Chapter 4 Theresa's Uncle

Once I exited Dylan's apartment, I dialed Theresa's number and shared with her that I had been in Dylan's room when she left his place earlier in the morning.

Theresa expressed her surprise. "You managed to make it?"

I replied with a hint of anticipation, "Not just yet."

Theresa exclaimed excitedly, "Dylan was actually willing to bring you home? That's a sign of significant progress. Miss Garrett, you truly impress me."

I couldn't share in Theresa's joy, so I responded in a serious tone, "Mrs. Hewitt, there is no indication of any woman being involved in your husband's life."

Theresa confidently remarked, "I'm aware. He has no interest in women."

I hailed a taxi and provided the driver with the address of Royalness Winery. I had left my car there the previous night and intended to retrieve it. Once settled in the back seat, I relayed Dylan's words to the driver. "It's not that he lacks interest in women; rather, he chooses not to betray his wife."

Theresa remained silent, absorbing the information without offering a response.

Confused, I inquired, "Are you absolutely certain that you want to proceed with a divorce? I believe you may have misunderstood him. Your husband doesn't strike me as the type to coerce his wife into relinquishing all her marital property."

As I continued to interact with Dylan more frequently, I found myself growing increasingly perplexed as to why Theresa was adamant about divorcing him. Dylan never engaged in extramarital affairs with women. Being wealthy, attractive, and faithful, it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say he was the epitome of a perfect husband in the eyes of many. While he might not have been overly affectionate towards Theresa, he was certainly not indifferent to her. Based on what I had observed thus far, it appeared that Theresa had been making various attempts to manipulate Dylan, while he, on the other hand, showed no intention of causing harm or distress to her.

As I attempted to express further thoughts, Theresa impatiently cautioned me, "Miss Garrett, as an outsider, you are unaware of the intricacies involved. Dylan is not as virtuous as you perceive him to be. As his wife, I possess a deeper understanding of his character. The situation between him and me is unrelated to you. As long as you fulfill your duties competently, I will uphold my end of the bargain and provide you with what I have promised."

Theresa issued her warning and abruptly ended the phone call.

Lost in thought, I absentmindedly fiddled with my phone while gazing out of the window.

After retrieving my car from Royalness Winery, I spent a day at home, taking the time to rest. It wasn't until the second day that I returned to work. As I entered Dylan's office, to my astonishment, he was nowhere to be found. Instead, I noticed a stranger inside, admiring Dylan's pen container, which was a precious antique. Without hesitation, I approached the man and intervened. "Sir, you are not permitted to handle any items in Mr. Hewitt's office without permission."

Upon hearing my words, the man with his back to me paused briefly before resuming his interaction with the pen container. He retorted, "Oh? And who exactly set that rule?"

There was a casual and arrogant tone in his voice.

I carefully observed the man, noting his middle-aged appearance and discerning sense of style. He didn't opt for brand-name attire; instead, his ensemble consisted of handmade garments. The standout piece was his exquisitely crafted brown sheepskin vest, which exuded an air of elegance and sophistication. He possessed long limbs and a well-built physique, with a broad back that showcased his strength. Judging by how he was dressed, I estimated that he might be in his late thirties.

His demeanor and disposition hinted that he was not an ordinary individual.

Devoid of both humility and assertiveness, I calmly stated, "That rule was set by Mr. Hewitt himself."

The man responded in a leisurely manner, "Where is he?"

I inquired, "Did you have an appointment?"

In the next moment, the man turned around, his gaze meeting mine. After a brief pause, he flashed me a smile and queried, "Should I also have to make an appointment?"

The man possessed a pair of piercing eyes. As his gaze bore into me, I couldn't help but feel a sense of unease and intimidation.

Based on the tone of his voice, I inferred that he likely had a formidable background. With that in mind, I promptly adjusted my demeanor, adopting a more gentle approach. "May I ask for your name, please?"

The man carried on fiddling with the antiques on the shelf while posing his question. "Haven't we met before?"

