Chapter 77: I Want You to Come on a Business Trip with Me

"Of course, I didn't want you to die." Shirley's lips tightened a bit as she looked seriously at Kenneth.

"When I saw that guy in black with a dagger at your neck, I freaked out. I just couldn't let you die like that, so I went all in to save you." She raised an eyebrow, looking pretty proud of herself.

"Did I touch your heart?" Shirley's eyes sparkled with amusement.

Kenneth listened without saying a word, just staring at her. Thinking about how Shirley had risked everything to save him in that warehouse, he felt a weird mix of emotions. He took a deep breath, trying to calm the sudden irritation.

He looked away and said coolly, "You might as well say it was for the money. I can just pay you. Anything else..."

Shirley felt a pang in her chest. She got what he meant. To him, it was just a business deal. In Kenneth's eyes, she was just some reckless woman, not someone who could win his heart.

Shirley chuckled and joked, "Spending your money works for me. They say if you love someone, you should spend their money."

Kenneth frowned, clearly annoyed.

Shirley ignored him. "Alright, you're fine now, so I'm out."

Without waiting for a response, she turned and left the room.

She couldn't stay there any longer. The Johnson Family hadn't sent anyone to watch her for days. She figured the golden statue they commissioned for Aaron was almost done, so they'd make their move soon.

Kenneth watched her leave, lost in thought. 'Shirley seems different today. She's in clean, tidy sportswear, looking more down-to-earth, not her usual flashy self.'

Shirley got home, tidied up her plants, and lay on her bed, ready to play on her phone for a bit before sleeping. Then she remembered someone had called her at the warehouse, and she hadn't called back.

She checked her missed calls. It was Wade.

Since Wade had left abruptly last time, he hadn't contacted her until today. Shirley called him back. After all, his call had saved her life today; it was only right to return it and see what he needed.

As soon as the call connected, Wade answered. "Shirley, are you okay?" Wade's voice was full of concern.

"I'm fine. I was just a bit busy when you called," Shirley replied with a smile.

"That's good! I'm glad you're okay." Wade sounded relieved.

"Shirley, can you join me for a meal tomorrow?" Wade's voice sounded a bit down.

"Is everything okay?" Shirley asked, concerned.

Wade was usually so upbeat and cheerful around her. His happiness was contagious. But today, something was definitely off.

"I'm heading out on a business trip tomorrow. There's a project abroad I need to handle personally. I don't know how long I'll be gone, and it'll be a while before I see you again." Wade's voice was tinged with disappointment.

"That's it?" Shirley asked nonchalantly.

"Aren't you even a little sad about not seeing me for a long time?" Wade shot back.

Shirley hesitated, unsure of how to respond.

"Alright," she said quickly, trying to change the subject. "Let's meet at the restaurant on the sixth floor of the Thompson Group mall at 11:30 AM tomorrow."

"Okay, see you there!" Wade's voice brightened up instantly.

After hanging up, Shirley streamed some videos, then put down her phone and fell asleep.

The next morning, Shirley woke up, checked the time on her phone, stretched, and pulled back the curtains, letting the sunlight flood her room. She smiled, took a deep breath, and felt incredibly refreshed.

She went to the bathroom to freshen up, made a simple breakfast, and ate while listening to music.

After breakfast, she tended to her plants, and then went to the study to review some treatment plans.

Shirley then checked her phone and saw it was almost 11:30, time to get ready to meet Wade. She picked out a low-cut dress from her wardrobe and held it up to herself.

A mischievous smile appeared on her lips. When dining with a man, she should dress a bit provocatively so the Johnson Family wouldn't get suspicious.

Shirley changed into the dress and applied some delicate makeup. Looking at herself in the mirror, she was once again stunningly beautiful. Satisfied, she muttered to herself, "I really can pull off any look."

After getting ready, Shirley grabbed her bag, took her car keys, put on a pair of crystal-high heels, and headed downstairs.

She drove her luxury car to the restaurant where she had agreed to meet Wade. When she walked in, she saw Wade already waiting at a table.

Seeing Shirley, Wade immediately stood up to pull out a chair for her. After she sat down, he returned to his seat, called the waiter, and asked Shirley to order.

Shirley smiled as she handed the menu to the waiter after ordering. She looked up and saw Wade looking at her, hesitant to speak, which she found amusing.

"If you have something to say, just say it," Shirley chuckled softly.

"Really? Then you can't get mad." Wade's eyes showed a hint of worry.

'Does he really think I'm that irritable? Why does he have that look?' Shirley wondered.

"I want you to come with me on the business trip," Wade said, his eyes full of hope.