<b>3 </b>
<b>36</b><b>% </b>
<b>+20</b>)
There was no time to overthink. Seeing Jeffrey move further away,n immediately followed. It waste at night, and Reba was drunk. There was no telling if Jeffrey might take advantage of the situation.
Jeffrey noticedn following but didn’t stop him, allowing him to enter the elevator.
Jeffrey didn’t even bother to look at him.
They arrived on the 18th floor. The bodyguards at the entrance nodded in acknowledgment, while the butler, Victor, said to Jeffrey, “Mr. Hanson.”
“Where’s Samuel?” Jeffrey asked.
“Samuel has finished dinner and is reading,” Victor replied. “It’s just that he keeps asking when Ms. Jensen will be back.”
Jeffrey acknowledged with a hum and entered withn following closely behind.
“You’re dismissed. Leave a car key and go home,” Jeffrey said, ncing briefly atn while carrying Reba. “Take anyone unnecessary with you on your way out.”
The bodyguards responded in unison, “Yes.”
Jan tried to push past, but four bodyguards quickly restrained him, giving him no chance to resist.
Jeffrey watched asn was escorted away. Once everyone was out of sight, he closed the door and carried Reba inside. Before he could reach the bedroom, he spotted a small figure in the living room.
Samuel looked up at Reba in Jeffrey’s arms, her unresponsive state making his childish face serious. “What’s wrong with Mommy?”
Jeffrey answered honestly, “She’s drunk.”
“Mommy never drinks outside,” Samuel remarked pointedly, implying that her condition had something to do with Jeffrey.
Jeffrey didn’t deny it. “I admit I caused this, but I did it to teach her a lesson.”
Samuel looked unhappy about it.
“Let me put her to bed first,” Jeffrey said as he made his way toward the bedroom. “We’ll talk about thister.”
Samuel didn’t stop him. In his memory, he’d only seen Reba drunk once before, during a home anniversary celebration. She’d copsed after drinking half a ss of wine and never touched alcohol again.
Reba stirred, likely because she was back in a familiar environment, or maybe because she heard the voice that mattered most to her. Her eyes opened groggily, and before she could fully focus, she asked, “Is Samuel home yet?”
Her words came out slurred, but both Jeffrey and Samuel understood her clearly.
13:16 Fri<b>, </b><b>19 </b><b>Sept </b>00
Samuel quickly elbowed Jeffrey aside and took Reba’s slender hand with both of his. “I’m right here, Mommy.”
“Sweetheart,” Reba murmured, reaching to touch his face.
“I’m here,” Samuel said softly.
<b>36</b><b>% </b>
<b>20 </b>
Reba’s eyes, though unfocused, seemed to try to focus on him. With sheer willpower, she managed to keep them open. “Did you eat dinner?”
“I did,” Samuel answered, knowing just what to say to reassure her. n took me to eat lots of yummy food and told me funny stories. I just walked him downstairs.”
Jeffrey tensed up at hearing that.
The tension melted from Reba’s face. “That’s–good.“–
Noticing she still held his hand, Samuel said softly, “Mommy?”
Reba closed her eyes again, murmuring instinctively, “Yeah?”
“Can I sleep next to you tonight?” Samuel asked as he climbed into the bed, pressing his small face against hers.
Reba turned her body to the side without answering. Her free hand reached around until it found Samuel’s tiny form. She pulled him close and tucked the nket around him.
Jeffrey’s gaze darkened as he watched the woman who couldn’t recognize herself when drunk, yet still managed to tuck Samuel in properly.
Samuel blinked his big eyes innocently. “I’lle out after Mommy falls asleep.”
“Okay.” Jeffrey didn’t say more. He adjusted the nkets for both of them and lingered a moment longer before turning off the light and leaving.
Sitting on the living room couch, Jeffrey looked around the cramped space, which was smaller than his bathroom back home. Every corner was cluttered with household items.
He couldn’t understand why Reba wanted a divorce and chose to move into this tiny ce without any housekeeping
help.
His phone buzzed, pulling him out of his thoughts. Expecting a call from Andrea, he was surprised to see Stanley’s name. “What’s up?” he answered.
“I heard you were out drinking with your wife
Jeffrey didn’t reply, not surprised that Stanley knew.
Stanley continued, “Where are you now?” “new
Jeffrey replied, “Get to the point.”
Stanley said, his gossip skills as sharp as ever.
<b>13:16 </b><b>Fri</b><b>, </b><b>19 </b><b>Sept </b>0
? <b>?? </b><b>36</b>%
“Nothing, just asking,” Stanley said, clearly bored and eager for gossip. “And just a reminder. Don’t do anything shady while she’s drunk.”
Jeffrey moved the phone away from his ear, ready to hang up. Even at his worst, he wouldn’t take advantage of Reba when she waspletely wasted.
“Wait!” Stanley raised his voice as if predicting Jeffrey’s hang–up.
Jeffrey responded curtly, “Go ahead.”
“I’ve finished digging inton’s entire background,” Stanley said, this being the real reason for his call. “But I still can’t figure out why Reba never suspected his feelings for her.”
Jeffrey sensed something was off. “Keep digging.”
Stanley advised, “Could we be wrong? Maybe he just seems interested in Reba but isn’t really?”
Ifn truly liked someone, it didn’t make sense that none of his childhood friends, roommates<b>, </b>or ssmates knew about <ol><li>it. He couldn’t have hidden it so well. </li></ol>
“He’s into Reba,” Jeffrey said confidently. Between men, a lot could be confirmed with just a look, and Jeffrey was
certain about this.
“I’ve checked everything that matters. Another ten investigation’s won’t change anything,” Stanley said honestly. “Why not
ask Jessica? She’s close ton and might know something.”
Jeffrey said, “You ask her.”
Stanley retorted, “I’m not your employee.”
Jeffrey offered, “I’ll help you get the Reed family bid next time.”
Stanley agreed right away, “Deal.” There was nothing Stanley wouldn’t do if the right incentives were offered.
After the call ended, Samuel came out of the bedroom. He quietly closed the door and sat down next to Jeffrey on the
couch.
They gazed at each other in the quiet darkness, the night having enveloped the entire city outside the windows.
Jeffrey spoke up first, as gentle as ever, “Is she asleep?”
Samuel replied, “Yes.”
Jeffrey stood up and ced his suit jacket on the couch, rolling up the sleeves of his white shirt.
Seeing this, Samuel asked, “What are you doing?”
“I’m helping your mom take off her makeup and wash her face,” Jeffrey said, as if it were routine. “She only used sunscreen and primer today, but we can’t let them stay on her skin overnight.”
Samuel <b>got </b><b>off </b>the couch<b>, </b>acting mature. “I’ll do it.”
<b>3/4 </b>
13:16 <b>Fri</b><b>, </b><b>19 </b>Sept
?、 , <b>36</b>% °
Jeffrey’s eyes held affection, but his words were firm. “You’ll do no such thing. Go brush your teeth and get to bed.”
+20
<b>13:16 </b><b>Fri</b>, <b>19 </b><b>Sept </b>00