?<strong>Chapter 857:</strong>


    “Never.”


    How could Bobby possibly change? He was a notorious yboy, potentially capable of settling down, yet his yearnings remained as potent as ever.


    Previously, his many rtionships had catered to his needs, but now Fannie was his sole focus, her presence fueling his relentless desires.


    True to his promise, Bobbyter phoned Michael.


    Upon hearing the details, Michael questioned, “Is this another one of your schemes with Jett?”


    Bobby hadn’t expected Jett to approach Michael so soon. “What’s going on?”


    “He’s warned me to ensure Dulce’s safety, or else to steer clear of her entirely.”


    “Isn’t that straightforward?” Bobby quipped yfully. “Just bring her over, pamper her like royalty, and let Jett deal with that.”


    “Can you quit throwing around such oundish ideas?”


    Bobby genuinely didn’t see his suggestion as oundish. Without it, Dulce might very well end up at Fannie’s. “This would actually be good for Dulce. She’d love it.”


    “Drop it. Now that Shawn and Katherine have a son, they’re too busy to entertain your antics. You’re causing trouble again.”


    Thankfully, Fannie was there to rein Bobby in. Otherwise, he’d likely spiral out of control.


    “Just ensure that Dulce doesn’t show up at Fannie’s,” Bobby asserted.


    “What about Adrian?”


    “He and Joelle are swamped. They’ve just heard about Rnd and have traveled abroad again. They won’t be back for days.”


    Michael considered whether Bobby’s suggestion was really the only viable option. But inviting Dulce over seemed overly intimate, didn’t it? Would Dulce perceive his invitation as an overstep?


    Deciding to give it a shot, Michael dialed Dulce’s number.


    To his relief, Dulce epted his invitation without hesitation. “Could I bring my things over after work?”


    A warm flush spread across Michael’s cheeks and heart. “Uh… yes, that would be fine.”


    After the call, Michael’s heart thrummed unevenly. He sat, hands sped, lost in thought.


    Johnny entered to hand over a document and noticed Michael’s distraction. “Mr. Frye, are you feeling alright? You seem a bit offtely.”


    “No, I’m fine.”


    “Alright, I’ll leave you to your thoughts then.”


    “Johnny,” Michael called out, stopping him. “What exactly is your rtionship with Dulce?”


    Johnny offered a friendly smile. “We are simply good friends.”


    “That day at the hotel…” Michael trailed off, not finishing his thought. Dulce’s easy eptance had sown seeds of doubt, making him feel as if he—and possibly Johnny—were being manipted.


    Johnny quickly rified, understanding the implication. “Mr. Frye, I hope there’s no misunderstanding. That day, I apanied her to meet her mentor, Hodge.”


    “Oh, so that’s the exnation,” Michael responded, his cheeks coloring slightly.


    Wait, Hodge? Why was another man involved?


    “Are she and Hodge particrly close?” Michael queried.


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