"He made that decision with Joey because of the company. I'm part of the company, so my apology is just from me personally.""Since he's helped me before, I'll let this slide. But I hope Luke only compromises this once. If there's a next time, I might not be so understanding.""As his secretary, I'll make sure to convey your words to him accurately, Wendy."With the air cleared, I felt somewhat relieved.That night, unable to sleep and not wanting to disturb Wendy, I lay on my side. Scenes of my interactions with Luke flashed through my mind like a silent movie.His presence always stirred my emotions. If this continued, I feared I might reveal my deepest secret to him.He was my father's student who, out of respect for old ties, had assisted me after my parents' death.I was aware of the gap between us, yet I had developed feelings I shouldn't have. He had someone he wanted to protect, and I couldn't burden him with my emotions. Resigning seemed like the best solution.This wa
Luke must be overwhelmed with dealing with this mess, and as his assistant, I was completely unaware of it."Joey's gone crazy! She's dragging others down with her!" Wendy exclaimed."She..." She's always been crazy. She's been on medication for years.Remembering my promise to Stephen to keep quiet, I paused before saying, "Luke wouldn't have initiated this deal. Joey must have planned it."I had suspected this earlier, but after reading the report, I became even more convinced."Do you really have that much faith in Luke?" Wendy asked."Don't you trust your own judgment, Wendy?"With her extensive work experience, Wendy saw things more clearly than I did. Although we didn't know all the details, she had likely figured out the general idea."Joey is playing a dangerous game," Wendy glanced at the gifts Mrs. Walker had just sent over. "Stephen must have played a significant role in convincing Luke to agree to Joey's deal.""Stephen is Luke's friend. He wouldn't help Joey set L
"Wendy...""Jen, I understand everything you want to say," Wendy continued getting ready. "For him, as long as it wasn't Sarah's three kids who hired someone to kidnap me, he won't care too much."Henry was concerned about the potential family conflicts that could lead to a chain reaction affecting the company.Understanding the meaning behind Wendy's words, I stopped trying to comfort her.When I emerged from the bathroom dressed, Wendy was also ready."You're leaving the hospital too?" I asked."Without you here, I'd be bored to death alone," she replied."But what about your injury?" I inquired."Our injuries are about the same. If you can leave, why can't I?" Wendy quickly packed her things. "I've called a car. It'll be here in five minutes. Hurry up, I'll drop you off at the office.""Okay."Unaware of the situation at the office, I didn't want to bother Brian or Zac. I went downstairs with Wendy, carrying my belongings.With time running short, I left a note for Marian
Brian answered the call, and Luke had instructed that the police could be brought up directly."I'm Jen Middleton, Mr. Walker's assistant and a victim of the kidnapping. I'll escort you up," I offered.In the elevator, I wanted to ask about the progress of the investigation but feared causing trouble for Luke.Brian was waiting at the elevator. When he saw me, a flicker of something passed through his eyes before he composed himself."Mr. Walker is in a meeting. Jen, please show the officers to the reception room.""Of course."After serving tea to the officers, Luke entered. His face was calm as he glanced at my wrist."Is your wound feeling any better today?""Thank you for asking, Mr. Walker. It's much improved."The pain was manageable, although any movement still hurt."Hello, we're from Johnsonville City Police Station," one officer said, showing his badge. "We need your cooperation with our investigation.""Certainly," Luke sat down, gesturing for them to do the same.
"A supplementary agreement?""Yes. Regarding the evidence Joey mentioned, I've never seen it," Luke said, placing the file back in front of the questioning officer. "You can have a professional lawyer analyze the contract terms in detail.""Did the suspect, Joey, ever mention this evidence to you?""She did.""And what about the evidence?""You'll have to ask Joey about that."Realizing they wouldn't get any more information from Luke, the officer said, "Thank you for your cooperation, Mr. Walker. We'll contact you if we need anything else.""Very well."Luke remained seated, taking a sip of his coffee.After escorting the officers out, I returned to find Luke leaving the meeting room."Mr. Walker, what's the story with this contract?"Last night, Luke had told me he made a deal with Joey. When the police produced the contract, my heart nearly stopped."Joey paid the kidnappers in cash. The day she snuck out of the hospital, she had everything planned. She went home first t
Luke, noticing my confusion, explained, "Before I handed the evidence to the police, Stephen came to me. He said he'd secured crucial evidence before Joey could destroy it. When Joey couldn't find the burner phone she'd used, she panicked. While searching, she learned I'd been to her hospital room and assumed I'd taken it.""At first, when Stephen told me this, I thought it was a coincidence. Now I realize that when she called to invite me to her room, she had already set the stage, placing the evidence right under my nose for me to find.""I had an important call come in, so I answered while entering her room. Seeing she wasn't there, I left. By chance, the evidence fell into Stephen's hands. Knowing the kidnapping case would eventually lead to Joey, and not wanting her to get in trouble, Stephen came to me about the evidence.""Stephen is so devoted to Joey!" I exclaimed, thinking Stephen must owe Joey a huge debt to be so loyal.This incident had lowered my opinion of Stephen.
Caught under my intense gaze, a faint blush spread across his face. He cleared his throat softly, his hand covering his mouth. "If you keep looking at me like that, I might not be able to handle it."Snapping back to reality, I suddenly remembered what I had just done. My face instantly felt hot, and I squirmed uncomfortably, not noticing Luke's reaction or words.I quickly stood up, searching for an excuse to leave."When I suggested this approach, Stephen remained silent. Now it seems he followed my lead. Joey always trusted him, thinking he'd help her unconditionally if she brought up their past. This time, Stephen finally showed some sense."Luke's words stopped me in my tracks."So that's the whole truth. Mr. Walker didn't make any deals with Joey. Once everything's cleared up, there should be no impact on the company."Hanque had just launched a popular new model, and their reputation was on the rise. We couldn't let all of that go to waste."Some things are hard to prove.
I'm finding it hard to keep my emotions in check. It's only a matter of time before I spill what's on my mind.After a prolonged silence from me, Wendy called out, "Honey?""Luke didn't make a deal with Joey," I said.I headed to the pantry and poured myself a glass of water."If Luke didn't make any deal with Joey, then what she's doing is pure slander. By now, Luke must have gathered enough evidence and is prepared to confront this head-on," Wendy theorized, basing her prediction on the assumption that Luke had made a deal with Joey. "Cases that are straightforward with clear facts and of public interest tend to be resolved much quicker. But more than the case itself, I'm curious about what Luke told you yesterday afternoon."I gave Wendy a brief overview of the situation."Classic Luke," Wendy said, impressed. "He's a master at playing along and turning the tables! He's much smarter than that so-called undefeatable lawyer who's just being led around by a woman.""Stephen know