Chapter 19 Clarinda and Rudolf , representing Clifton Peterson , were placed near the center spot of honor . The cold wind brushed her face , and her nerves slowly calmed . She accepted the scissors handed over by a staff member , focusing on the host's voice . One snip of the ribbon , and she could finally leave . " What an honor that you managed to come despite your busy schedule . Had I known , I would've gone to the airport myself to greet you . Forgive the inadequate welcome . " The director of the Institute led Ambrose to the center seat . " This way , please ." Since taking control of the Langdon family , Ambrose had boldly driven into the medical field . Now he owned not only elite private hospitals but also some of the world's top research institutes and laboratories . Everyone was eager to climb this towering tree . When the Institute sent out the invitation , they had never imagined Ambrose would actually attend . Chapter 19 Hearing those words , Clarinda turned her head slightly and saw the tall man beside her . Her fingers whitened around the scissors . In truth , she didn't even need to look . That faint scent of sandalwood was one she'd known since childhood . Ambrose stepped forward , his voice calm as he responded to the director , " You're too kind . " As he lifted his arm , his elbow brushed against hers , though he acted as if nothing had happened . He didn't spare her a single glance . Still , Clarinda instinctively shifted aside . Rudolf , thinking she disliked being close to a strange man , leaned in with concern . " Do you want to switch places ? " " Yes !" " Her answer was quick and firm . With people moving constantly behind them , Rudolf slipped an arm lightly around her shoulders , guiding her to the other side so no one would bump into her . Chapter 19 Once the ribbon was cut , Clarinda felt an immense weight lift off her chest . The Institute had arranged a luncheon , but she had no desire to stay . After a word with Rudolf , she excused herself with a claim of feeling unwell . Outside the Institute , she stood for a long while without managing to hail a cab . A sharp honk . A sleek black limousine pulled up beside her . Ambrose's assistant stepped out , respectfully opening the back door . " Miss , it's cold out . Let me take you back to the hotel ." She lifted her eyes , and there was Ambrose , seated inside . He wore only a black shirt , the top two buttons undone . Gone was the icy formality of the ceremony ; he looked a touch more relaxed , almost lazy . But only a touch . Seeing her hesitate , Ambrose parted his lips . " Shall I get out and invite you personally ? " The simple words banished her unease , stirring instead a flicker of anger . Her voice was cool . " I wouldn't dare trouble you , Mr. Langdon . " Mr. Langdon . The title drew a clean , sharp line between them . Ambrose's gaze held hers . " Then get in the car . " " No. " His chiseled jaw tilted ever so slightly toward the Institute . " You want the others to come out and see that you know me ? " Clarinda frowned . She bent and climbed in . The motion was quick , as if his words had struck a nerve . No one spoke again . The air in the car grew heavy . When the vehicle turned right at an intersection , Clarinda finally broke the silence . " This isn't the way to the hotel ." " We're going to eat ." Ambrose's voice was flat . Clarinda's temper flared . " Stop the car ." Chapter 19 Derrick didn't stop , only glanced at Ambrose through the rearview mirror , waiting for his signal . When Ambrose remained silent , Clarinda dropped all pretense . She yanked at the door handle , her tone sharp . " You know I won't listen to you . Three years ago , I would've jumped from this car , and I'll do it again now ! " Derrick slammed the brakes on instinct . Even now , the memory of that night haunted him . Ambrose , unfazed , had anticipated it . He leaned forward , gripping her wrist , his voice glacial . " Then whose orders will you follow ? Corby's ? " " I'd rather listen to anyone than you ! " Clarinda tore her wrist free , like a leopard bristling in defense . Ambrose gave a cold laugh . " And who was it that once begged me never to leave her , swearing she'd always do as I said ? " " That was then ! " Clarinda had never lost control like this . Her eyes burned red as she glared at him . " Mr. Langdon , I'm twenty - four , not seven . " " Back then , if you crooked your finger , I would've followed Chapter 19 without a second thought ." The grip on her wrist loosened abruptly . She wrenched the door open and climbed out in one swift motion . She didn't bother hailing another cab . Instead , she stepped onto the sidewalk , letting the freezing wind drench her . She was hoping it would scour away the flood of memories crashing in her mind . The only time she'd felt truly at ease in the Langdon family had been those nine years by Ambrose's side . She had no family of her own , and he had become her family . He had cared for her , raising her from a clueless girl into a young woman . His friends often joked , asking where he'd managed to find such a sweet , obedient little sister . Ambrose would only laugh . " Don't bother trying . She's very naughty !" When she was sixteen , she suffered the second abandonment of her life . The first was her parents ' sudden death , leaving her behind . Chapter 19 The second was when her brother no longer wanted her . For a long time , she was trapped in that cycle of despair , breaking down night after night . What was so wrong with her ? Why did everyone discard her ? That night , she was sent back to Rowena's estate . She was grounded for two days straight . Title: ReelTalk EP 40 - Contract Lovers & Heartbreak CrushReel's ongoing romance series, Miss You After Goodbye, continues to captivate on the latest ReelTalk episode. Haley Lohrli dives into her daring new character, while Ben and Josh share insights into their own memorable roles, promising a blend of laughter and heartwarming moments. Exploring themes of love, loss, and unexpected connections, this episode delves deep into the intricate relationships that drive the narrative forward. As the stars reveal their on-screen chemistry and off-screen camaraderie, viewers are in for a treat with each unfolding scene. What sets this episode apart is its ability to balance humor with poignant storytelling, offering a refreshing take on modern romance dynamics. Dive into the world of Contract Lovers & Heartbreak, available to read at CrushReel for a journey that promises both entertainment and emotional resonance.