of alcohol clinging to him. I rubbed my nose. “I just wasn’t paying attention. You know, it’s late. What’s up?” 

Jerry called out, “Hope Royston.” 

His gaze bore into me, his eyes betraying a slight turbulence, his voice cold. “If by two days later, December 25th, there’s still no word from her, I won’t wait anymore.” 

I was stunned. 

I knew exactly what Jerry meant by not waiting anymore. 

My nails instinctively dug into my palm, a tumult of confusion, anxiety, and chaos swirling within me. 

After a moment, I looked at Jerry hesitantly. “You said you would never give up on her, Jerry Hammer!” 

Suddenly, Jerry pulled me into his arms, the scent of mint mingling with the cold night air surrounding me. Jerry murmured, “An advance on a hug 

But he was careful, releasing me quickly, his usual nonchalance replaced with a deep, sincere tone. “I wasn’t sure before, but today, seeing you with Christopher Valence, I couldn’t control myself. I wanted to go against my principles 

just this once.” 

For the first time, Jerry had me off balance, and the sensation was entirely different from the usual feeling of being caught by him. It was strange, chaotic, and oddly long–lost. 

I awkwardly took a step back. “Where do you get the confidence that I would agree?” 

Jerry asserted, “I’m confident in every way.” 

ery/way 

Jerry turned and opened the car door, handing me something. 

Puzzled, I didn’t take it immediately. “What’s this?” 

Jerry, appearing unusually awkward, said, “I just had a late–night snack with them. They packed food for their 

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Chapter 173: Go Against My Principles. 

girlfriends, and the waiter made a mistake, so there’s an extra portion. It’s yours now.” 

Part of me wanted to get lost in the moment, but my rational side kept me grounded. “Did you drink too much? Are you so certain there won’t be any news of her in next two days?” 

As soon as I finished speaking, my prophetic words were unexpectedly validated. Jerry’s phone rang almost immediately. 

Whatever was said on the other end made him stand up straight, nearly dropping the late–night snack in his hand. 

Jerry asked, “Is the information reliable?” 

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