Chapter 2 Keep Your Distance From Kimberly

"Dr. Lambert?" Kimberly looked surprised before it clicked. "Wait, are you talking about Nigel Lambert?"

"Yes, that's right." Noreen nodded with enthusiasm, her face lively. "Kimberly, Dr. Lambert's medical expertise is remarkable. My brother made significant efforts to bring him here."

"It's really not that big of a deal. He simply owes me a favor."

Harold seemed humble, yet his statement subtly implied his significant clout, carefully avoiding outright bragging.

Then he noticed Erik next to Kimberly for the first time. He gave him a brief look and asked, "Kimberly, who is this?"

At his question, Kimberly's eye twitched.

Even though she had braced herself for it, a small part of her still pushed back with quiet resistance.

Nonetheless, she masked her frustration. A captivating smile quickly graced her perfect features.

She turned to Erik, her voice soft as she made the introduction. "Caden, meet Harold Lawson, the president of Horizon Group, and his sister, Noreen Lawson."

While introducing him, she glanced toward the siblings, her lovely face lit with a gentle mix of bashfulness and warmth. "This is my boyfriend, Caden Smith."

Boyfriend?

The expressions on both Harold and Noreen changed, particularly Harold's.

A cold sparkle appeared in his eyes as he observed Kimberly's tender manner and charming smile.

Having known Kimberly for years, he had never witnessed her being so affectionate with another man.

Despite three years of pursuit, he had never received such a gesture.

It was hard for him to accept that the seemingly awkward, unsophisticated man before him had managed to win Kimberly over.

Damn it! He couldn't believe that this man was genuinely Kimberly's boyfriend.

A thought struck Harold, his expression turning grave as he carefully examined the man before him, his eyes momentarily flashing with menace.

He quickly masked this with a forced smile. "Kimberly, surely this isn't the soldier you mentioned falling for at first sight?"

In the elite circles of Neburgh, Kimberly was well-known.

She was hailed as a business queen, a woman of unmatched prowess, and the aspiration of numerous admirers.

She hadn't even finished college when she stepped in and took control of the failing Bloomvale Group her father left behind.

Within a few years, she had not only revived the company but had also turned it into a celebrated, women-friendly organization.

When people in Neburgh thought of exemplary women, from white-collar workers to wealthy heirs and corporate leaders, they thought of Bloomvale Group.

And when they thought of Bloomvale Group, one name immediately came to mind—Kimberly Fowler.

Her impressive achievements had only enhanced her allure, and almost everyone who met her was fascinated.

She was undeniably beautiful, yet it was the profound, unsettling coldness she harbored that truly fascinated those around her.

Crucially, Kimberly was still unmarried.

Over the years, every potential partner had been dismissed.

The reason?

She claimed to already have a boyfriend.

Kimberly had repeatedly told others they had fallen in love at first sight, though he was a soldier and often absent.

She had used this explanation numerous times.

Yet, those who pursued her recognized the truth—the so-called boyfriend was merely a facade. Just an excuse!

Kimberly had indeed used it as a cover.

It wasn't that she was opposed to marriage—Neburgh and the wider region of Ayille were full of talented men. She was simply selective.

Kimberly was determined not to let her marriage be dictated by business interests. She had pledged to marry only someone she genuinely liked, a man who was responsible and worthy.

Over the years, she had conveniently used the fictional boyfriend as a protective excuse.

However, this excuse was starting to lose its effectiveness.

Initially, it was effective. But as time went on, not only outsiders but even her own family began to doubt it.

Her grandfather, Eduardo Fowler, in particular, whose health was deteriorating, frequently voiced his worries whenever he saw Kimberly.

Therefore, at the urging and clever planning of her best friend, the idea of a temporary boyfriend was conceived.

Unbeknownst to her, the man before her was not Lana's cousin, Caden.

"Yes, Caden left the military and abandoned a promising future to come back home."

In that instant, Kimberly had the look of a young girl caught in the wonder of her very first crush.

She paused briefly before reaching out to hold Erik's right arm.

However, Erik could distinctly sense that her body was rigid and tense.

Despite this, her actions only intensified Harold's resentment.

Next to him, Noreen snapped out of her distraction.

She then gave Erik a thorough look, her face skeptical as she evaluated him like a detective scrutinizing a suspect.

"Wow, really, Kimberly? You still believe in love at first sight in this day and age?" Noreen did not hold back her criticism as she continued, "Forgive my bluntness. This man is a nobody. He can't hold a candle to my brother. You're not serious, are you?"

Erik maintained his smile, his lips curved in amusement, taking her words as if they were compliments.

"Sorry, please don't take my sister's words personally." Harold locked eyes with Erik, then offered a slight smile and extended his hand. "Pleased to meet you. I'm Harold."

Erik pulled his arm free from Kimberly's hold and extended his right hand. "Hello, my name is—"

The words hung there as he froze mid-sentence, caught off guard.

Because Harold had pulled his hand back, leaving Erik reaching for empty air.

But there was more.

Harold aimed a finger at Erik's left shoulder, his grin stretching wider as he said calmly, in an almost friendly tone, "I don't care to learn your name. I'm only here to suggest you keep your distance from Kimberly. If you don't, you'll deeply regret it."

Erik stepped back under the pressure of Harold's finger but kept his smile, saying, "Here's a piece of advice for you as well. Those who have tried to intimidate me have come to regret it."

Then, turning to Kimberly, he said, "Let's leave."

He quickly walked away as if in a hurry to get out of there.

Kimberly looked back at Harold with a sharp glare, feeling slighted, and quickly followed Erik.

It was clear Harold was testing her, sizing up her reaction while deliberately undermining Erik.

He intended for her to witness this.

And Erik—well, beyond all the loud talk, he was nothing more than a coward.

Kimberly was disappointed yet felt somewhat powerless.

Her friend had once mentioned that her cousin wasn't interested in women.

If it weren't for that, Kimberly would have never considered letting him act as her temporary boyfriend.

"That fool is just scared," Noreen said as she watched the two walking ahead. She added, "Harold, you still have a chance. Don't back down."

There was a glint of menace in Harold's eyes, yet his smile only widened as he replied, "And who told you I was backing down?"

After a brief pause, he said, "Let's go, we should head up as well."