Upon returning to the company, I first drove the car to the base of the office building, allowing them to ascend before I proceeded to the parking lot and parked the car. I then approached the front desk and tossed the car keys to the young lady behind the counter. I had no intention of delivering them to Lucas Steele myself."Little beauty, when you see Lucas Steele, please hand these to him."

"Of course, Assistant Ryan," she replied cheerfully. Now that everyone knew I was the chairman's assistant, her curiosity seemed piqued as she asked,"Assistant Ryan, is it true that you're dating Celeste?"

I doubted anyone knew about it in Virelia, so I inquired,"How did you find out?"

"The company chat nearly exploded last night. A colleague who went to Eldoria let slip the big news about you and Celeste," she exaggerated, miming an expansive gesture.

"Yes, Celeste and I are indeed in a relationship."

"I never would have guessed—Celeste actually has an interest in you. I can't see anything particularly remarkable about you," she teased with a playful grin.

"I have depth, something you wouldn't understand."

"Go on, with that perverted look of yours, and yet you have depth."

At that moment, Sophie appeared unexpectedly and called out sharply,"Ryan, get to the office."

I waved goodbye to the young lady and, with my luggage in tow, made my way to the secretary's office. Sophie followed shortly, entering her own office. The secretary's room seemed to be in the process of being tidied up, but it was remarkably clean despite the days that had passed. As soon as I set down my bag, Sophie opened the small door and, standing in the doorway, remarked,"You claim to have a girlfriend, yet you're still flirting with other girls."

I sighed deeply and turned to face her. She stood by the window, the sunlight filtering through the curtains and casting a cold light across her face. I took a steadying breath, striving to make my voice sound calm."Sophie, you know that Celeste and I are genuinely in a relationship."

Sophie sneered, her voice cutting through the air like the sharpest blade."Genuine? If you're sincere with her, then what about me?"

Her words struck me like a heavy blow, a deep pain spreading through my chest. I stood frozen, my heart aching. Once, I had felt that way about Sophie—raw, passionate feelings. But back then, she could never have reciprocated them, even harboring hatred for me. Now, she belonged to someone else. I lowered my gaze, unwilling to continue this conversation.

Sophie glanced at me, her eyes betraying a complex mix of emotions. She approached, handed me the car keys, her voice softening just slightly."Go back to the hotel, freshen up, and tonight, come with me to meet someone."

I lifted my head, confusion in my gaze."Who are we meeting?"

Her eyes flickered momentarily, as if weighing the decision of whether or not to reveal the truth. Finally, she spoke."As my boyfriend."

"That's something you should discuss with Lucas Steele, not me," I swiftly rejected, my tone tinged with impatience.

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I stood there, sensing the heavy tension in the air. Sophie's gaze burned into me with a flicker of anger, as though she might pierce me with her stare."This mess is something you caused back then. If you won't make amends, who will?"

I furrowed my brow, confusion flooding my mind."How does this relate to what happened back then?"

Sophie took a deep breath, visibly trying to suppress her emotions. Her voice, now low and firm, carried an undeniable weight."We're meeting my mother. Watch your words."

My mind raced, struggling to make sense of how the events of the past could possibly be connected to her mother. Yet no matter how hard I tried, the link remained elusive.

Sophie, seeing that I remained silent, continued,"My mother's health has been declining lately, and she's been constantly mentioning how she wants to meet you. She said that, although you were unreliable back then, at least you were sincere with me. She's always wanted to see you, and when I told her you were abroad, she insisted that this time I must ensure you meet her. I couldn't promise before because I couldn't find you, but now that you're here, if not you, then who?"

A sudden tightness gripped my chest as the realization settled in. I felt a wave of fear wash over me, my voice trembling as I asked,"So, you told your mother everything?"

She glanced at me with contempt and anger, her gaze sharp and unforgiving."Do I look like a fool? I covered for you. I told her you were my boyfriend, that our relationship was going well, that you helped me settle my debts, and..." Her words faltered, her eyes flickering as though lost in a distant memory.

I stared at her, my heart a mix of conflicting emotions, and couldn't help but chuckle softly."So that's how it is."

She stepped closer, twisting my ear with fury in her eyes."Just thinking about it makes me angry. You've done wrong, and why should I cover for you?" She twisted harder, causing me to wince in pain, my eyes welling with tears from the sharp sting.

"If you make any mistakes tonight, just wait and see how I handle you," she warned coldly, her voice as harsh and biting as a winter's wind.

I winced in pain, quickly begging for mercy."Alright, alright, I understand! I promise I won't make any mistakes."

Sophie released me, her gaze still stern, but her tone softened just slightly."Remember, if you say anything wrong, I won't forgive you. Now, let's go, we're heading to the hotel."

She had me grab my luggage, and we left the office. Downstairs, a car was waiting for us—a vintage E300. Outside, the streets gleamed with lights, but my heart felt as though it had descended into a dark abyss.

Throughout the journey, Sophie remained silent, her face clouded with thought. I stole a few furtive glances at her, my heart racing with anxiety. Her expression unsettled me, a sense of unease growing, as if she could explode at any moment.

I drove us to the same hotel as last time. Once the car was parked, we walked to the front desk. The receptionist greeted us with a smile, asking,"May I assist you with check-in?"

Sophie's voice was cold and unyielding as she replied,"Ryan, you'll need to show your ID as well."

The receptionist paused, taken aback by the request."I'm not staying here, just him," Sophie stated firmly, her tone brooking no argument.

The receptionist cast us a doubtful glance, but reluctantly registered only me. Sophie followed me into the room."Go take a shower and freshen up."

I stepped into the bathroom, letting the warm water wash over me, easing some of the fatigue and tension. The steam filled the air, and the mirror became hazy with mist, adding an air of mystery to the small space.

"Is this really necessary? Wouldn't it be fine to just be casual?" I muttered impatiently,"It's not like we're meeting royalty, why all this fuss?"

Her face suddenly darkened, her eyes showed a hint of displeasure, and she gritted her teeth and said, "You are going to see your mother-in-law whom you haven't seen for 7 years!"

I was stunned for a moment, and my heart suddenly tightened. Mother-in-law? Mother-in-law whom I haven't seen for 7 years? This is not a joke. I quickly found a set of clean clothes, took a quick shower, and shaved my beard. After getting dressed, I walked out.

She was slightly stunned when she saw me come out, and then walked to my side with a hint of helplessness in her eyes. "You are going to see my mother in this dress?" She stretched out her hand to straighten my collar.

"Yes, I am wearing this! You know it." I replied strangely, but I felt a little uneasy.