I shook my head and responded truthfully, "I have only been working here for less than a month."

The man took out a book and remarked, "If we happen to meet a few more times in the future, you'll come to know me."

Growing increasingly cautious, I inquired, "May I have the honor of knowing your family name, please?"

"Dylan must have bought this book recently." Disregarding my question, the man proceeded to open the book. "I particularly enjoy the story of Hannibal's rescue of Capua by marching into Rome."

Leaning against the window, he posed a question. "Do you know what the most marvelous part of this story is?"

Baffled, I looked at him with a puzzled expression, unsure of how to respond.

He turned the page leisurely, offering his insight. "The most remarkable aspect is the concept of circumvention. It is wiser to employ strategic maneuvering rather than relying solely on brute force."

I admitted, "I'm not knowledgeable about history."

The man raised an eyebrow, casting an intrigued gaze upon me. "According to your personnel file, it states that you majored in history at a renowned university."

I was taken aback, and a cold sweat enveloped me as I struggled to process the information. It dawned on me that Theresa had deliberately selected a less conspicuous major for my fabricated identity. As Apex Group primarily dealt with financing and real estate, having a history degree would not arouse suspicion and risk exposing my forged diploma. However, I had been careless this time, and my lapse had become evident.

I swallowed nervously, attempting to salvage the situation by hastily interjecting. "I apologize, I must have misheard you earlier. Were you referring to the renowned tale of Hannibal's rescue of Capua? It is indeed a well-known military feat."

The man's smile softened, and he inquired, "So, could you please enlighten me? When did this conflict take place, and who emerged victorious in the end?"

My body tensed up, rendering me unable to utter a single word in response.

The man carefully returned the book to its original position and remarked, "It appears that Mr. Hewitt is unaware that his assistant's resume is fabricated."

Nervously, I fixed my gaze upon him, unsure of how to react in the tense moment.

The man idly toyed with the fringes of the curtains, his fingers tracing the fabric. "Are you curious to know more about me?"

I clenched my teeth, mustering up a forced smile. "I am not familiar with you, and I'm not a threat to you."

I pleaded with him, earnestly requesting that he refrain from interfering with my affairs and refrain from reporting me to anyone.

Despite my plea, the man continued to pay no heed to my words. He said in a half-joking manner, "I happen to be a physiognomist."

I was confused. "Physiognomist?"

He nodded knowingly and stated, "By observing your facial expressions, I can discern that you harbor an ulterior motive, one that you have managed to conceal from Dylan thus far."

I froze in that moment, my mind racing. After taking a deep breath, I regained my composure and responded, "One's educational background does not always determine their abilities and capabilities."

The man smiled knowingly and remarked, "You are quite bold to deceive him."

At that moment, the office door swung open, revealing Dylan as he entered, unbuttoning his suit jacket. He looked at the man and questioned, "Lance, why didn't you inform me beforehand of your visit?"

Lance Cooper, the man who had been present, approached Dylan and explained, "I didn't have anything urgent to discuss. I simply wanted to pay a casual visit."

Dylan removed his suit jacket and draped it over the back of the sofa. "I had an impromptu meeting just a while ago." After making his statement, Dylan glanced in my direction and added, "Mr. Cooper has a fondness for Blue Mountain coffee."

Lost in my thoughts due to the revelation of my secret, I failed to react immediately, appearing absent-minded at that moment.

As he took a seat beside Lance, Dylan reiterated his statement in a deep voice. Finally regaining my focus, I nodded and confirmed, "Yes, Blue Mountain coffee, right?"

Lance remained relaxed and easygoing, responding, "No worries. I'll have whatever you serve."

Reacting quickly, I bowed respectfully and apologized, "Mr. Cooper, I apologize for my oversight. Please allow me a moment to rectify it."

It suddenly dawned on me that the man I had been conversing with was none other than Lance, Theresa's uncle. He was the same person that Dylan had mentioned to his friend yesterday.

