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

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 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

"That hurts!" Willow covered her eyes slightly when she clutched her forehead. She peeked at Theodore through her fingers, noticing how his smile had widened.It was a rare sight to see him smiling. As far as Willow could recall, Theodore's demeanor was always icy and unreadable, except when he smiled in such a way that terrified one to the core.Who knew Theodore would be one to tease others?"What? Do you want to pay Linda? I can help you get in touch with her," Theodore said."I'm not the one who instructed her to come here and cook," Willow huffed. "Do you have any idea how awkward it was to have someone come over here without my permission with all sorts of groceries in tow?""I'll inform you beforehand next time.""Next time? Please spare Linda and me, Theodore."Linda, a Master's degree holder in Financial Economics, was reduced to a mere cook. She might not say it out loud, but she must internally hate Willow to the core because of this.Theodore didn't respond. He held

After lunch, Willow poured a cup of tea for Theodore. "This is jasmine tea.""Thank you." Theodore took the cup and looked around Willow's house.It had two bedrooms, a living room, and a kitchen. The house was built specifically for first-time homebuyers. Most people couldn't afford a decent, economically friendly house in Emperia even if they worked all their lives here. It was the city center after all."This house is built in a pretty good location.""Really? I've never done my research on it. But it is pretty convenient around here," Willow answered as she cleared the table. "It's all thanks to my friend for finding this place for me.""That lawyer friend of yours?""Yep."Theodore's brows furrowed lightly as he sunk into thought."Is there anything you need help with here in the house?" he asked."No." Willow shook her head. "I've already cleared everything away.""Good. Come with me to the project site later in the afternoon."Willow was left speechless. She told Th