Chapter 26 The Woman Who Bolted
Things got a bit rowdy when Calvin stood up, catching Justin's eye.
"Mr. Flynn, that chick over there kinda looks like Mrs. Flynn."
Malcolm followed Justin's gaze and spotted a woman nearby. She was rocking a light blue dress, and her skin had this soft, glowing vibe under the lights. The way the light hit her, it showed off her curves and made her look even more stunning.
Just from her back, she had this unique aura, totally different from the usual high-society types.
But no way that could be his wife, right? Reese had darker skin and always wore those thick black-framed glasses. Comparing the two was like night and day.
Justin squinted, still unsure. "Yeah, the back kinda matches, but the face has to be way different."
Malcolm shot him a cold look, and Justin immediately shut up.
Since when did Malcolm start defending his wife? She was just the stand-in bride, not someone he'd actually keep around forever. Was Malcolm seriously thinking of keeping Reese as his wife for good?
Bringing her out would just mess with Malcolm's rep.
Malcolm decided to get to the bottom of it. He told Justin, "Grab that bracelet. I'm gonna check this out."
"Got it." Justin thought it was about time Malcolm ditched this idea anyway.
Reese was still debating whether to bid on the bracelet when Calvin kept poking her.
"Reese, your hubby's heading this way. What now?"
Reese's eyes went wide. "He's coming?"
Did he spot her?
Calvin watched as Malcolm wheeled himself closer.
"What the hell are you standing there for? Move it!"
Reese suddenly bolted towards the exit, her heels clacking against the floor. Calvin, caught off guard by her sudden flight, scrambled to keep up.
Malcolm spotted the woman hiking up her skirt and stumbling out in her high heels. Just as he was about to follow, the host's excited voice boomed from the stage.
"Ten million dollars, claimed by this gentleman! Congrats! Let's give a big hand and invite him up for a speech."
Justin stepped in and told the host, "Well, Mr. Flynn isn't exactly mobile."
The host glanced at the man in the wheelchair. Despite his legs, his chiseled face and stern demeanor screamed authority. His outfit alone marked him as someone important.
Mr. Flynn? Could it be Malcolm from the Flynn family, the legend himself?
Holy crap, Malcolm Flynn was actually here.
But with the assistant's words, the host knew better than to push. Big shots like this weren't to be messed with.
The host's tone shifted to one of deference.
"Alright, I'll have someone escort Mr. Flynn out."
"No need."
Malcolm called up to Justin. "Let's head back."
He needed to find out if the woman who bolted was really his wife.
Reese and Calvin finally made it to the car, both letting out a sigh of relief. Calvin was still scratching his head.
"Reese, why are you so scared of him? If he's bidding on a bracelet, he's probably got a side chick. Perfect chance to call him out."
"Are you dense? If I run into him, he'll start questioning my real identity. He might even think I have some hidden agenda for getting into the Flynn family. You're just making things worse for me."
Calvin finally got it. "You're right, Reese. My bad."
"Take me back to the makeup place first. I need to fill you in on some stuff you need to handle ASAP." She needed to switch back to her usual look.
When they got back to the Flynn Villa, Malcolm was already chilling in the living room. Reese thought, he must be suspicious, otherwise, why would he be here at this hour?
She walked up and asked, "Why aren't you resting in your room?"
Malcolm looked up, his sharp eyes scanning her from head to toe, his face all serious and chiseled.
"Where'd you go after work?"
"I went to get some meds for you. And I saw this barbecue stand on the way. You know, this barbecue is amazing and you can only get it on that street."
As she talked, Reese opened a bag and took a whiff, then held it out to Malcolm.
"Want one?"
Malcolm eyed her outfit, which was the same as what she wore to work today. Her skin was still dark, and her thick bangs covered her forehead. No matter how he looked, she didn't match the woman from the auction.
Sure, they had similar builds—both tall and slender—but that woman's skin was smooth and flawless, totally different from Reese's.
Did he mistake the auction woman for her, or was she just that good at acting?
"Did you go to an auction today?" Malcolm's deep eyes locked onto hers, trying to catch any hint of a lie.
"Auction? You mean where all the rich folks hang out?" She blinked her big, curious eyes at him.
Malcolm couldn't find any cracks in her story. She looked genuinely curious, like she'd never been to such a place.
"Do you really not know, or are you just playing dumb?"
Reese tilted her head, looking all innocent. "What are you talking about?"
"Justin and I saw someone at the auction today who looked exactly like you."
Reese pointed to herself in mock surprise. "As ugly as me?"
Malcolm felt a twinge of awkwardness. How was he supposed to answer that? Honestly, she wasn't ugly, just had a kind of plain, unpolished look. With a bit of grooming, she could actually look decent.
He cleared his throat. "Actually, you're not that ugly. Stop saying that about yourself."
Reese needed a confidence boost.
"But I am indeed ugly. Look at my dark skin and freckles. If it weren't for the folks at the clothing store helping me out, I'd probably get laughed at the moment I walked into the company."
Reese expressed her self-disdain, even pouting for effect, looking like she couldn't stand herself.
Malcolm was at a loss for words, feeling frustrated as he rubbed his temples.
"Go do your thing. I have a meeting in the study."
"Okay, I'll go watch TV and eat something in my room. Call me when you're done, and I'll get the medicine for you."
Reese finished speaking and happily went back to her room, closing the door behind her.
Malcolm watched her retreating figure with a thoughtful look. Was the woman at the auction really not her?
He headed into the study, and Justin brought in the meeting documents.
"Did you check?"
"Yes, Mr. Flynn. After work, Mrs. Flynn went to a food street to queue for kebabs and had two cups of coffee at a nearby café."
Malcolm frowned. "Did we really get it wrong?"
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