I became certain that Lance had no knowledge of the deal between Theresa and me. It was crucial for her to keep it a secret from everyone. However, Lance seemed to have seen through my hidden motives with just a few words. It became evident that he possessed remarkably keen observational skills.

Dylan observed as I made my way to the bar on the other side of the office, while Lance's gaze remained fixed on my departing figure. After a brief moment of silence, Dylan shifted his focus to Lance and flashed him a smile. "Lance, care for a game of Go?"

Lance calmly averted his gaze from me and playfully quipped, "Are you preparing for a challenging endgame, hoping to give me a hard time once more?"

Dylan rose from his seat and retrieved the Go board from the top of the bookshelf. It was a board set up for an endgame. The black and white Go pieces were arranged in a complex pattern, giving the board a profound and intricate appearance.

Dylan placed the Go board on the tea table and reminisced, "Every time I encountered a challenging endgame, you always managed to find a solution in the end."

Lance leisurely unzipped his waistcoat, revealing a beige turtle-necked cashmere shirt underneath. He settled into his seat with a nonchalant air and remarked, "Since you're aware that you can't defeat me, why bother playing with me?"

Dylan locked eyes with Lance and challenged, "Do you think you'll win this time?"

Lance casually flexed his wrists and responded in a confident tone, "You won't be able to defeat me."

Dylan's smile took on a meaningful quality. "Oh? Are you that confident?"

Lance picked up a black stone and held it between his fingers. "If I lacked confidence, I wouldn't have accepted your challenge."

Dylan also selected a white stone and placed it on the board. Lance attentively surveyed the Go board and remarked, "It's a challenging position."

Dylan twirled his stone between his fingers and responded, "I wouldn't have invited you to play with me if it were an ordinary game."

I was taken aback by the revelation that Dylan was not just a casual player but a skilled master of the game of Go. In the business world, it was rare to find individuals like Dylan who possessed both capability and patience. Many people were driven by a desire for quick success and immediate gains, often lacking the foresight and self-control required for long-term success. Dylan, however, exemplified a clear and strategic mindset. He knew when to persevere and when to relinquish, understanding the delicate balance of human nature. It was this remarkable ability to navigate temptation with unwavering self-control that set him apart.

Lance was determined to find a solution to overcome the tight spot on the Go board. "You got your eyes on Horizon Corporation."

Placing a white stone at the intersection, Dylan confidently declared, "I've been plotting to take over Horizon Corporation for a while now. With Brayan Duffy's mismanagement, the company is on the brink of bankruptcy. It's a perfect opportunity for me. I can't afford to miss it."

Lance skillfully captured the white stone, which had been surrounded by four black stones. With a determined gaze, he declared, "You're not the only one vying to claim this as your own."

Despite being at a disadvantage, Dylan maintained a calm demeanor. "Well then, let's see who can seize it."

Lance calmly lit a cigarette, filling the office with a thin haze of smoke. The closed window prevented any breeze from disturbing the tranquil atmosphere as the smoke spiraled upward, gradually dissipating into the air.

Positioned discreetly behind the bar, I clandestinely observed the unfolding scene, recognizing Lance as a shrewd individual.

He made no effort to conceal his strength and ambition, displaying them openly for all to see.

While leisurely puffing on his cigarette, Lance made a mere three strategic moves, successfully cornering Dylan's white stones.

With a white stone held in his hand, Dylan hesitated, uncertain about his next move. He let out a helpless sigh and said, "Lance, won't you leave me a way out?"

Lance casually rested his arm on the sofa's armrest and replied in a relaxed tone, "It's a game. We must compete and see who comes out on top."

Dylan surveyed the dire situation on the Go board and remarked, "You always strike with hidden tactics, never showing mercy."

Just when Lance anticipated Dylan's impending surrender, Dylan unexpectedly placed a white stone in an inconspicuous corner of the Go board, completely turning the tide of the game. Dylan calmly reached for a tissue and meticulously wiped his hands. "This time, we're evenly matched."

