Chapter 18
The mechanic shot the man beside Nadia a hostile glance. “Who the hell are you?”
“I’m asking if you stand by what you just said,” Fred replied coolly, stepping subtly in front of Nadia with the quiet authority of someone used to handling trouble.
“I’m a professional,” the mechanic snapped, puffing up as he swung the wrench with mock bravado. “Clearly, I know more than you.”
Nadia studied the stranger’s face and suddenly recognized him. He was the same man she’d mistaken for a thief days ago.
“Do you trust me?” Fred turned and asked Nadia, to which she gave a firm nod.
The mechanic narrowed his eyes. “What, you from another shop trying to poach customers?”
Unfazed, Fred pulled out his phone. “I’ll call the Consumers Association. Your quote will be evidence. If there’s nothing wrong with her car, I’ll make sure you’re sued into bankruptcy.”
The mechanic paled.
“Or,” Fred added, voice smooth, “you can do your job properly, and we’ll forget this ever happened.”
Grumbling, the mechanic shot a guilty look at Nadia. “It’s just a minor issue. Really.”
“My car’s parked just outside,” the man said, taking the service slip from Nadia. His tone softened. “Why don’t you wait in it a bit? It’s too hot out here. I’ll handle this.”
“Thank you,” Nadia murmured, brushing the sweat from her brow as she turned to leave with a little less weight on her shoulders.
Fred arranged for a quick touch–up on the car’s paint, then methodically checked each of the “urgent issues” the repairman had rattled off. As expected, there were no real problems. The car hadn’t even hit the mileage for its first scheduled maintenance. The only real concern was slightly low tire pressure due to the lack of use.
Not long after, the car was pulled out of the garage.
Here you go,” Nadia called out.
Fred turned at the sound of her voice to see her holding out a bottle of cold water. “Thanks,” he said, taking it with a slight nod of appreciation.
“I should be the one thanking you,” Nadia replied. She hadn’t gone to wait in his car since he was already going out of his way for her, and it didn’t feel nice to sit around while he handled everything.
Fred took a long sip, then offered a brief smile. “Your car’s fine. That guy was just banking on you not knowing any better.” Nadia gave a small, wry smile. “He guessed right. I really don’t know much about cars.”
Fred glanced at her, noticing the sun–kissed flush on her cheeks and the quiet gleam in her eyes, like stars reflected on still water. For a moment, he forgot where he was.
“Your phone’s ringing,” Nadia said gently, pulling him back to the present.
Meanwhile, Chloe had rushed straight to No. 8 Crest Manor when she learned Jason was back in the country.
He had returned earlier than expected for urgent matters and had just finished a video conference when she barged into his study without knocking.
“Jason, I need your help,” she blurted out.
Jason leaned back in his chair, irritation flashing across his face. “What happened to your manners? Barging in like this? Is this your house or mine?”
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Chapter 18
“Well, technically it’s yours,” Chloe muttered, shrinking slightly. Then, noticing his stormy expression, she added more cautiously, “Is Mom’s condition serious?”
His eyes narrowed. “You read the report without a brain? Or are you blind? A cystic liver tumor under five centimeters with no symptoms doesn’t require treatment.”
Chloe pouted in silence.
ན པ ༠༠ འ
She panicked when she saw “cystic tumor on liver” in Madge’s report and jumped to conclusions, mistaking it for liver cancer. She hadn’t realized it was the same benign finding from her previous check–up while she’d been away at school.
Jason’s mood soured even more, seeing Chloe lingering around with no intention of leaving. “Anything else?”
“I want to date Fred,” she said shyly, tugging at the hem of her shirt.
His hand froze mid–air with a cigarette, seemingly stunned.
“You two are close,” Chloe continued. “Wouldn’t it be great if we became in–laws? You’re powerful, but a marriage alliance with the Hancocks could open more doors.”
