I”m terrified of being alone with Luke now, worried he might discover my secret.I looked at Wendy hopefully, silently begging her to end the call.Luke didn't take long to decide. "I can include her in my morning runs.""Great! I'll leave Jen in your care then!"Me: ...Did they even ask for my opinion before making this decision?Just as I was about to speak, Wendy quickly hung up. "Jen, starting tomorrow, you'll be working out with Luke in the mornings. He's been keeping fit for years! With all those endorphins flowing during exercise, make sure you can control yourself!"Wendy winked at me. "It's okay if you can't hold back. You're both adults, if something happens...""Wendy, can we talk about something else, please?"With Wendy's suggestive comments, an image of a shirtless Luke flashed in my mind.Luke had broad shoulders and a narrow waist, not an ounce of fat on his torso. His six-pack abs were like a washboard, exuding strength, making one want to touch them.The m
"Richard's good performance made his colleagues jealous. A coworker found this video on Richard's computer and asked about its source. Richard was vague. At that time, your photo was on the desk, and he turned it face down. The colleague thought he was trying to hide something. When spreading the video, they told others you were the main character."Wendy had some connections in Johnsonville, so the police didn't hide anything. "Richard tried prevent his colleague from associating it with you. He didn't expect it would backfire and damage your reputation.""So, I should thank him then!" Wendy's beautiful eyes flashed coldly, like a hunter spotting interesting prey. Her expression lightened considerably.Learning that Richard had left the police station after giving his statement, she hung up the phone."My ex-boyfriend turned out to be quite a character."Due to her family background, Wendy preferred simple, straightforward people without ulterior motives.The guys she dated, in
Wendy's gaze quickly scanned her, settling on her wrist. "Do you like bracelets?""No... not really," the receptionist stammered, tugging her sleeve to cover a handmade bracelet on her wrist."That bracelet looks quite old."The receptionist remained silent."Your shoes are well-worn too."Wendy glanced down at the receptionist's feet.The receptionist pulled her feet back slightly. "There are many loan platforms these days. If you were vain, you wouldn't dress like this."Fearing Wendy might notice something, the receptionist unconsciously shrank into herself.It was a form of self-protection."Do you like Richard?"The receptionist maintained her silence."He's just a scumbag! He tricked you into withdrawing the money, taught you to convert it to cash, and handed it over to him for his enjoyment. When things went wrong, he washed his hands clean, leaving you here to take the punishment."Wendy was trying to drive a wedge between the receptionist and Richard. "I've heard p
"Please send me a copy of the surveillance footage, Detective North."Steven was efficient. After hanging up, he sent the video to Wendy's phone.Wendy opened the video, and I leaned in to watch with her.Nancy and Richard didn't arrive at the hotel together. Each time, she would book a room and pay, then Richard would show up with a woman wearing a hat and mask, or wrapped in a scarf."He's booking rooms so frequently. Nancy's salary can't possibly cover all these hotel bills! What kind of leverage does Richard have that makes Nancy willingly do this for him?"Wendy's voice was full of contempt."Steven found out that besides working at the gym, Nancy has two part-time jobs."Nancy was a hard worker. She'd wake up at 4 AM to do work at a butcher shop, then wash dishes at a breakfast restaurant in the morning.She lived frugally, with little desire for luxuries.It was despicable that Richard would take advantage of someone struggling so hard to make ends meet.Wendy had a so
Wendy casually displayed her designer accessories while chatting with the regulars.The women, recognizing quality, noticed Wendy's wealth and accepted her invitation.After finishing their workout and freshening up, Wendy took them to a nearby upscale café she frequented.Wendy placed the menu in front of them, saying, "It's fate that we met. Order whatever you like; it's my treat.""Oh, we couldn't possibly," the regulars said, exchanging glances and politely declining."It's just afternoon tea. Next time, I'll treat you to a shopping spree," Wendy said generously. "I'm treating you today to thank you for posting that video online, exposing how my membership was cancelled without my knowledge. After the story went viral, the police took it seriously and solved the case quickly."In today's social media age, the gym had a reputation in Johnsonville. The news spread rapidly, prompting many members to check their accounts for unauthorized cancellations. Some even cancelled their m
Good thing we had enough information to work with.Steven, being a long-time detective, had many ways to get the information he wanted.We had just left the café when Wendy shared our leads with Steven. He quickly marked two names and sent them to her phone."Steven truly deserves his reputation as Johnsonville's most expensive private detective. In such a short time, he got all of Richard's client information and investigated their backgrounds," Wendy praised Steven. "Once we have solid evidence, let's see how that scumbag tries to weasel out of this!"Wendy sent the hotel surveillance video to both Mrs. Marshalls' phones.The Mrs. Marshalls responded quickly.One replied with "???"The other's response was more agitated - "Where did you get this surveillance footage?"She quickly realized her mistake, deleted the message, and went silent.Wendy looked thoughtful. "Jen, who do you think is in the video?""The second Mrs. Marshall seems more suspicious. Or maybe the first one
"He should face consequences for his actions!" Richard became more anxious hearing Wendy's words. "I'm not pleading for him, I'm just...""Why are you making such a big deal?" Wendy said impatiently. "I'll get a lawyer for your colleague, reach a private settlement, and try to keep him from being charged."Richard: !!Wendy hung up, laughing heartily. "He's no match for me! I'll make him feel under attack from all sides, unable to eat or sleep in peace!"Richard's colleague, after being taken to the police station, had realized he'd been set up. Full of resentment, he definitely wouldn't let Richard off easy once released.Wendy's move was brilliant.When Richard failed to achieve his goal, he called Wendy again about thirty seconds later.Wendy blocked him. "I wonder which Mrs. Marshall will contact me first.""The second one," I said.Judging from their earlier reactions, the second Mrs. Marshall seemed more hot-tempered."The first Mrs. Marshall comes from a middle-class f
”My wonderful Wendy doesn't need her family to arrange a partner for her!" I exclaimed."You've hit the nail on the head!" Wendy raised an eyebrow at me. "When I meet the right person, I'll make the first move myself!""I trust your judgment, Wendy. Go for it!" I encouraged her.As we were chatting, an unknown number called.Wendy's eyes lit up. She cleared her throat and swiped to answer."What do you want?" she asked directly."I'd like to make a deal with you," the caller replied.Wendy had already guessed the caller's identity from their words. She got straight to the point."How much money do you want?""Asking for money would be extortion. Please don't try to trap me, Mrs. Marshall."The caller fell silent. Wendy was very patient, her fingers tapping lightly on the steering wheel.She had leverage over the other party, who couldn't hold out for long and spoke again, "What's your goal?""You get the secret about Nancy from Richard's hands, and I'll send you the video.