Chapter 221 Playing Along
In the solitude of the restroom, Reese was seized by panic. She hadn't anticipated Malcolm's determination to pursue his inquiry, and now she found herself hurriedly dialing Calvin's number to orchestrate a convincing cover story. Relief washed over her as he picked up instantly."Reese, what's happening? Have you left? Is Malcolm growing suspicious?" Calvin queried without preamble."Enough with the small talk," Reese cut him off sharply. "Listen, call the CEO of Prospera Ventures and tell him I'm managing their PR. It'll provide us with a cover if Malcolm starts snooping too much. He's already there."Caught off guard, Calvin swore under his breath, "What's going on? Why is Malcolm at Prospera? Does he suspect something?""Wouldn't it be clear if he was there for any other reason?" Reese shot back. "He's there to uncover the truth.""But why did you agree to it?"She resisted the urge to berate Calvin for his obtuseness. "What other option did I have? If I'd declined, it would've only aroused his suspicion further. I can't have him surveilling me constantly. The best strategy is to dispel his doubts."Calvin finally grasped the situation, "Alright, I'll get someone to talk to him about it.""Make it quick and discreet," Reese instructed."Understood, Reese."After ending the call, she swiftly erased the call log and tucked her phone away. After a quick appraisal in the mirror, she raised her eyebrows and, with a confident smile, she exited the restroom.Outside, Malcolm and Justin were waiting. When Reese appeared, her radiance was more pronounced than before—a stark contrast to her earlier state, leaving Justin practically speechless."What's with Reese? Why does she look so radiant after just stepping in there?"Malcolm's lips twitched into a knowing smile. He had a hunch she'd sought reinforcements. Regardless, he meant no harm, but he understood his wife's pride was a force to be reckoned with. Challenging her directly at this moment could be too much for her.But that was fine. If it was a path she wanted to tread, he would support her every step of the way.Reese approached him, "Let's head up."Malcolm gestured towards Justin, "Hit the elevator button."As Justin scurried to press the elevator button, Malcolm stood shoulder to shoulder with Reese. Despite their height difference, they exuded an undeniable charisma that commanded attention wherever they went.From his vantage point, Justin was increasingly convinced that these two were a perfect match.He discreetly took out his smartphone to capture a photo of them, and with each glance at the picture, they appeared even more striking together.Both Reese and Malcolm were oblivious, each lost in their thoughts. Reese was strategizing on how to convince Malcolm, while he was contemplating how to surprise her—keeping it a secret, of course, or it wouldn't be a surprise at all.When the elevator doors slid open, they walked into Adam’s office unimpeded—no one would dare obstruct Malcolm, a renowned figure in Atlanta. Furthermore, the company was still in its infancy; they couldn't risk offending an industry titan.As they approached the door, the assistant happened to walk out."Mr. Flynn.""Mr. Adam's inside, isn’t he?" Malcolm's gaze on the assistant suggested he was already aware they were expecting him.Feigning ignorance, Malcolm walked in.The assistant gave a subtle nod, "Mr. Adam is inside. Please go in, and I'll prepare some coffee for you."Upon entering, Adam's initial surprise at seeing Malcolm quickly morphed into warmth."Mr. Flynn, what brings you here?"Despite it being their first meeting, they interacted as if they'd known each other for years, with no hint of awkwardness."Just here to discuss some business with Mr. Adam," Malcolm replied.As Adam's gaze landed on Reese, he seemed puzzled. "Reese, why are you here with Mr. Flynn? Didn't I instruct you to head straight to payroll after you were done? There was no need for you to come by."Reese offered a gentle smile, devoid of her usual aloofness. In that moment, she was the embodiment of a humble employee."Mr. Adam, I bumped into Mr. Flynn at the event, so we came over together," she explained.Malcolm introduced her with an air of casual revelation. "Mr. Adam, allow me to introduce her. This is my Reese, Reese."Adam was visibly taken aback, his face a blend of disbelief as he turned to Malcolm and Reese. "Your Reese? But, Mr. Flynn, you must be joking. If she's truly the leading lady of the Flynn Group, why would she be working part-time for me?"The Flynn Group was a titan in the industry. Not just any Reese could shake its foundations; they could support a hundred like her without breaking a sweat. Adam had received instructions to guard Reese’s secret well, but he was clueless that she was Malcolm's Reese. The revelation had caught him off guard.With a fond look at Reese, Malcolm quipped, "She wanted to gain some experience on her own. I only just ran into her at the event. It seems she was trying to keep it a secret from me."Though his words held a hint of complaint, Malcolm's eyes held nothing but pure affection for Reese. Anyone who saw would likely be green with envy.After exiting the door, she briefly showed up at payroll. Malcolm had certainly taken her by surprise today, and she was still trying to catch her breath.Understandingly, Adam said, "That's fine. It’s commendable that Reese wants to gain experience. She's nothing like those heiresses who know only leisure—a true testament to Mr. Flynn's discernment."Pride flickered across Malcolm's handsome features, radiating a vibe of 'that's right, my wife is that incredible, that independent.'He then addressed Reese, "Why don't you go pick up your paycheck from payroll, and I'll have a word with Mr. Adam?"A flicker of nervousness passed through Reese—she was tempted to question their brief acquaintance and what they could possibly discuss. Yet, given the day's events, she held her tongue.With a subtle nod, she agreed, "Alright, have your conversation."After slipping out the door, she made a token appearance at payroll. All the arrangements had been made, and playing her part convincingly was part of the plan.In the office, only Malcolm and Adam remained, and Adam took the opportunity to ask frankly."I'm not sure what Mr. Flynn wanted to see me about today. Now that it's just the two of us, we can speak freely."
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