Lance found it hard to believe that Dylan could reverse the situation. After all, the black stones seemed to have dominated the Go board. However, the corner he had neglected had given Dylan an opportunity to turn the tables. Lance extinguished his cigarette and remarked, "I heard there was some animosity between you and Brayan."

"No." Dylan organized the chess pieces thoughtfully and replied, "The acquisition of Horizon Corporation is simply a typical business competition. Personal emotions should not come into play in the realm of business. I will acquire any company that proves beneficial to me, regardless of who its boss may be."

Lance's gaze turned cold, yet he maintained his composure. "Dylan, your enterprising spirit is something I admire the most about you."

Approaching with a tray of coffee, I handed Lance his cup first and said, "Mr. Cooper, here's your Blue Mountain coffee."

Setting down the tray, I placed Dylan's coffee on the table as well. "Mr. Hewitt, here is your Geisha coffee."

Dylan gave a nod and said, "You are free to go."

I dutifully responded, "Certainly. Please do not hesitate to contact me if there is anything you require."

As I was preparing to leave, I inadvertently caught a glimpse of Lance's gaze. I could tell that he was different from Dylan. Dylan possessed an introverted and enigmatic nature, rendering him a mystery that was difficult to unravel. In contrast, Lance emanated a distinct aura, openly displaying his astuteness and perceptiveness without any pretense.

At that moment, I experienced a sensation akin to being the prey of a proficient hunter, causing me to momentarily freeze in place.

"Miss, do you possess the skill to play Go?" Lance inquired.

Uncertain of his motives, I responded truthfully, "No, I do not."

Lance gestured towards the Go board and remarked, "I have successfully encircled and subdued the white stones. Dylan chose not to engage me directly but instead launched an attack from a different angle, resulting in a division of my forces. Ultimately, the game concluded in a stalemate. What does this scenario bring to your mind?"

After contemplating for a moment, I cautiously replied, "The mouse that has but one hole is quickly taken?"

"There is a more fitting analogy to describe the situation," Lance asserted. Lance remarked with a subtle smile, "Hannibal's rescue of Capua."

My heart nearly leaped out of my chest in anticipation, but thankfully, Lance chose not to elaborate further. He simply chuckled to himself while I silently withdrew to the side, allowing the matter to settle.

Dylan, perceiving the distinct atmosphere between Lance and me, chose not to address it directly. He shifted his attention to the coffee and said, "Lance, I happened to be at the golf course in Skiyton where you played last week as well."

Lance lifted his cup and inhaled the aroma of the coffee, his gaze fixed on Dylan. "I noticed your presence."

Dylan complimented, "Your golf skills have shown remarkable improvement."

Lance's expression grew enigmatic as he replied, "I may not be inclined to participate in such activities as much as you, but when it comes to matters of personal gain, sometimes I find it necessary to do so."

Dylan proceeded, "Horizon Corporation is burdened with debts amounting to hundreds of millions. Only Apex Group has the capability to fill that void."

Lance calmly took a sip of his coffee and uttered, "I am capable of shouldering that burden."

Dylan gently traced the rim of his cup as he voiced his concern. "For your company to function smoothly, it requires a sufficient flow of capital. If you were to invest several hundred million dollars into Horizon Corporation, how do you intend to sustain the normal operation of your own capital chain?"

Setting his coffee aside, Lance responded, "That is a matter for later. At this moment, my focus lies solely on the present."

Dylan remained silent.

Lance inquired, "When do you plan on having a child with Theresa?"

Dylan replied, "There's no rush. We'll let things unfold naturally."

Lance tapped the desk impatiently and remarked, "You two don't even live together. A child won't magically appear out of nowhere. What are your thoughts on the matter?"

Dylan paused, seeking clarification. "What do you mean?"

They exchanged calm gazes, yet beneath the surface, I sensed a subtle undercurrent of nervous tension between them.

