Third Person's POV
Richard sat grimly at home, awaiting news. Upon hearing the report, he let out a cold sneer. Could Emily truly betray him?
Evidence suggested she had accessed the files in his office—what did she know, and to what end?
Was someone backing her?
Blake was the only name that came to mind.
Emily was head over heels for him. If Blake promised her something in return, she might very well turn against her adoptive father.
But didn't Blake despise her?
He had uncovered her role in the construction site accident.
How could he forgive such a grave mistake?
If Blake had indeed forgiven her and recruited her for his schemes, he was a far more formidable adversary than Richard had anticipated.
Richard's thoughts soon turned to the photos of him meeting Bianca that had been leaked. Had Emily also been behind those?
If she was working for Blake, could she have followed him when he left home to meet Bianca?
The realization sent a chill down Richard's spine.
In his efforts to infiltrate the Chavez Group, he had failed to notice that Blake had co-opted his own daughter.
If not for his meticulous nature and constant vigilance, he would never have spotted the telltale signs.
Richard's face twisted with rage and betrayal. The thought that his own daughter could turn on him like this was both enraging and heartbreaking.
He resolved to thoroughly test Emily's loyalty. He would not tolerate a time bomb in his midst.
The next day, after work, Leo held back from calling Sunny.
He missed her terribly.
He longed for the warmth of having her at home——commuting together, shopping, and enjoying their private world.
But reclaiming that warmth might take a long time.
Leo sighed, picked up his phone, then put it back down.
Ultimately, he decided to suppress his longing for the time being.
Grabbing his car keys, he left the office.
In the company lobby, Tasha approached him in a hurry. "Boss, are you leaving?" she asked, clutching a stack of books.
Leo glanced at her coolly. "Yes," he replied.
"Um... I didn't drive today. Could you give me a ride home?"
Tasha mustered her courage, aware that opportunities like this were fleeting. If she didn't seize it, she'd have no chance, but if she did...
"Is Sunny at your place?" Leo suddenly turned to her and asked.
Tasha's eyes darted around as she lied, "I'm not sure, but she's been home a lot lately. She seems down and often chats with her mom."
Tasha was clearly lying. She knew that if Sunny were at her place, the chance of Leo giving her a ride home would be much higher.
Leo's eyes narrowed imperceptibly. "Is that so?"
"Boss, did you have a fight with her?"
Leo hadn't announced his breakup with Sunny yet. As far as everyone was concerned, they were still an item.
"I'm on my way to see her. You can come along," Leo said indifferently, more intent on giving himself an excuse to act impulsively than genuinely offering a ride.
Tasha could hardly believe her luck.
"Really? You're actually giving me a ride? I'm so excited!" she exclaimed, her face flushed with joy.
Leo, however, remained aloof. "I'm going to see your sister. I'll drop you off on the way."
"I know, but I'm still thrilled! Boss, you're so nice!" Tasha seized the chance to flatter him.
Leo ignored her and headed straight for his sports car.
Tasha, thrilled to be in Leo's car, felt a surge of pride as envious glances followed them.
She glanced out the car window at the countless envious and jealous glares, her sense of vanity nearly bursting with pride.
But her mood quickly soured at the thought of Sunny basking in such admiration.
"Put on your seatbelt," Leo reminded her coolly.
"Sure!" Tasha was too excited to contain her grin. Riding in her crush's car felt surreal, but it was real—a dream come true.
Leo sped along the highway toward the Lawrence residence.
Tasha, too nervous to speak, sat with sweaty palms.
Leo had no intention of making conversation. At a red light, he stared blankly ahead, lost in thought—likely over Sunny.
"The light's green!" Tasha urgently prompted him, her heart heavy with resentment toward Sunny for causing Leo's apparent distress.
Leo accelerated swiftly.
Unable to contain herself, Tasha asked, "Did you have a fight with my sister?"
"No," Leo curtly replied.