Chapter 286
“She’s Oscar’s sister, and she’s married with kids. You should treat her like family.” I idly remarked while bending down to scratch the head of the little dog.
“Sounds simple. Neil scoffed, “You’ve got tons of houses. Why did you have to bring her here?”
I shot him a look, “I just thought it would be easier to take care of her. Is there a problem with that?”
Neil replied with a poker face, “Yes, there is. She’s a married woman. Why does she need your care? You’re just stirring up trouble for me.”
“Neil, can’t you show a little compassion?” I couldn’t help but raise my voice.
“So, if I suggest moving her to another place, that means I lack compassion?” Neil laughed in annoyance, “You really know how to put someone in a spot.”
I did feel a bit selfish. I only thought about how I could take care of Hannah, completely ignoring the inconvenience it might cause Neil. So I decided to keep my mouth shut
Just then, the little dog started barking.
Neil tugged at its ear, “Quiet.”
I swatted his hand away, “You’re abusing the animal!”
Neil fell silent.
Just a gentle tug was considered animal abuse? He must’ve thought it was absurd too.
ww
After noticing my indifference, Neil got up and headed upstairs. I followed him immediately. If he was going to his study, I could try to sneak a peek at his password.
If he used facial recognition, then I would just follow him into the study.
I no longer felt embarrassed in front of Neil. We both knew our relationship was purely a transaction at this point.
“What are you following me for?” Neil turned to look at me as we reached the door of his study.
“Do you have books in your study?” I asked.
Neil gave me a confused look, like he was wondering if I was an idiot. “Irene, haven’t you been in my study before?”
I had, but not often. Back then, I was only interested in Neil himself and not what was in his study.
I was caught off guard. Just then, the door opened. The dog in my arms suddenly wriggled free and dashed into the study.
Did it know what I was up to?
“I’m going after the dog!” I said and rushed into the study ahead of Neil.
Neil followed and closed the door behind him.
The study was huge. Two entire walls were lined with bookshelves. There were also various oil paintings and art pieces others had gifted to Neil. He didn’t want to find a place to display them, so they were kept in the study.
Pretending to look for the dog. I scanned the desk, hoping to find some clues. But the desk was cluttered with papers filled with dense writing. I couldn’t make heads or tails of any of it.
”
Neil sat down to work. He was usually very focused when working, but today he was disrupted by me.
His eyes occasionally darted towards me. After a while, he asked, “Are you looking for the dog or something else?”
“Just the dog! I don’t want it to disturb your work.” I replied calmly
*Really?” Neil pulled out a file from the desk, “I thought you were looking for this. It’s internal information about your father’s
case.”
I stiffened. I stared at the file in Neil’s hand, at a loss for words.
Having him guess my intentions so easily made me feel embarrassed.
“Woof woof!” The little dog shot out from under the desk, barking adorably.
*Daisy, come here!” I immediately squatted down and called it over.
Neil was both angry and amused, “The moment I pull out the file, you start calling it Daisy? If I hadn’t pulled it out, have kept calling it Neilson?”
would
you
I held the little dog and didn’t deny Neil’s words. I walked to the door, opened it, and let the dog out.
I then closed the door again and went back to the desk, trying to reach for the file, but Neil dodged me.
“You’re not going to let me see it?” I feigned ignorance, “Then why did you pull it out?”
“I saw you always trying to get into the study, so I wanted to test you. Turns out you really were after this.” Neil pulled out his phone and showed me a video. In the video, I was trying to input the password at the study door.
I knew the lock on the study door was very secure, but I didn’t expect there to be live surveillance.
Being caught in the act felt terrible, but my embarrassment didn’t matter now. So, I decided to admit, “Yes, I did want to see what’s in here. You said you were helping me with the investigation, but how can I be sure you’re really doing it?”
“So you came to the study just to check up on me, is that it?” Neil had a more dominating presence, even though he was sitting and I was standing.
“Not really checking. Just looking around.” I replied.
Neil swiveled in his chair a bit. His long, muscular legs, wrapped in dress pants, held a certain charm. He patted his thigh. lightly, “Come, sit here, then I’ll give you the file.”
Neil, at this moment, seemed like a predator.
I remained still, radiating resistance.
Neil didn’t force me and just put away the file, “If you’re not willing, then I’ll give it to you in a few days. Just be patient.”
Now that the file was about to be locked in the drawer, I couldn’t hold back anymore, “Let me have a peek first!”
“Sit down first.” Neil’s actions halted.
I gritted my teeth, holding back the urge to curse, and carefully moved to sit on Neil’s lap.
My hesitation displeased Neil. His large hand landed on my waist, pushing me down slightly. I had no choice but to sit. down, practically pressed against him.
“If you wanted to see the file, you could’ve just asked me. Why did you have to sneak around like a thief?” Neil asked, somewhat exasperated.
“Uh, I won’t do it next time.” I was a bit stiff. I didn’t have the energy to think about what he was saying and just nodded in
response.
Neil placed the file back on the desk, “Take a look. But don’t take it with you.”
I frowned, “Look at it while sitting on you?”
“Mhm, or would you prefer we move to the bed?” Neil’s hand on my waist tightened slightly, sending a tingling sensation through me that made my scalp prickle.
“Just don’t move then.” I said awkwardly, then began to pore over the file in this very intimate position.
The content of the file shocked me.
Neil had already identified the high-ranking official who put pressure on my father’s case. Although he didn’t have the official’s Identity confirmed, he had preliminary analysis results.
I was totally engrossed when suddenly, something felt off. There was this odd yet familiar feeling on my thigh. A wave of warmth hit me, sending a chill down my spine.
“I’m done here!” I, who was indeed almost done, Instantly wanted to get up and leave.
Neil grabbed my hand tightly, pulling me back into his embrace, “You’re just gonna leave after reading the materials? That’s cold.”