Wearing a gentle smile, Lance remarked, "It's nothing. I merely wanted to remind you of this." He rose from his seat and affectionately patted Dylan on the shoulder. "Since I don't have a child of my own, I eagerly anticipate the arrival of yours."

Lance then focused his gaze on me, causing a wave of uneasiness to wash over me. Thankfully, he refrained from uttering any more startling remarks. Instead, he bid farewell to Dylan in a simple manner.

Dylan also stood up and said, "I'll walk you to the door."

As they reached the door, Lance abruptly halted in his tracks. He turned his head towards Dylan, as if contemplating how to articulate his thoughts. "Dylan, regarding your assistant..." he began, but hesitated, seemingly weighing his words carefully. Anxiety washed over me; I feared that he might expose the lie I had concocted. I held my breath, paralyzed with fear.

Dylan furrowed his brows, displaying a hint of concern as he awaited Lance's continuation.

After a brief pause, Lance's smile reappeared. "She complements you quite perfectly."

Curiosity evident in his voice, Dylan inquired, "Oh? What makes you say that?"

Lance responded, "Similar to you, she possesses a skill for handling various situations adeptly."

Dylan shifted his gaze towards me and remarked, "It seems like you've made quite an impression on Mr. Cooper."

Exhaling a relieved sigh, I responded with respect, "Thank you, Mr. Cooper."

Once Lance left, Dylan made his way back to his office. As he settled into his chair, a stoic expression adorned his face, leaving me uncertain whether he was experiencing contentment or anger.

I cautiously inquired, "Dylan, did Lance make any threats towards you?"

Recognizing the delicate nature of prying into someone's secrets, I acknowledged that delving too deeply could potentially cause offense and trigger defensiveness. Dylan lifted his head and directed his gaze towards me, his eyes meeting mine.

I maintained a composed demeanor as I continued, "He alluded to a potential threat, suggesting that you should abandon the acquisition of Horizon Corporation due to your marital separation."

Dylan narrowed his eyes in contemplation, choosing to remain silent for the time being.

Throughout my endeavors, I had successfully ensnared countless prey within my trap, but Dylan proved to be an exception. He resisted the allure of both the enticing rewards and the menacing consequences I had presented.

Realizing the need for a different approach, I resolved to alter my strategy. While Theresa exhibited patience, my own impatience grew more prominent.

Recognizing that a direct approach would yield the fastest progress, I decided to abandon pretenses. Since I had personally witnessed their separation, it felt hypocritical to continue feigning ignorance. If I didn't expose Dylan's facade, he would likely never remove it on his own. When he donned the mask of a gentleman, how could he allow himself to descend into darkness without intervention?

Leaning forward, I rested my chin on my hand and narrowed my eyes slightly. "Dylan, you lied to me. It's evident that you and Mrs. Hewitt have a strained relationship. It appears that you are staying in this marriage for practical reasons rather than genuine compatibility. You fear the potential fallout of a publicized marriage dissolution and losing the support of public opinion. That's why you exhibit great self-discipline when it comes to sexual relationships. You distance yourself from women in order to maintain a pristine public image."

He fixed me with a meaningful stare, evidently becoming defensive. "The dynamics between my wife and me are not as complex as you assume."

Undeterred, I pressed on. "The fact that you and your wife live separately speaks volumes. Couples who enjoy a harmonious relationship typically don't choose to live apart."

"The quality of a marriage is not solely determined by the amount of time spent together, but rather by the compatibility of our lifestyles and mutual acceptance." Dylan interjected, halting my assumptions. "My wife is sensitive to the smell of smoke, and she finds my social engagements at night challenging. Our separation allows us both to have more freedom and a greater sense of comfort."

Despite my efforts to elucidate the situation, Dylan continued to portray himself as a devoted husband. His explanation was impeccable, leaving me without any solid grounds for rebuttal. Indeed, Dylan possessed a remarkable eloquence.

Nevertheless, I remained persistent in my argument. "However, a wife needs her husband's company. After all, physiological desires are innate instincts that cannot be easily ignored."

