After saying that, he pressed the button for theyer in the elevator.


    The woman gave a slight nod and smiled,menting, “I thought you two were a couple. You really seem like a perfect match.”


    Nanako Ito blushed and quickly replied, “No, no… we’re just good friends…”


    The woman nodded in response but chose not to say anything further, perhaps out of a sense of ridicule.


    As the elevator swiftly descended to the first floor, Charlie Wade bid farewell to the two of them, stepped out, and made his way back to the vi area.<fn0d55> Chapters first released on fin?novel</fn0d55><h3 style="background-color:DodgerBlue">


    At that moment, he had no idea that the woman he had just shared the elevator with was actually a subordinate of his biological mother. Her earlier return was part of a carefully orchestrated n.


    Lydia, also known as Ava (Charlie’s mom), was concerned that Charlie Wade might overthink things. To alleviate his concerns, she instructed her subordinate to create an opportunity to appear in front of him, ensuring he would see her as an ordinary person,cking knowledge of martial arts or spiritual energy.


    The reason for timing her entrance to the basement was to further minimize any chance of suspicion.


    Humans are inherently subjective in their perceptions. If someone follows you to a particr location, the observer may feel they are being trailed. However, the reverse is true; if you arrive separately, the likelihood of suspicion is significantly reduced.


    Lydia (Ava) was indeed involved in Nanako’s situation. To keep Charlie Wade from noticing anything unusual, she had to eliminate all of his doubts. Otherwise, knowing Charlie’s tenacity, he would undoubtedly dig deeper until he uncovered the truth.


    A few minutester, Charlie Wade returned to the Tomson Yipin vi area.


    Inside the vi, ine and Jacob were lounging in the living room on the first floor, ostensibly watching TV. However, the television was merely on for background noise as they both slumped on the sofa, immersed in their phones.


    With ire still in the United States and Charlie having been away for several days, their rtionship had shifted. Once filled with conflict, it had now transformed into a state of weariness and estrangement. Although they resided under the same roof, meaningfulmunication between them had be nearly nonexistent.


    As Charlie Wade pushed the door open and entered, both ine and Jacob instinctively sat up from the sofa. They exchanged surprised nces before eximing in unison, “The good son-inw is back!” Afterward, they shared a look of mutual disdain, as if disappointed by their synchronized greeting.


    Jacob was about to step forward to engage with Charlie, but ine had already limped over to him. She abruptly twisted her body, catching Jacob off guard, causing him to lose his bnce. After a struggle to regain his footing, he stumbled back onto the sofa.


    Jacob shot an annoyed nce at ine, who had already approached Charlie Wade. With a sweet smile, she said, “Oh, my dear son-inw! Why did you return at this hour without giving Mom a heads-up? Have you eaten yet? Would you like me to whip up something for you?”


    Charlie Wade chuckled and replied, “No need to trouble yourself, Mom. I’ve already eaten.”


    Jacob quickly stood up, walked over to Charlie, and asked, “Good son-inw, how have you been during your time away?”