Chapter 65: Chapter 65

NELINA

"So, can you share what you have in mind?" I asked Royce as I sat on the sofa. Royce pacing back and forth in the living room, combing his hair with his fingers.

"We have to dig deeper in this case, not just Dennis and Roxie."

"What do you mean? I haven't offended somebody other than Roxie and Dennis. I couldn't think of anyone who possibly has motives to hurt me."

"Apple," Royce said as he sat opposite me.

"What?" I questioned, raising my voice.

"Royce, she is like a family to me."

"Baby, I just see the possibility here. How well do you know her? Why do you consider Apple as a family?"

I crossed my legs and rested my back on the sofa, trying to reminisce about those days with my brother.

"Mark was trying to win Apple's heart, but he hadn't told mom and dad about it yet before he passed away. I was the only one he trusted about it. He introduced me to Apple when I visited him in his office once. Apple works as my brother's secretary while my brother courted her. I got close to Apple as I spent a few company events with her, and every time I visited my brother, we would talk like sisters."

"That's surprising; I'm sorry if I was fast to mention her name as one that I suspected. But baby, we have to think clearly and not allow our emotions to be clouded by the truth in front of us. Listen, who else knows that you'll be meeting in that cafe?"

"Only you and me, besides, I'm not a regular guest in that specific cafe Apple mentioned. She gave me the address only this morning."

"You see, there's a possibility that Apple might have connections with those people who tried to get close to you."

"Baby, I still can't make my head turn in that conclusion. As a matter of fact, she was worried when she gave me the USB. Apple was uncomfortable and was eyeing if there was anybody following her. She mentioned that she could be kicked out of her job because of the confidential files she got me."

"About that, what kind of files are there in the USB?"

"We'll take a look at it later tonight. I have a project to finish, and you need to go to your company. Baby, your company needs you now."

"Baby," Royce said slowly as he walked close to me. He wrapped his arms around me, and he guided my head to rest on his chest.

"Who else needs me more than you do? I can't let my baby be in danger outside. You know that, right?"

"I know. Your arms feel like a safe haven where I can stay for the rest of the day without worrying. Thanks for staying by my side."

Royce held my chin, pinching it a bit as he rubbed his nose on mine.

"I love you."

"I love you too."

I didn't really care if there was a red apple on my cheeks. I didn't feel ashamed anymore. I love expressing how I love Royce; he is my hero.

"As much as I want you to stay with me now, your company needs you so badly. Your employees depend on you."

"Yeah. When I come back tonight, let's talk about this. We will take a look at that file, and then I'll ask if the investigator I hired found new evidence so that we can make a better plan on what to do next. Make sure you don't go out. Everything you need is in here. There's food in the kitchen. In case you need anything, and there's an urgent call in your work, let me know so that I'll have someone to accompany you."

"Alright, you have to get going now."

"Yeah, I have to go," Royce said, and then we kissed on the lips before he left.

I stared at the USB in my hand. As much as I want to see it first without Royce, he has a point. It would be best if we see it together and discuss what we should do next. Besides, it's not good to look at it before continuing my project. The USB's content might not help in focusing on my job.

I went to my room, and it felt amazing to work in it, given the renovation the team of people Royce hired. I sat on my desk for work, turned on my laptop, and started doing my job with no break until I was done.

After finishing my project, I crave reading books. But unfortunately, I didn't bring any of the novel books I had at home. I walked out of my room to breathe some air on the balcony. I had a break and saw the outside world for a bit while sipping a cup of black coffee.

A few minutes passed when I recalled Royce having a library. I thought of reading one of his books, even not a novel book, just to help me kill my boredom.

I tried to dial Royce's number to ask permission to enter his library, but he hadn't answered. I was left with no choice but to check if the library was open. As I twisted open the doorknob, it was indeed left unlocked. I thought I was lucky to have easy access to Royce's library, so I entered immediately.

I looked for the book's files and tried to scan if something was interesting. It's more of a business and motivational book. I grab one book that interests me: the rich dad, poor dad. I remember my dad had the same book in his old library, and he made me read it when he was trying to get me into business. He said it was an excellent book to start with and has pieces of advice on making my money grow.

I left the books in their original arrangement like it was untouched and grabbed the Robert Kiyosaki book. Before leaving the library, an envelope caught my eyes, it was open, and half of the papers were exposed. I thought I should keep them in his drawer, so I walked over to Royce's table and started to organize the documents.

It was like a temptation that got me to check the papers instead of keeping them. I didn't know if I had to thank myself for what I did but what was exposed in my eyes was unbelievable. I tried to reread it repeatedly, and I couldn't believe my eyes.

How could he do this to me? Why? I asked in silence. My chest tightened as I walked out of the library.

I came back to the living room holding the envelope. I tossed it on the center table as I paced back and forth, trying to judge what it was all about. A call from my phone cut me off from my thoughts, and worst, Royce's name appeared on the screen. I was torn between answering it or keeping him redialing my number. I decided to swipe the screen before the call ended.

"Baby, I haven't answered your call. I was in a meeting, and my phone was in silent mode. What's going on? Is there something wrong?"

"Nothing, we need to talk when you come home." It was my short answer, and then I cut the call, leaving Royce no chance to speak again.

It didn't take 30 minutes when I noticed the doorknob was twisted open. It must be Royce.

And I was right. Royce rushed to my side when he saw me sitting in the living room; he wrapped his arms around me.

"Baby, you got me worried about you. I called the condo's security to check on you and immediately drove here. What was the call about? I'm sorry if I didn't answer."

"About this," I answered, raising the envelope full of investigative documents. I tossed it on the floor before Royce could get it from me.

Royce gathered the papers that had been scattered on the floor. He read some of it, and I knew he got what I meant and why I was angry by the look on his face.

"Why did you have me investigated?" I furiously asked, resting my hands on my waist.

"Baby, calm down. I'll tell you everything. It's not what you think it is," Royce said, holding my shoulders. I shrugged my shoulders and took his hands off of me.

"Then tell me, what is this all about?" I said it, gritting my teeth.

"Now, sit down and talk," I commanded, pointing at the sofa.

Royce obediently followed. I couldn't find the strength to calm down without a satisfying answer from him.