Chapter 168: Cooperation Reached

Over the next two days, Jocelyn didn't give Derek's proposal much thought. She remained busy with her work at Lopez Corporation while also handling matters for Ross Corporation.

Two days later, Derek sought her out again.

This time, he chose a discreet private restaurant in the southern district. The private dining room was secluded with excellent soundproofing.

Derek had arrived early. A pot of red tea sat before him, its fragrance curling upward.

Jocelyn entered and sat across from him.

Derek smiled at her, his manner sincere. "Ms. Ross, have you reached a decision?"

Meeting his expectant gaze, Jocelyn curved her lips slightly. Without beating around the bush, she stated frankly, "I agree to work with you."

A smile spread across Derek's features, impossible to suppress.

"Ms. Ross, you're refreshingly direct." He poured her a cup of tea and handed it over with both hands. "Then I won't dance around the subject either."

Jocelyn accepted the teacup, her fingertips lightly tracing the warm porcelain, but didn't drink.

Derek looked straight at her, his tone turning serious. "Ms. Ross, there's something I must warn you about. Robin is absolutely determined to have you. I know him too well—the more he can't obtain something, the more obsessed he becomes. And moreover..."

He paused, lowering his voice. "He's already colluded with people from the Ross family to come after you."

Jocelyn raised her eyes, her expression unchanging as she waited silently for him to continue.

Derek regarded her meaningfully, his tone carrying a note of caution. "Ms. Ross, I know you're intelligent, but some people around you may not be as trustworthy as they appear. Don't place your faith too easily in those close to you."

Having said this, he leaned back in his chair and took a leisurely sip of tea, waiting to gauge her reaction.

However, Jocelyn simply smiled—a faint expression.

"Don't worry, Mr. Rogers." She set down her teacup, her voice cool and composed. "I never trust anyone easily."

Derek paused, his gaze lingering on her face for two seconds. "You already know... who it is?"

Jocelyn met his eyes calmly and stated plainly, "Philip."

The private room fell silent for a moment.

Derek's hand, holding the teacup, stilled slightly as he stared directly at her.

After a moment, he suddenly laughed—a sound filled with undisguised admiration.

"Ms. Ross, you truly are brilliant." Derek spoke with genuine appreciation. "No wonder that fool Robin is so obsessed with you. Your appeal is indeed formidable."

He paused, his gaze intense. "I'm truly glad now that it's me partnering with you, and not anyone standing on the opposite side."

Jocelyn showed little reaction to his praise, merely raising an eyebrow slightly. "How did you find out about Philip?"

"That idiot Robin never knows how to cover his tracks." Derek scoffed, pulling his phone from his suit pocket. He opened a photo and pushed it toward her. "This is a surveillance screenshot of him meeting Philip at a teahouse in the southern district. Taken three days ago—they talked for nearly two hours. And clearly, this wasn't their first meeting. If you need it, I can gather evidence of every meeting between Robin and Philip."

Jocelyn glanced down at the image. The photo was crystal clear.

"That won't be necessary," she said coolly.

"Robin connecting with Philip is simply his way of trying to undermine you from within." Derek pocketed his phone, analyzing matter-of-factly. "Philip is your cousin, and you share some history. If he makes his move from your inner circle, it's far easier than an outsider attacking. If you trust him three parts today, five parts tomorrow, and eventually he figures out all your cards and then stabs you in the back..."

Jocelyn didn't respond, her gaze profound, lost in thought.

After a moment she spoke, her voice measured. "I've suspected this all along. You've simply confirmed what I already suspected."

Regardless of everything, Michael was still Philip's biological father. After so many years without contact, his sudden return and excessive attentiveness—she wasn't foolish enough not to harbor doubts.

Deep down, she'd hoped Philip's kindness stemmed purely from familial affection.

But that fantasy was now thoroughly shattered.

She took a deep breath and said nothing more.

Derek frowned slightly, watching her. "So what's your next move?"

Jocelyn calmly picked up her teacup. "For now, I won't alert them." Her lips curved into a slight arc. "They've staged such an elaborate performance—how could I not watch it through to the end?"

Derek observed her composure, then reached for the teapot and refilled her cup. "Then I'll wait to see how you perform in this drama, Ms. Ross. I'll also share everything I know about Rogers Group with you."

Jocelyn murmured acknowledgment, then pulled two contracts from her bag and pushed them toward Derek.

"Since we're partnering, everything needs to be spelled out in black and white."

Derek's gaze deepened as he looked at her. Finally, without speaking, he took the contract and carefully reviewed each page. After confirming there were no traps, he signed decisively.

"To a successful partnership." Derek stood and extended his hand toward her.

After securing the contract, Jocelyn shook his hand briefly before releasing it and standing. "Contact me when there's news."

Watching her retreating figure leave the private room, Derek stared at the contract in his hand, a triumphant smile playing at his lips.

In the following days, Jocelyn remained as busy as ever—managing various laboratory issues while beginning to operate Ross Corporation.

On this particular day, she actually left work on time. As soon as she arrived home, Simon eagerly pulled her by the hand to sit on the sofa.

"Mommy, you've been so busy lately."

Simon massaged her shoulders while speaking with concern.

Jocelyn enjoyed her son's care, smiling softly. "If I work hard now, things will be easier later."

She admitted she didn't know how to run a company, so she'd been studying constantly—all to properly inherit and manage her parents' company.

To pave the way for Simon's future.

"But Mommy, you look really exhausted. Why don't you just rest at home tomorrow?"

Jocelyn turned to look at her son, immediately seeing through his little scheme.

"Tell me honestly—what are you planning?"

"Nothing! I just want Mommy to rest properly."

No matter how clever, Simon was still a child. Jocelyn pinched his cheek. "I'm giving you one last chance."

Simon pressed his lips together, feigning grievance. "It's just... I want to have dinner with you tomorrow night."

Seeing he wasn't lying, Jocelyn smiled. "Mommy's really been swamped lately. How about after I finish this busy period, I'll take you out for a feast?"

She had completely forgotten what tomorrow was.