Willow successfully ushered Theodore out of the house and toward the alley entrance.She kept talking as they walked. "Actually, Mr. Bassett, I was thinking of arranging another meeting before the project kicks off. It's for—"Her words were abruptly interrupted by a chilly voice. "Mrs. Jett didn't follow us."Willow cleared her throat, attempting to mask her embarrassment. Truth be told, there was no meeting scheduled.Theodore retrieved his phone and called his chauffeur. "I'm at the alley entrance. Come and pick me up."Once he ended the call, Willow swiftly remarked, "Since someone's coming to pick you up, I'll be on my way. I'll catch you in the next meeting, Mr. Bassett."As she prepared to leave, Theodore seized her arm and questioned, "You're the one who dragged me out here, and now you're leaving me alone?"Willow found herself speechless. "That's not what I mean …" "You're looking for some private time, right? Consider your wish granted," Theodore declared.Willow w
Having been with Theodore for a considerable time, Clark could instinctively grasp his intentions. After a brief pause, he asked the most likely question, "Is Ms. Jett thinking about renting an office?"The question received a soft hum of approval from Theodore.Understanding his task, Clark asked, "Got it. Should we lower the rent, Mr. Bassett?""No. Charge it at the market price," Theodore instructed. He knew Willow wasn't one to take advantage of others' generosity. Plus, she wasn't in dire financial straits. In truth, Theodore wouldn't have offered his assistance if he hadn't considered the security concerns in other locations.Meanwhile, Willow had gone to explore the office building the real estate agent recommended."It's a bit run-down, but the rent is reasonable. You know how it goes; you get what you pay for." As the agent showcased the office, Willow glanced around. However, she wasn't particularly impressed with the choice given."It feels a bit gloomy without natural
Willow's messages kept popping up on the screen. "How did you find out where I rented my place? Did Matthew tell you that?"Holding her phone, Joey responded slowly, "I happen to know his friend, so I took a guess."Willow texted back, "Got it. Are you joining us for dinner, then?""Nah, I have a video conference tonight. Maybe next time," Joey replied."Alright." After replying to Joey's message, Willow signaled to the real estate agent to leave the premises."I want you to look for a better office building. It doesn't have to be big, but the surroundings should be favorable," she stated her requirements."No problem," the real estate agent agreed. Meanwhile, back at the apartment, Joey set her phone aside and used the basin to help herself stand up. Gazing at her haggard self in the mirror, she cupped a handful of cold water and splashed it on her face. As she tenderly touched her damp skin, the resolve and kindness in her eyes transformed into self-deprecation.She didn't p
Matthew asked, "Did you call Joey?""I did, but she said she couldn't make it because she needed to work overtime. It's a pity. Joey would've loved to dine at a place like this. She's always been into the arts," said Willow. Matthew's eyes glinted. "Really? I didn't know."Willow said, "Are you kidding? The three of us have known each other for so many years, and you still don't know what Joey is like? Didn't you two work together for some time after graduation?""You misunderstood, Willow. My work interaction with Joey was only as a firm representing her company. We didn't really communicate in our own time because we were both pretty busy.""Then you should contact her more. Both of you are single. Who knows what might blossom?""Willow." Matthew grew stern all of a sudden."I was just joking.""Don't joke about these kinds of things," Matthew said.Willow was taken aback for a moment. "Sorry, Matthew."Matthew's tone softened as if realizing he'd spoken too coldly. It's
Willow went to check out of the hotel first thing after going back to it.She had stayed here for three months since moving out from Strand Villa and the end of the lawsuit. The fees were not cheap. Though Willow had some money now, she still winced when she thought of the bill."Hello, I'd like to check out tomorrow at midday. Could I please have the bill?""Which room are you staying in, miss?""Room 1204.""Ms. Jett, yes? You don't need to pay for your stay in this room."Willow was taken aback. "Has it been paid already?" The receptionist smiled. "Mr. Bassett is one of our hotel's investors."Only then did Willow come to her senses.She returned to her room and lounged on the couch, sighing. She owed Theodore yet another favor now.Willow feared owing favors the most. What could be resolved with money in this world was better settled with it rather than favors, as favors tended to be difficult to return.After some hesitation, Willow still drafted a message to Theodore.
Willow tossed and turned, unable to sleep. All that came to mind when she closed her eyes was her time spent with Theodore. His voice still rang in her ears.Willow couldn't deny the fact that he was quite charming.The next morning, Willow gathered her few belongings and moved to her new place."You can leave those right there, thanks." After sending the movers off, Willow shut the door and stood in the living room, feeling refreshed and alert.The doorbell suddenly rang."Coming!" Willow ran over to open the door, thinking it was a mover who forgot to take their things.But when she opened the door, she saw Clark standing right outside."Mr. Arden, what are you doing here?""Good day, Ms. Jett. Mr. Bassett knew you were moving house today, so he had me bring some daily essentials over." Clark revealed the bag in his hand.Willow was surprised. "Daily necessities?"She glanced at Clark, then at the woman behind him. "And who might this be?"The beautiful young woman was d
Willow was clearing up her luggage in the living room when the sound of a door slamming shut rang out from the kitchen.The sudden noise shocked her. She glanced at the kitchen just in time to see Linda cutting up a fish. With a loud chop, Linda cut the head right off of the fish.Chills ran down Willow's spine as her heart quivered lightly. She quietly looked away.Why did it feel like Willow was the one whose head Linda intended to chop off?Clark picked up Theodore right around the same time. Theodore had an international conference meeting at the National Convention Center earlier in the morning. He was supposed to have lunch with his business partners but had already postponed said lunch."Why did you send Linda to Ms. Jett's house to cook lunch, sir? I'm concerned Ms. Jett won't be able to get along with Linda, especially with how irritated she is. Why didn't you send Dinah to cook instead? She cooks much better than Linda does.""Dinah talks too much." Theodore shot Clar
Willow just so happened to notice. She praised, "You're amazing, Linda.""Thank you. I'm glad you like it." Linda smiled, then said to Theodore, "Please enjoy your meal, Mr. Bassett. I'll be going now.""Don't. Come join us," Willow immediately suggested.But Linda undid her apron without another word and said politely, "Maybe next time. Do let me know if there's anything you don't like about the food. I'll improve further."Linda then left with Clark.Willow tried asking them to stay, but her only response was the door shutting before her eyes.Only Theodore and Willow were left alone in the large house. Awkwardness filled the air."Where's the washroom?" Theodore asked, breaking the silence.Willow pointed to the side. "Right there."As she watched Theodore go, she pulled out a chair and sat down. She felt nervous.Why did she let Theodore into her house just like that? It didn't seem very appropriate.Theodore went to wash his hands. When he returned, he sat down right be