J’He’s not into you,” Jason said flatly, lighting the cigarette and exhaling smoke through his nostrils.
“You don’t know what the future holds,” Chloe argued, pouting again. “Just help me once. If it doesn’t work out, I’ll give up.”
Tired of her persistence, Jason tossed her an old number Fred used to have.
Chloe checked it and sulked. “This one’s out of service!”
Since Fred’s return, she’d tried every possible channel to get close to him, all in vain.
“Please call him for me? I’m your only sister,” she begged, grabbing his arm so forcefully that she nearly knocked the cigarette from his hand. Jason snapped. “He’s five years older than you. It’s not happening.”
“You’re five years older than Nadia, too,” Chloe shouted without thinking.
That only made things worse. Jason’s eyes darkened, his temples pulsing with fury.
Still, he recited another number through gritted teeth.
Afraid he’d hang up on her, Chloe grabbed the landline in his study and dialed. The call connected.
“Yes?” came Fred’s calm voice.
“Fred. Why didn’t you tell me you were back?” Chloe cooed sweetly.
There was a momentary silence on the line. “I just got back. Things have been hectic,” Fred began, his tone cooling. “Is your brother looking for me?”
“No,” Chloe replied quickly. “I’m the one calling. I wanted to treat you to a welcome–home dinner.”
“If I can, I’ll invite your brother for a meal. You’re welcome to join us,” Fred responded.
“That’s not the same,” Chloe protested, voice edging into a whine. “If he’s there, I’m just a third wheel. You’ll probably want to hang out with old friends, have drinks… I can come along and be your designated driver!”
She wanted to be seen at his side, as his date. He’d rejected her more times than she could count, but she always pretended not to get the message.
Fred moved to a quieter spot and lowered his voice. “Sorry. I’m pursuing someone right now. I don’t want her to get idea.”
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“You’re lying!” Chloe’s voice shot up, trembling. “You just got back from Salvor! You haven’t even been on a date, so who is she? Just admit it, you don’t want to see me!”
Fred exhaled and wiped the sweat from his brow. “When she says yes. I’ll introduce you.”
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Chapter 18
Then he hung up, cutting off whatever she was about to say, and turned back to Nadia with an easy smile. His demeanor relaxed again.
He didn’t ask where she worked or pry about her life. Instead, he kept things light, offering a few practical car maintenance tips. and letting her know she could reach out if she needed help.
There was a quiet respect in the way he spoke–no pressure, presumptions, or attempts to cross lines too soon. Nadia wasn’t usually warm to strangers, but the conversation felt unexpectedly effortless with him.
A small crocheted doll tumbled out onto the pavement as she reached into her bag for her keys.
Fred crouched to pick it up, examining the tiny plushie dressed in a blue hoodie and beige pants. When he learned she had crocheted it herself, he praised her craftsmanship.
The warmth of his words contrasted sharply with a memory. She’d once shown the same doll to Jason. His reaction had been instant disdain, and he said, “What’s this piece of rubbish?” When she’d told him she made it herself, he added with a snort, “Ugly as hell.”
On one business trip, annoyed by how she always packed the matching girl version, he’d tossed them both in the hotel trash.
If he ever heard someone compliment it, he’d probably insult them too.
“Give me a minute,” she said, returning to her car. She then came back with a small, wrapped item and handed it to Fred. “For everything today. Thank you.”
He unwrapped it partially and caught a subtle scent. “You made this, too?”
“I studied perfumery a little. Just a hobby.” She tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear. “I should get going. Goodbye.”
He brought the bottle closer, breathing in the layered fragrance that was soft, clean, and unexpectedly intimate.
As her car engine hummed to life, a knock on her window made her glance up. She rolled it down. “Yes?”
Fred leaned in slightly, a rare trace of awkwardness in his smile. “I didn’t get the chance earlier to introduce myself, I’m Fred.” “I-” Nadia was about to introduce herself when her phone lit up. It was Madge calling.
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