The Billionaire’s Brokenhearted Deal Chapter 441 - 441 Accidentally Meeting Simon

Mo Zhizi also stood, responding with a slight bow, "Thank you, sister-in-law."

However, a prickle of rejection seemed to be woven into that term, a subtle undercurrent she couldn't quite place.

Qiao Ruoxin offered no further words, turning to depart.

Her bodyguard stood sentinel outside the door, ready to escort her the moment she emerged, guiding her all the way to the waiting elevator, programmed for her journey home.

With a soft chime, the elevator arrived at the first floor, its doors gliding open with deliberate slowness.

As the doors parted, Qiao Ruoxin’s eyes widened in surprise; Simon was standing directly before her.

She couldn’t recall the last time she had laid eyes on him, and encountering him so unexpectedly in this setting was jarring.

Upon spotting Simon, the bodyguard immediately moved, positioning himself protectively in front of her. His senses were on high alert; Simon was the primary individual they were tasked to watch.

Simon, however, maintained a placid demeanor, the edges of his lips curving into a faint smile. "Xinxin, it’s been a while."

Qiao Ruoxin stepped from the confinement of the elevator, her gaze locked onto Simon, and finally, the question burst forth, "Why are you here? You’re not going to tell me you live here, are you?"

Simon chuckled lightly. "Not exactly; I’m here to visit someone."

"Mo Zhizi? Are you planning to pursue her? Seriously?"

Simon let out a soft laugh. With two bodyguards acting as a barrier between them, there was little else he could do.

"What's the matter? Don't you want me to pursue other women? It hardly seems fair for you to be with the man you love while simultaneously dictating whom I can and cannot chase."

Qiao Ruoxin scoffed, her tone dismissive. "You’re overthinking things. I truly couldn't care less whom you pursue, but you absolutely cannot go after Mo Zhizi."

"Oh? And why is that?"

"Don't play dumb. I know exactly what your game is. Mo Zhizi isn't your type at all; you have ulterior motives!"

Simon's voice adopted a deliberately ambiguous lilt. "I thought you knew nothing of my intentions, but it seems you understand me all too well. It’s quite reassuring; my affections weren’t entirely wasted on you."

The two bodyguards flanking Qiao Ruoxin showed a flicker of annoyance.

Qiao Ruoxin refused to engage further. "Stay away from Mo Zhizi."

"Xinxin, aren't you being a tad too controlling? What exactly am I to you? I’m forbidden from pursuing other women now? Do you expect me to remain single for the rest of my life?"

Qiao Ruoxin felt a surge of irritation, a strong urge to simply slap him, finding his absurd and shameless rambling unbearable.

"Do you like Mo Zhizi? What exactly is it that you like about her?"

"She’s quite acceptable in all respects," Simon replied, a teasing laugh coloring his tone. "And she’s hardly less attractive than you, is she?"

Qiao Ruoxin’s lips pressed into a thin line. She remained silent, turning to her bodyguard instead. "Let's go."

With that, she turned and walked away.

Simon remained rooted to the spot, his gaze trailing her diminishing figure. His eyes narrowed, the smile vanishing from his handsome features.

He couldn't help but notice that Qiao Ruoxin’s gait seemed more cautious lately; it was peculiar.

It had indeed been an extended period since he last encountered Qiao Ruoxin, and this chance meeting was entirely unexpected.

He mused how wonderful it would be if she would display just a hint of jealousy over him for once… alas, that seemed an impossible dream.

…

Inside the car.

Qiao Ruoxin was ushered into the car by her bodyguard. The moment she settled into her seat, her phone began to ring.

"Miss Qiao, it’s Mr. Mo," the bodyguard announced, handing her the device.

She accepted the call, pressing the phone to her ear. "Mo Chen, brother, is there something you need?"

"Who gave you permission to go looking for her?"

"..."

Qiao Ruoxin glanced up at her bodyguard. It appeared the report had already reached Mo Chen, which wasn't particularly surprising given their loyalty to him.

"I’m fine; I’m on my way back now."

"Have them divert you to my office."

A sense of resignation washed over her, but she still acquiesced. "Alright, I’ll be there shortly."