Chapter 145 A Tour-de-Force Performance
Justin seemed to suddenly grasp something. "You mean Reese might have disguised herself on purpose, Mr. Flynn?"
"It's a possibility we can't dismiss."
"But... it doesn't add up, the woman in the surveillance doesn't quite match Reese. Aside from their build and height, even their aura is different."
He initially thought the figure he saw was Reese, but upon closer inspection, there were noticeable differences.
Malcolm's eyes were deep as he propped his chin in thought before speaking.
"I didn't want to believe it at first, but she's surprised me so many times that I now think there's nothing she can't do if she puts her mind to it."
Justin nodded. "Well, if you're uncertain, Mr. Flynn, I better look into this."
"Yes, track her movements first." If Reese did show up here, that would settle it – no need for further investigation.
"So, do we head back to the office now?"
"No, back to the Flynn residence." He needed to be home waiting for his darling wife to return.
After leaving, Reese met up with Calvin. By the time she got into the car, she was drenched in sweat, her cheeks flushed, and the regal demeanor she had earlier was nowhere to be seen.
Calvin could hardly believe his eyes and couldn't resist a bit of schadenfreude.
"Reese, you look as though you've been through the wringer; I've never seen you quite like this."
Reese removed her hat, sighing deeply.
"All thanks to Malcolm. The kid is smart. If it weren't for my training, he would've caught me."
Curious, Calvin asked, "You didn't really run down the stairs, did you? We're talking over ten stories."
"I jumped down the railings, nearly did myself in."
She fanned herself with her hat, the heat making her irritable.
Calvin had witnessed Reese perform this feat before – a last-ditch move from the old days, and he found it increasingly entertaining.
"Your husband must be the second person to push you to this extreme, huh?"
"What can I do when we're skulking around guilty as thieves? Quit the chatter and make sure the rest is taken care of. Don't give him anything to catch us with."
Otherwise, all her effort would go to waste.
Casually, Calvin assured her, "Don't worry. This isn't my first rodeo, Reese. I'll make sure he won't find a thing."
Reese smacked the back of Calvin's head with her hat.
"Better not underestimate him. Malcolm’s insights are sharp. Don't get it twisted – if he gets even a sliver of evidence, he'll unravel everything from the ground up."
Before marrying into the Flynn family, she had thoroughly researched Malcolm through various channels. He was more than met the eye, possessing a terrifyingly meticulous mind and exceptional cognitive abilities. She understood the need to be cautious upon her return, ensuring he wouldn't uncover anything.
Calvin nodded in understanding. "I got it, Reese. Don't worry. But you guys—it's kind of like a game of cat and mouse."
The chase has had its amusing moments.
Reese, aware that Calvin could talk your ear off, had no intention of wasting any more time with him.
"The contract's all signed. Just follow my lead on the next steps. Drop me off at my apartment first; I need to freshen up before heading back. Can you concoct a fake alibi for me? He's sure to verify where I've been."
"Don't worry, I've got everything prepared."
Calvin had long since taken care of such matters. Waiting until an issue arose would just give Malcolm enough time to uncover the truth.
Reese relaxed, reassured by Calvin's foresight. He dropped her off at the nearest apartment. She had residences scattered throughout the city—from the upscale districts to the humble towns, even abroad.
Wherever she went, lodging was never an issue. Furthermore, the Reeses had a penchant for buying properties and customizing them to their taste. Each residence had a unique interior design that felt refreshingly different.
After changing back into the outfit she wore earlier that day, Reese drove back to the Flynn estate in the car Malcolm had rewarded her with at the company.
Upon arrival, she sighed dramatically.
"Shopping can be a killer. I should have had Justin join me to help carry bags."
Malcolm glanced up from his phone, which displayed his credit card's recent transactions, his eyebrows raised with surprised intrigue.
"You went shopping?"
"Yeah. Sophia said I always wear the same outfits and insisted I buy some new things. And you’ve seen the clothes I brought from the countryside, right? A bit old-fashioned. I was afraid of being laughed at by the co-workers at your company."
Reese's radiant face beamed with the thrill of her shopping spree as she eagerly showcased her new attire against her figure.
"Isn't this skirt cute? It's a tad short, but it does make my legs look longer."
"And this one—a French vintage-style dress. It's all the rage this year. Saw a lot of stylish gals rocking it on the streets."
Reese seemed totally absorbed in her latest acquisitions.
Then, as if something suddenly came to mind, she added, "Oh, and you got the notification for the charge, right?"
Malcolm simply nodded, unfazed.
"I got it."
A smile graced Reese's lips. Seeing her this cheerful was rare. "That's good to hear."
Malcolm rose and sidled up to her, taking in her scent with a soft breath at the nape of her neck.
"Smells nice."
"I even hit up a hot spring today, my first time. It was pretty good, but a bit on the pricey side."
Reese's reply was smooth and her expression convincingly genuine; you wouldn't suspect a thing.
Malcolm nodded in thought. "Hmm... a trip to the hot springs, huh? My wife's been in high spirits today, what with the shopping spree and all."
Reese's smile was as bright as her pearly whites. "You think I forgot about you? Don't worry, I picked up something for you too."
"Shall we head to the room to check it out?" He wrapped an arm around her waist and inhaled deeply at her neck.
Reese tensed up, her smile vanishing in an instant.
What was he smelling, anyway? She couldn't recall applying any perfume before leaving. Maybe he was just bluffing.
"His few words weren't enough to rattle her. She was mentally tough, although Malcolm did exert more pressure on her than the average person. His gaze was particularly piercing
As soon as Malcolm stepped back, Reese's smile returned.
"Let's go; I could use some sleep myself. My feet are killing me."
They went upstairs, and as they climbed the stairs, Malcolm glanced at Reese.
"Honey, don't you just feel like leaping over this banister sometimes?"