Chapter 167 It's Not a Discussion, It's a Notification
Alyssa approached Reese with some documents. Noticed her distraction, Alyssa gave her a gentle nudge on the shoulder.
"Lost in thought?"
"It's nothing," Reese said, quickly switching her computer screen to the screensaver.
"Let me tell you a secret — it's Grandpa's birthday tonight, and Everly told me not to tell you. She wants to see you mess up."
Alyssa's voice carried a teasing, almost childlike delight.
Reese maintained her composure, but her mind was elsewhere—piecing together an investigation into whoever had dared to steal such valuable medication. She needed a solid plan.
Anyone bold enough to steal drugs like that must have planned carefully, and without thorough preparation, she'd be risking her own life.
Seeing no reaction from Reese, Alyssa couldn't help but ask, "What's on your mind?"
"Mmhmm, I heard," said Reese, showing little concern. It was Grandpa Flynn's birthday, but she didn't see why that should matter much to her, since he probably wasn't keen on seeing her anyway.
Alyssa couldn't help being taken aback by Reese's nonchalant response. "Could you show a little enthusiasm? It's Grandpa's birthday – it's a big deal in the Flynn family!"
Everly had been preparing for Grandpa's birthday, bright and early. Everyone in the Flynn family was eager to use the occasion to get in his good graces.
Reese should be taking this chance to make a good impression on Grandpa too. It would certainly make her life easier among the Flynns moving forward.
But Alyssa knew Reese wasn't the type to go out of her way to please anyone. A twitch at the corner of her eye revealed her thoughts as she glanced at Reese's stoic face.
In fact, Reese's indifference was something Alyssa secretly admired; she couldn't stand those hypocritically virtuous types.
"Oh, a birthday's a birthday – happens every year," Reese replied indifferently, not batting an eyelid.
Her grandmother celebrated her birthdays with just the two of them, a table full of home-cooked meals, and not much else.
Alyssa felt Reese was missing the point. "It's not just any birthday. Others might keep it simple, but our family's gatherings are a spectacle of deception. You'll see all kinds of fake faces."
"Then it sounds like I'm not missing much. Besides, Malcolm's got it all covered, I'm sure he doesn't need me worrying about it."
"Alright then," Alyssa conceded, not knowing what else to say. Reese wasn't one to fuss over these things.
"You go on and keep busy. I've got work to do," said Reese, who was interrupted by Alyssa before finishing her task.
Alyssa nodded and offered one last reminder. "By the way, the Flynn family relatives are coming over today. Watch your back."
The gossipy aunts were more than Alyssa could handle; she figured Reese, with her sharp tongue, wouldn't take any lectures lying down. It could turn out to be quite the show.
After work, Malcolm called Reese, his voice as gentle as a soft breeze. "Honey, are you done for the day? Let's head home together."
Reese got straight to the point, “Is this call about Grandpa's birthday today?”
"Did Alyssa tell you that?" Malcolm guessed without needing an answer.
"Yes," Reese responded, fingers still tapping away at her keyboard. She had nearly gathered all the information she needed; everything was on track, and today might be a good day to say her goodbyes to Malcolm before setting off.
‘I'll just have Calvin take care of everything later, so we don't tip anyone off to where I am,’ she thought inwardly.
Malcolm was pleasantly surprised at how agreeable Reese seemed today.
"Alright, I'll wait for you at the main entrance."
After hanging up the phone, Reese got ready to leave when Sophia approached her.
"Reese, work's done. Let's head home together."
"I've got a friend waiting for me at the entrance, maybe next time," Reese replied with unusual politeness.
Though Sophia felt a twinge of disappointment, she didn't press the issue. With a forced smile, she conceded, "Okay, then."
After saying goodbye to Sophia, Reese walked out to find Malcolm waiting, with Justin holding the car door open for her.
She bent down and slid into the seat.
Sophia, walking out behind, caught this scene. She didn't recognize Malcolm's car, but there was no mistaking Justin who was always by Mr. Flynn's side.
Could it be that Reese knew Mr. Flynn? Surely not... Sophia's mind raced at the notion of them together.
But she quickly dismissed the thought; Reese's nature was so different from Mr. Flynn's—they were polar opposites.
She could hardly imagine them even holding a conversation. Mr. Flynn was always so stern—her encounters with him had always been distant, his gaze alone was intimidating enough to rattle anyone.
But Reese, she probably could handle him; she had a chill about her too.
Unaware of Sophia witnessing her rendezvous with Malcolm, Reese was deep in thought.
Malcolm gently took her delicate hand in his. Reese seemed unresisting, unusually docile today—as meek as a kitten, with none of her typical fierceness in her eyes.
Reese was aware, just preoccupied with the thought of temporarily leaving soon. She couldn't guarantee a safe return, just as the nature of their missions could brush so closely with danger.
At least Malcolm's fondness for her wasn't overwhelming, and she was clear-headed about her feelings for him. This was Reese's silver lining; she didn't want emotions to tie her down, to hinder her actions.
She wanted to be selfish—to live solely for herself. Overthinking things would only cause pain, especially the suffering of being left behind. After all, the one standing still was always the saddest.
Malcolm whispered, "Honey."
Reese turned around. "Just a heads up, I'll be out of town for a couple of days. Made plans with a friend, so can you cover for me at the office?"
It wasn't a discussion. It was an announcement.
Malcolm frowned. “What’s got into you wanting to travel all of a sudden? I could put my work on hold and join you.”
“No need, it’s all set with my friend, even bought the plane ticket.”
Knowing Malcolm was skeptical, Reese pulled out her phone to show him the confirmation.
Malcolm glanced at Reese and ran his hand through her lush hair, which was soft and supple despite its volume, reminiscent of seaweed.
“You going with a friend, of course I'm worried. My wife is so beautiful, what if some guy tries to sweep you away, or what if you're in danger?"
Reese scoffed in disdain, arrogantly retorting, "Do I look like someone who's afraid of danger? Anyone who tries to harm me is basically running into a bullet."
Malcolm raised an eyebrow. "You really have to go?"
"It's all arranged," she said with irrefutable determination.
"Alright, I'll drive you to the airport then." Malcolm didn't try to stop her; he knew with Reese's temperament, it was futile to even try.
However, he didn't quite buy the travel story. With Reese's elusive and enigmatic ways, this might be the perfect time for him to do some digging into what she was really up to.
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