Chapter 115
Oscar's face darkened. He wanted to defend himself, but Michael's questions seemed flawless. The conversation, full of holes, had just left him unable to explain clearly.
"Emily, I didn't..." There was panic in his eyes—the panic of fearing I wouldn't trust him.
My gaze was gentle but firm. Just like he once said, even if the whole world was hostile toward me, he would firmly stand by my side. So no matter what anyone said, I would firmly trust him too.
"You don't need to say anything. I believe you." I responded without hesitation.
Michael showed a disgusted expression: "Emily, if I hadn't caught Jeffrey, have you thought about the consequences? In just a few months versus ten years of fighting side by side with Adrian—which weighs more?"
Michael was being very blunt, and that's exactly why Oscar kept anxiously explaining over and over, even making phone calls in public.
I smiled lightly at Michael: "Mr. Johnson, I understand what you mean, but I have my own judgment. My trust in him isn't just emotional—I have my own reasoning."
Michael sneered: "This isn't emotional? With your attitude, you'd probably die several times over."
Oscar's face turned livid. He pulled me behind him, his tone unfriendly: "Doubt me all you want, but please watch your language."
Michael glanced at Oscar coolly, his tone mocking: "Am I wrong? Oscar, you can't just do whatever you want because Emily trusts you."
Oscar's face also turned cold: "I want her safe more than anyone. Whether you believe me doesn't matter to me. I've explained to you again and again only because you once helped her, but that doesn't mean I owe you an explanation. Michael, don't cross the line."
Michael sneered: "Are you getting defensive? Afraid you can't keep your story straight if we keep talking?"
"Don't you think you're overstepping? Emily is my girlfriend now, and you're just her former boss..." Oscar blurted out.
Seeing the tension between them growing, I quickly tugged Oscar's sleeve gently and stepped between them: "Mr. Johnson, things aren't clear yet. It's too early to say anything now. I'll get to the bottom of this, and when I do, I'll give you an answer, okay?"
Michael looked at me deeply for a moment, then finally sighed softly and quickly looked away: "Right now you won't listen to anything I say. You don't need to answer to me—just remember to put your safety first. I'll probably be heading back to Solstice soon, and when I do, I'll deal with Adrian myself."
Oscar chimed in: "Forget about later—I want to drag him over right now and ask him what's really going on."
Michael showed no interest in his words, only saying to me, "I trust you won't lose your head over a relationship. You've never disappointed me before. I hope this time won't be different either."
After saying this, he pushed away the coffee in front of him, stood up, and left.
The air suddenly became quiet, until the roar of a race car faded away outside.
I walked closer to Oscar, looked up at him, and tried to smile: "Don't take what Mr. Johnson said to heart. Other people's doubts can't affect my trust in you at all."
Oscar reached out and pulled me into his arms, his tone full of helplessness: "I understand, but what he said is true. Adrian's words were so vague just now, I really can't defend myself."
His embrace was still warm, and I could still hear his strong heartbeat: "Then don't defend yourself. Let the facts speak for themselves in the end."
The arms around me tightened a bit, and Oscar's chin rested gently on top of my head: "Okay, you're right. I'll handle it in a bit, but first I need to ask you about something else."
"What is it?" I asked naturally.
Oscar pulled me to sit down, looked into my eyes, and asked very seriously: "Haven't you noticed that Michael seems a bit unusual toward you?"
"What do you mean?" Seeing how serious he was, I looked puzzled.
Oscar playfully tapped my nose: "You're usually pretty smart—haven't you noticed that he might like you?"
I immediately denied it: "How is that possible? Does he look like someone who would like anyone? We just have a working relationship. Don't make things up."
Oscar looked at me with affectionate eyes: "You're such a fool, completely clueless when it comes to feelings. As a man, I can sense his impure intentions toward you."
I remained very certain: "You're really overthinking it. Mr. Johnson is extremely arrogant and a perfectionist. In his view, the whole world owes him, and no one can catch his eye. I even doubt he knows how to love."
Oscar sighed and gently stroked my hair: "Men understand men better. You're not his subordinate anymore, so it's better to keep your distance from him. Someone like him will stop at nothing to achieve his goals. I'm afraid he might harm you."
"You're overthinking it, really. I'm not made of wood. I'm hungry—what should we eat? Should we go next door for a meal?"
Oscar rolled up his sleeves: "Let's make something ourselves. There are ingredients in the kitchen fridge. Wait here, I'll be as quick as I can."
I stood up and followed him to the kitchen, somewhat incredulous: "You can cook?"
"Are you picky?" Oscar asked back.
I shook my head: "As long as it's not poisonous, I'm not picky."
Oscar smiled: "Then I should be able to manage. Go sit and rest, I'll call you when it's ready."
I was still hesitant: "Why don't we go eat at the Lopez Manor? You just got out of the hospital a few days ago—you need to take care of yourself."
Oscar was already opening the fridge to find ingredients: "Trust me."
As it turned out, his words were trustworthy. In just over half an hour, looking at the delicious-looking food on the table, I was in disbelief.
Oscar rubbed his hands together and handed me the utensils: "Try it and see if it's good, and if there's anything that needs improving."
I picked up the utensils and took a piece of garlic-flavored vegetables. The seasoning was just right, fresh and tasty. When I ate it, my tongue was filled with a refreshing aroma.
I couldn't help but praise him: "Oscar, you're being too modest. This is way more than just 'a little' cooking skill."
Oscar sat down across from me, his face full of satisfaction: "As long as you like it, I'll cook for you every day from now on."
I winked at him: "Have I ever told you that men who can cook are really attractive?"
"I haven't heard it before, but I'll try my best to maintain my attractiveness from now on." Oscar smiled in response.
We looked at each other's smiling eyes, both understanding without words, and neither of us brought up Adrian's matter again.