Chapter 269: I Only See You as a Sister
Ever vigilant, Ryan approached Reese with a question. Should we not first verify his story, to ascertain the truth of his words?” he suggested.Reese, however, dismissed the idea with a shake of her heal. “There’s no need. He won’t be leaving Atlanta. As we live under the same roof, our paths are bound to cross. Mr. Tartt wouldn dare deceive me, would you, Mr. Tartt? Her words wore directed at Jason, accompanied by a pointed glance.Jason’s face was a canvas of livid anger, yet he dared not raise a hand against Reese. Louis stepped forward, releasing Jason from his grasp. Reese, ever cautious, issued a reminder. “I trust that today’s incidents will remain our secret, Mr. Tartt. After all, it wouldn’t serve you well if Finn Sawyer and Malcolm were to find out. Tason seethed with indignation. “It seems Mrs. Flynn has made a bold move after careful consideration, he muttered under his breath. He marveled at Reese’s audacity, confronting him directly without fear of her secrets being exposed. She must have been confident in her control over the situation from the outset, Jason realized he should never underestimate Reese. A woman capable of such meticulous logic was not to be trifled with.Reese offered an unapologetic smile. “Mr. Tartt, I am not one to take risks without certainty. So, when I ask you something, it’s in your best interest to answer truthfully. “Turning to Louis, she instructed, ‘Arrange a car to take Mr. Tartt home.“”I can manage on my own. I wouldn’t want to trouble you, Mrs. Flynn, Jason retorted, seething with resentment. Never in his years with the Flynn family had anyone dared treat him this way–Reese was the first.As Jason made his exit, Reese signaled to Louis with her eyes. He promptly closed the door behind the departing man.“Now, verify Jason’s claims. Since we know grandmother had ties to an organization, we need to find out which one it was, Reese commanded. If Jason’s words held truth, then their grandmother’s death might not have been an accident, but the tip of a very complicated iceberg. “Understood,” Louis responded, retrieving his laptop from the car to commence the investigation.Meanwhile, Malcolm had been preoccupied, but suddenly realized that his wife hadn’t reported to work that day. He attempted to call Reese, but her phone was unreachable.A* frown creased Malcolm’s forehead as he was brought back to reality by Everly’s entrance. He was lost in thought, staring at his phone, when she placed a cup of freshly brewed coffee on his desk. Malcolm, what’s troubling you?” she asked.Malcolm snapped out of his reverie, giving Everly a strange look with a cold tone in his voice. “Don’t call me that.“Everly felt the chill emanating from Malcolm, her face falling into a sullen shade of disappointment. “Mr. Flynn,” she corrected herself.Malcolm’s stern visage softened slightly as he looked up, all business. “What is it?““Reese didn’t show up today, didn’t call in sick either. According to company policy, her paycheck for the half–month should be docked. HR is asking about it.““Just dock it,” Malcolm replied dismissively. His wife wasn’t short on cash, and even if she was, he certainly wasn’t.Everly hadn’t come to discuss Reese’s salary deductions; the Flynn family wasn’t hurting for money. Even if Reese wasn’t the favorite in the Flynn household, Malcolm held her in high regard; he wouldn’t shortchange her materially.“Mr. Flynn, it’s not about that. Her current actions are simply not right. And where on earth has she gone? Aren’t you the least bit curious?” Everly pressed.Malcolm’s frown deepened, his presence becoming as dark and icy as the night. “Everly, my marital affairs aren’t up for discussion, especially not here at work. I prefer to keep personal matters separate.“But his evasion only proved he was shielding Reese, and Everly’s discontent grew. Her voice rose, barely able to keep her emotions in check.“Why do you care so much about her? What’s so good about this woman? Can’t you see me? Ever since I was a child entering the Flynn household, I’ve been in love with you. I can’t believe that after all these years, you haven’t noticed.“She’d always thought Malcolm, being so perceptive, must have sensed her feelings, but he never once acknowledged them.Malcolm had initially considered Everly’s family and didn’t want to hurt her. But now that she’d pushed the matter this far, there was nothing left to hide.“I know you like me, but I don’t have romantic feelings for you. I’ve always seen you as a sister, no different than Alyssa in my eyes. Just purely his sister, without any other emotions involved.Everly was clearly not satisfied with this revelation. “No, I won’t accept this. I’ve loved you for years, and now you’re telling me you only see me as a sister!**You should’ve seen this coming. I have no romantic interest in you, and you have to accept that. From now on, I hope you’ll treat me as a brother, nothing more.“Malcolm had been more than fair to her; by his usual measures, Everly would have been out on her ear long ago.“I…I can’t accept this. Don’t you feel anything for me? Even just a little bit?” Everly knew Malcolm’s temper all too well. Hearing him speak like that sent a chill through her heart, but she still couldn’t let go without a definitive answer.It was clear to Malcolm that her tone was close to pleading, but he wasn’t the type to change his firm principles easily. No, all I feel for you is kinship.“His voice was cold, shutting down any hope Everly might have clung to.But Everly wasn’t ready to give up.“But I–““If there’s nothing else, you should go now.“Malcolm picked up the documents on his desk, making his stance abundantly clear.Everly didn’t dare push further; she feared his wrath deeply. His tender affection, that gentle care, was reserved solely for Reese.Every time she thought about the love and affection that should have been hers now belonging to Reese, she felt like tearing Reese apart.He was the man she had loved for so many years. She wasn’t going to give up on him that easily. Reese, you wait and see, I’ll settle this score sooner or later,‘ she thought to herself. After Everly left, Malcolm called for Justin.“Check up on Reese, will you? See what she’s been doing today.“Justin was surprised, “You want to track Reese’s movements, Mr. Flynn?““She’s not answering her phone,” Malcolm implied that he was worried, not snooping.