Dylan lit another cigarette, exhaling a plume of smoke before responding. "You are too curious for your own good."

The smoke clouded my vision, making it difficult to discern Dylan's expression clearly. "I can keep a secret."

Dylan placed the cigarette aside, his fingers gently caressing the wedding ring adorning his finger. "What secret?"

Leaning closer to his ear, I spoke in a hushed tone, and he inclined his head to listen. "If you have a lover, I can keep your secret."

He remained silent for a moment, and then a chuckle escaped his lips.

Confused by his response, I blinked, trying to comprehend his intentions. "Do you want that?"

Dylan retrieved the cigarette, drawing a long drag from it before exhaling slowly. "I don't have the spare energy to ponder on such matters."

Probing further, I asked, "Is it that you truly lack the energy, or is it that you simply don't desire it?"

Dylan remained silent, blowing a perfect ring of blue smoke into the air.

I delicately hooked my little finger around his sleeve and softly whispered, "If you truly desire it, rest assured, I will keep your secret confidential."

Dylan's smile appeared. "Is that so?"

"Even though Mrs. Hewitt recommended me to Apex Group, it was ultimately your choice to retain me. In the corporate hierarchy, it's unlikely that employees would defy the boss' wishes just to please the HR manager," I pointed out.

Dylan found amusement in my words and chuckled. "You are perceptive," he complimented, acknowledging my astuteness.

I bit my lower lip and said, "You are the boss. As long as you are happy, I am willing to do whatever it takes."

Observing me intently, Dylan remained silent for a moment. He then reached for the telephone on the table, dialing a number with a deliberate motion. As the call connected, I faintly heard a man's voice from the other end of the line. Dylan issued a command, his tone firm and determined. "Initiate an investigation into Lance Cooper."

The man on the other end of the line seemed to ask something. Dylan said, "I want to know the account capital of his company and whom he cooperates with in recent projects. I want the real information. And make sure not to alert him in any way."

With his instructions conveyed, Dylan concluded the call.

As I prepared a pot of coffee and placed it on Dylan's desk, he focused on browsing a website on his computer. Abruptly, his gaze shifted towards me, and he instructed, "Please remove your stuff. It's located in the last drawer on the left."

Adhering to his directive, I followed Dylan's instructions, opening the designated drawer. Inside, I discovered a white plastic bag containing a familiar item. It was the button that had been torn off my shirt during the day I had attempted to seduce him in this very office.

A sense of quiet satisfaction washed over me. The fact that Dylan had kept the button instead of discarding it seemed to indicate that he harbored no animosity towards me. I recognized the characteristic traits of ambitious men at the pinnacle of power. Their focus was often directed towards their goals, and they wouldn't invest their energy in someone they had no interest in. Knowing that Dylan didn't hold any animosity towards me filled me with much confidence. I believed that with time and patience, I would eventually succeed in captivating him. Clutching the button tightly in my hand, I realized that the moment had arrived to deploy my secret weapon. With a determined resolve, I addressed Dylan, asserting. "Dylan, there is still something you owe me."

Moving with a calculated grace, I approached Dylan, deliberately brushing against the edge of the table as I closed the distance between us. My fingers lightly grazed the collar of his shirt, and in a seductive tone, I revealed, "When I quickly left your apartment that day, I accidentally left behind my lace bra in the guest room."

In a bold move, I encircled my arms around Dylan's neck, attempting to slide my hands into the opening of his collar. With a hint of mischief in my voice, I inquired, "Did you happen to stumble upon it?"

As Dylan gently pushed my hand away and created a physical distance between us, I respected his boundaries and refrained from any further advances. Instead, I maintained direct eye contact, conveying a mixture of curiosity and intrigue.

"You can pick it up when you have time."

Seizing the opportunity, I promptly replied, "I happen to be available tonight."

Dylan gently pushed me away, creating more distance between us. Firmly, he responded, "I'm not available tonight. Come during the daytime."