Chapter 81 Deepening Misunderstandings

Étienne hardly managed WE Company himself. Several years ago, he handed everything over to Leo, but it seems that Leo also didn't have much energy to devote solely to the company. The management authority was also delegated to other people.

However, when the news of Étienne and Lena's date broke, everyone speculated that Étienne might have a big move in mind.

And this time, under such a fortuitous coincidence, managing the WE Company again would be related to Evelyn's comeback. When Étienne saw news speculating about this, he simply smiled and didn't respond. It was just a random thought in the past. That's why he wanted to deflect Lena from the previous gossip. As for the purpose of doing so, Étienne himself hadn't figured it out. In life, one always wants to do some inexplicable things.

But after meeting her, he thought she was a smart woman. Such a person could at least make his life easier. Why not give it a try?

Leo knocked on the door with a report in his hand. Étienne glanced at him and signed the papers, and Leo took the report back. At that moment, Étienne said coldly, "Just play some tricks. Don't go too far." He didn't even look at Leo.

Leo's heart suddenly tightened. Étienne rarely reprimanded him in such a tone. After all, he had been Étienne's loyal brother, always by his side through thick and thin for many years. Although he was just a subordinate, he had never been treated as one. Unexpectedly, Étienne blamed him for this matter. Leo was stunned.

"The incident is already in the past. I don't want any more involvement," Étienne explained, afraid that Leo would overthink. However, Leo couldn't believe such an explanation.

"I will take note of your advice, sir," Leo replied coldly. In an instant, he felt that he was being petty. Why would he be angry with Étienne over such matters? He had made countless correct decisions over the years, and this should not be an exception.

Étienne ignored Leo's response and remained silent. Leo took the report and left, closing the door behind him. Outside the room, Sophie looked at Leo with an inquisitive gaze. She couldn't contain her curiosity about anything related to Étienne.

"It's nothing," Leo finally spoke. He couldn't ignore Sophie completely, no matter how hard he tried.

Sophie didn't ask further, but she remembered something else. "Was it you who did the Matinal Company thing?" She stared at Leo sharply.

Leo felt helpless. He was just reprimanded inside, and now he was being questioned outside. "What do you think?" he replied.

"Stop doing stupid things!" Sophie's tone was strong. Leo had nothing more to say. Evelyn seemed to be the Achilles heel of these two people. A little movement and it caused such a big commotion.

Helpless, Leo could only nod. Sophie then changed her tone and asked, "What about Lena? Why did Mr. Chevalier make another appointment with her tonight?"

Leo shrugged and said, "I don't know. You should also mind your own business." Over time, everything became apparent. It was impossible to resist gossip.

He reminded her again. Doing meaningless things is all in vain.

Sophie just lowered her head, unable to discern her emotions or know what she was thinking. Leo had nothing to say, so he turned around and left.

Sophie barely held back her tears. Was she really meddling too much in other people's business? Why? Was everything really just her wishful thinking? Then she remembered that night.

Chasing after him in different bars, finding him completely drunk, helping him up and seeing him fall down again. She never gave up. On the contrary, she took pleasure in it and continued to stay by his side.

That woman might make him sad, but she never would. She would always be by his side, healing him, comforting him. Sophie always believed that as long as she stayed by Étienne's side, he would eventually see her goodness. He would eventually forget that woman, and with time, he would naturally notice her presence.

To her, that nightmare was still unclear. And that long night when, in order to accompany him, she was dragged into a dark alley by a group of thugs. That endless dark night, she shouted everyone's names at the top of her lungs, but no one responded.

Evelyn composed herself as Antonio's call came in. "Where are you? I'll pick you up."

"Home. Why?"

"There's a dinner tonight, maybe..." Antonio knew she always avoided such gatherings, especially with Luis at home. He definitely wouldn't want her to come back too late. But he didn't want to push her more.

Evelyn knew that if Antonio brought it up, it must be something very important; otherwise, he wouldn't have called specifically. He always considered her feelings. How could she not be moved by that? "It's okay. Come over."

Only then did Antonio breathe a sigh of relief. He was afraid she wouldn't want to come, although he knew that was impossible. On his way to Evelyn's house, he glanced at the time and realized it was still early. He had been too busy to go back to Firefly. Now that he was passing by, he might as well take a quick look.

Just as he thought that, the car had already stopped at the entrance of Firefly. He opened the car door, and someone happened to greet him.

Hailey had just come back from outside. She saw a strange car parked at the entrance and took a quick look. It was Antonio! Naturally, she was overjoyed. Antonio hadn't been back for almost two weeks, and she never expected him to appear like this.

"You're back!" When Antonio didn't respond, she spoke cheerfully again.

Antonio knew he couldn't avoid it anymore, so he replied in a low voice, "Yeah." Without paying much attention, he went inside. Everything in the shop seemed unchanged. There was nothing to worry about.

Hailey followed closely behind. She was already accustomed to her boss's behavior. She had not yet paid him for the car she damaged last time. Since it was so difficult to meet with him, she resolved to settle the matter today.

"I haven't paid you back for the car repairs!"

Antonio was startled. How could this girl's voice be so loud? It was terrifying. He knew she couldn't come up with much money right now, so he had a mischievous idea to tease her. "Well, I'll give you the bill and account number."

Hailey was shocked. "Um... um... I was wondering if I could pay in installments? I can't come up with that much money all at once."

"Oh, that's too much trouble."

"It's not trouble, really."

"I mean, I find it troublesome."

Now Hailey was speechless. Who could understand the struggles of a poor person like her? But it was only right to repay debts. How should she explain?

While Hailey was still struggling to explain, Antonio spoke up. "No need."

"Huh? What do you mean?"

"No need to repay the money."

Hailey was a conscientious girl. Her upbringing never allowed her to take advantage of others, even if the other person was wealthy. So she said, "How can that be? I must repay you. Just wait, I'll pay in installments."

After saying that, she thought for a moment and said, "Um... I still don't know exactly how much money it is."

Antonio felt helpless and simply made up a number. "Five thousand dollars." It was merely a drop in the bucket, but Hailey still felt frustrated.

On the way to Evelyn's house, Antonio thought of Hailey's face and found himself smiling. He had never realized that seeing someone embarrassed could be so amusing.