?Chapter 856:


    He spotted his target the moment he stepped into the hotel lobby.


    Tina, Sadie’s assistant, sat by the window in the lounge, casually sipping her coffee.


    Daren felt a jolt in his chest.


    Squaring his shoulders, he lifted his chin and approached at a brisk pace.


    “I wasn’t expecting to see you this early, Miss Delgado.”


    Tina paused, then calmly set her cup down and looked up.


    When she saw that it was Daren, she stood and greeted him politely.


    “Good morning, Mr. Johnson.”


    Daren rubbed his hands together, his urgency barely concealed.


    “Is Ms. Hudson here as well? I need to speak with her. It’s rather important.”


    Tina gave him a mild look of apology and shrugged.


    “What unfortunate timing, Mr. Johnson. Ms. Hudson left early this morning. She had ns to go shopping with a friend. Her son’s birthday ising up, and she insisted on picking out the gift herself. She probably won’t be back until this evening. Perhaps you can schedule a meeting another time?”


    Daren’s smile faltered. He blinked twice.


    That excuse sounded a little too convenient.


    Had that bastard Nathan gotten to her first?


    A cold unease crept into his chest, but he kept his expressionposed—even if his smile had grown slightly stiff.


    “I see. How unfortunate, indeed. Well, picking out a gift for the little one is certainly important.”


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    He reached into his jacket, pulled out a business card, and handed it over.


    “Please let Ms. Hudson know to give me a call once she returns. I’ll stop by whenever she’s free.”


    Tina epted the card with both hands, her smile courteous and professional.


    “Of course.”


    She gave a slight bow and added,


    “I’m sorry that you came all this way for nothing, Mr. Johnson.”


    Daren waved it off with exaggerated grace, though his smile had grown even more strained.


    “It’s no trouble. Well, don’t let me keep you, Miss Delgado.”


    He turned and strode out of the hotel. If he stayed a minute longer, he knew his expression might finally betray what he was truly feeling.


    That damn woman! Why on earth was she out shopping at such a critical moment?


    She had to be doing it on purpose.


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