Chapter 95: Very Suspicious

Colin pondered seriously for a moment and nudged her shoulder with his elbow. "You're not seriously mistaking every shadow that resembles Chase for him, are you?"

Eliana stayed silent, feeling increasingly suspicious.

She usually prided herself on her sixth sense being spot-on. Could she have gotten it wrong this time?

"If Chase really is Mr. Wilkinson, why wouldn't he acknowledge you? All this mystery—could it just be a game?" Colin's words made sense to Eliana.

Maybe she was overreacting; people look alike all the time, right?

Back at the office, during a quiet moment, Eliana finally asked, "How's it going with your, um...?" She meant Chloe.

Colin shrugged, his face losing interest. "Stalemate. Neither side wants to budge."

Seeing her uncle's disinterest, Eliana felt a pang of sympathy. "If marriage is what you're set on, maybe..."

"No need, Lena. I've made up my mind. Tomorrow at noon, bring Chase along for lunch," Colin declared, a decision made but left ambiguous.

Eliana didn't press further. Her uncle was a man of his own decisions, much like when she split from Jeremy—he stood behind her without question.

That's family for you—helping, respecting, supporting.

Meanwhile, in the office across the hall, Vanessa swept her desk clear in frustration, muttering curses.

"Who does Eliana think she is? Stepping all over me today, not caring about my reputation!"

Camille, sitting opposite, furrowed her brow. "Why get worked up? It was just bad luck that Mr. Wilkinson showed up. He wasn't targeting us. They say he moves in mysterious ways; no one knows when he'll appear. You should've handled it better. This wouldn't have happened."

Vanessa's face darkened. "How was I supposed to know it was really Mr. Wilkinson? I've never met him in person. I thought it was Eliana's husband pretending."

"Come on, seriously? That poor guy doesn't have Mr. Wilkinson's classy vibe," Camille retorted.

"Now what do we do? Without that ten-million-dollar order, how are we going to survive?" Vanessa fretted.

Camille sighed, frustrated. "Your focus should be on your pregnancy now. Do you want Jimmy to find out about the truth?"

Vanessa looked even more distressed at the thought. "Lately, he won't even touch me, saying it's all for the sake of the baby. If Jeremy finds out about this..."

"What are we going to do, Mom?"

Camille's voice dropped. "Don't worry. There's always a way."

Later that evening...

Eliana wore a custom Yves Saint Laurent evening gown, known for its mysterious elegance and casual sophistication, highlighting her grace and confidence in its clean lines.

She let her slightly curled hair down, her makeup enhancing her delicate features, radiating refinement.

As soon as she stepped out of the office, she saw Mr. Wilkinson standing by a Rolls-Royce, cigarette in hand, his cloak fluttering elegantly in the breeze.

Chase concealed his face behind a mask, claiming the airport explosion had injured him, necessitating the disguise.

Mystery had become Chase's trademark.

He opened the car door for Eliana, gesturing gallantly with a "please, after you."

Eliana smiled back and got into the car, intentionally choosing a seat away from Mr. Wilkinson.

Thankfully, Mr. Wilkinson seemed unfazed. During the ride, they chatted about LA's sights.

"I wonder if LA has any good eats, like snacks or something," Chase casually inquired.

He wanted to test if Eliana treated everyone with such warmth.

Almost reflexively, Eliana replied, "There's this amazing egg tart place on New Dery Road. But it's always packed; you'd have to wait. Maybe your assistant could help you get some."

Chase felt a twinge of something unexpected. He appreciated her honesty toward a stranger but was disappointed that egg tarts shop wasn't their little secret venue.

"Perhaps we could find some time to try it together?" he suggested.

She hesitated, "Sorry, that place is usually for couples, so our identities aren't quite fitting..."

Now Chase felt a ray of sunshine in his heart. So, that egg tart place meant something to her.

They had only recently met, and she had already invited him to try egg tarts. Was she hinting that she liked him?

This woman hid her feelings well.

Chase chuckled softly, "I suppose that wouldn't be appropriate."

Eliana nodded slightly, secretly relieved.

Truthfully, she didn't want to stand in line for egg tarts with Mr. Wilkinson. Spending over half an hour with a stranger, with no topics to discuss, would be awkward.

But with Chase, it was different. Being with him was relaxing; they could talk about anything without worry.

Soon, the car arrived at their destination. They got out together.

Dressed in black tonight, they looked like a couple as they walked in.

Inside, people immediately flocked around Chase, apologizing for not properly greeting him earlier.

Chase wore his mask, speaking in a low voice only when necessary, otherwise as relaxed as at any other social event. He introduced Eliana to people and discussed recent projects from other companies.

A lot people assumed that the beautiful woman beside Mr. Wilkinson was just his companion, never suspecting she was a savvy CEO. And now she was discussing her company's new products and directions with the guests.

As they moved through the crowd, Eliana took advantage of Mr. Wilkinson's presence to gather some confidential information.

"I imagine you benefited greatly from tonight, Miss Griffith?" Chase smiled lightly.

Eliana blushed slightly, feeling a bit embarrassed. "Thanks for mentoring me. Otherwise, I wouldn't have learned so much."

As they chatted, a crystal chandelier suddenly dropped from above. Before Eliana could react, a tall figure shielded her.

Before she could even process it, the sound of shattering crystal filled her ears. She gasped, her eyes widening. She saw a crimson streak dripping down from the mask onto her cheek...