Chapter 277 Brian and Richard
If only Daphne had kept her cool and paid more attention back then, she would've spotted the loopholes and inconsistencies.
However, people weren't machines. Even the smartest folks had their off days, and this was one of those times with no do-overs.
Over the next two days, Daphne took care of business at HorizonTech Group and then met up with Richard.
Even though Charles's bullet had been removed and Richard's help wasn't needed anymore, she still wanted to get the full picture.
Richard had always been on good terms with Daphne and was willing to answer her questions. He also agreed to the favor she asked before he left.
Brian was swamped with Charles's case, monitoring his data and studying his condition all day.
On the 23rd, Brian finally found a moment of peace. His assistant rushed in, looking flustered. "Mr. Harris, someone's here."
"Just tell them I'm busy. Why the panic?" Brian replied casually.
"This one's different..." His assistant's voice trailed off, looking conflicted. "You should see him."
Brian's curiosity was piqued. "Who is it?"
"Richard," his assistant said quietly.
Brian went silent.
Richard had always been distant, treating him like a stranger. Why show up now?
His assistant called out, "Mr. Harris?"
"I got it." Brian put down his work, adjusted his lab coat, and walked out.
His usual nonchalance was gone. He looked like he was about to face someone he wasn't ready to see.
When he entered the guest room, Richard was sitting there.
The place looked like a high-tech base, even the guest room.
As Brian approached, the door opened automatically, revealing the usually sleepy-looking Richard. "What brings you here?"
Richard didn't respond, wearing a light gray sweater, looking lazy and distant.
"Are you here for me?" Brian asked again when Richard stayed silent.
"Why did you lie to Daphne?" Richard's eyes, vast like the night sky, locked onto him. They were deep but, on closer inspection, seemed empty, devoid of emotion.
Brian paused, momentarily stunned.
But he was sharp. After a brief hesitation, he asked, "What did I lie to her about?"
"About Charles," Richard cut straight to the chase.
"Did she say I lied?" Brian found it amusing but felt a twinge of discomfort. "Believe it or not, I told her the truth about Charles. I didn't lie."
If there was any deception, it was on Charles, not him.
Richard's lips pressed into a thin line.
Brian suddenly smiled, a sad curve to his lips. "Richard, do my ten thousand words mean less to you than her one?"
"Yes," Richard answered without hesitation.
His answer hit Brian hard. He just stared at him, meeting his deep gaze.
Richard didn't flinch, facing him calmly.
One face was full of complex emotions, the other devoid of warmth.
In the end, Brian gave in. He lowered his eyes with a desolate smile, then looked up naturally. "I'm sorry. I can't give you the answer you want. Whether Daphne accepts it or not, Charles is in the situation I told her about."
"I want to see him," Richard said.
Brian refused, saying bluntly, "Unauthorized personnel aren't allowed to visit."
"Feeling guilty?" Richard saw right through him.
"I'm not guilty," Brian replied, meeting his gaze. "Charles is my patient. It's my duty to ensure he recovers in peace, without any disturbances."
"What if I insist on seeing him?" Richard rarely showed emotion, but now he did.
Brian smirked. "You can't get in. There are three doors between here and the medical room, and only a password can open them."
Richard stood up slowly, his hair as messy as ever. He glanced at Brian, then walked out of the guest room.
Just when Brian thought Richard was leaving for good, he headed toward the first password door.
Facial recognition, iris recognition, fingerprint recognition, password. Any one of them would grant access.
Richard's light-colored eyes focused on the screen. After a moment, he tapped a few times.
First try, incorrect.
Second try, incorrect.
Brian listened to the mechanical voice announcing the wrong password, feeling a mix of relief and sadness.
Then, the mechanical voice said, "Password correct, please enter."
The door slid open.
Richard, exuding a distant aura, stepped inside.
Brian was stunned. Password correct?
His pupils shook. The complex emotions from earlier vanished, leaving only one thought.
Richard remembered.
Brian didn't care about his expression. He followed Richard, catching up just as he opened the second door and headed for the third.
"Richard!" Brian called out.
Richard kept walking.
Brian rushed to block him, looking him in the eye, his pupils still filled with lingering emotions. "You know this password, does it mean..."
"No," Richard interrupted, expressionless.
Brian wanted to say more.
Richard's next words cut him to pieces. "I remember the password because I was foolish enough to make myself remember this lesson."
"Richard, back then..." Brian tried to explain.
Richard's gaze was colder than a stranger's, making Brian swallow his words.
Richard had always hated his explanations.
To him, they were just excuses.
Richard walked past him to the third door, entering the same password.
This time, password incorrect.
Brian didn't stop him again or speak. He stood there, looking somewhat desolate.
Every time they met, their relationship worsened. If it weren't for Charles's critical condition, he wouldn't have sought out K or asked her to find Richard for help.
Thinking of this, he looked at Richard, who was still trying the password.
"There's no need to try," Brian said, leaning against the wall. "You'll never guess this one."
Richard looked at him.
Brian remained unmoved.
"Go back and tell Daphne that Charles still owes me a promise. I will treat him well," Brian said seriously, meeting Richard's eyes. "But if she sends you again, I'll erase her from Charles's memory."
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