Chapter 31 The Swimming Pool

After Nick retired from the military, he spent half a year at a martial arts gym and had some skills. He stealthily entered the chaotic crowd, kicked the troublemaker in charge, causing the situation to become even more chaotic. The two groups began pushing and shoving each other, and he took the opportunity to snatch the banner and hide it in his coat.
Just five minutes later, police sirens blared at the North Street intersection.
One force could suppress another. Hooligans feared the police the most, so they dispersed in a sec.
Seeing the situation turned upside down, the young men from the news department toughened up, blocking the troublemakers at the door. The police apprehended almost everyone.
Maggie felt as if she's been granted a pardon, her back drenched in cold sweat, and she caught sight of Harold.
He stood under a lush locust tree, surrounded by swirling smoke that engulfs his face. But his deep, enigmatic eyes remain focused on her, not haziness.
This scene made her feel embarrassed, afraid to face him. She hesitated about whether or not to approach him when Tiffany, the top presenter on the network, notified her to go to the small meeting room when possible.
Most likely, the Manager informed the Director.
The Director was not in Washington D.C.; Abby had accompanied him to Bali. Maggie's punishment would be delivered over the phone. The entire network would be notified and criticize her actions.
As media professionals, they understood the power of public opinion the best. Matt orchestrated this farce and managed to suppress it in a timely manner. She wouldn't have her salary deducted, and her appearances would be restricted, showing they are giving her some leniency in handling the matter.
Tiffany was also present at the meeting. She was of great importance. She has Russian blood, with a refined nose and thin lips, exuding elegance.
She graduated from the same prestigious university as Maggie, but four years senior to her.
Knowing that Maggie has been wronged in this matter, Tiffany followed her out and asked, "Didn't expect you and Mr. Williams had such an undignified separation. Are those things on the banner true?"
Maggie stopped in her tracks, her throat choked up, unsure how to evaluate Matt. "No, he was talking nonsense."
Tiffany's balanced voice was soothing. "The self-criticism will be posted on the notice board. I have connections at the police station, and I can help you get a favorable statement to accompany it."
"Thank you, Tiffany."
Tiffany patted her shoulder. "You're still young, so keep your eyes open for the next one – find someone who matches your background and someone who loves you."
Maggie remained silent.
...
The sandstorm was strong with the changing season. Under the scorching sun, it swept across the flat land, causing the surrounding trees to sway and creating a cacophony.
She hurried out and found no one under the tree.
Nick appeared out of nowhere, quietly at her feet. "Mrs. Green."
Maggie's heart tightened. "Where is he?"
He handed her a business card. "The Secretary-General wants you to find him here."
The card only bore an address, indicating a private swimming pool.
A server led her inside the indoor pool area, which was bright and quiet. A giant screen hung on the wall, playing a foreign film, as a silent film.
Maggie followed closely, but her gaze was drawn to the neatly stacked red banners on the side of the pool. She was about to uncover them when the sound of splashing water grew nearer.
"Are you a good swimmer?"
Harold emerged from the azure water, wiping his face. His thick black hair fell smoothly backward, and the waterline ran along the muscles of his tense shoulders and neck.
Sliding, his body tone was the color of wheat honey, exuding a strong and resolute masculinity.
Maggie said she couldn't do it.
"Come down, I'll teach you."
She hesitated, "Is it appropriate? I'm not wearing a swimsuit."
"Yes, of course."
Maggie was relieved that she was wearing a matching set of black lace lingerie today, so she wouldn't be almost naked when wet.
The enclosed venue had heating, and the water temperature was pleasantly cool. She wasn't used to it. "Is the water deep? Is it clean?"
Harold didn't respond, his gaze was burning. Her porcelain-white skin and black lace complemented each other, her figure was curvaceous, and the impact was intense, lingering on the edge of desire.
Just a glance was enough to make him aroused.
Maggie was afraid, feeling awkward as she entered the water. Harold approached her from behind, the water was cold, but his body temperature against her back was scorching hot, making her legs itch.
A few strands of her hair floated on the water's surface. "Do you like swimming?"
"It strengthens the body and clears the mind." He led her deeper into the water and asked, "Did you cleanly break up with your ex-husband?"
Chief Parker of the Municipal Public Security Bureau urgently ordered his subordinates to interrogate those hooligans. Among them, one confessed readily, understanding the leniency granted for confession versus the strictness for resistance. He spilled all of Matt's plans.
Afraid of creating a bad impression by neglecting his duties, Director Harvey made a phone call. Unaware of any relationship between the two, he classified the matter as a divorce dispute caused by love turning into hatred—
Mr. Williams asked his ex-wife to remarry, but she refused. Mr. Williams suspected she was having an affair during their marriage and decided to seek revenge before confirming it.
Harold didn't say a word and hung up the phone.
Maggie panicked at his question. She lost her footing, slipped into the deep water area, and choked on water, her face turning red. When she was pulled up, she clung to him as if he was her lifebuoy.
"We have cleanly broken up... He's heartless and cowardly. He doesn't have the courage to declare that he likes men..."
"What does he like?" Harold narrowed his eyes. Maggie almost whispered in his ear, he could hear it—a man of iron will, adhering to traditional virtues. "Nonsense."
Maggie choked, and changed her words, "We've always had a sham marriage. He has someone else he loves."