hapter 270: An Equal Match
Justin made a swift return, his countenance etched with severity. “Mr Flynn, I have procured the information you sought.““And where has she ventured?” Her trail is peculiar. The records suggest that Reese visited
mall, yet there is an additional anomaly. Mr. Tartt has yet to return to his residence.“At this, Malcolm ceased is perusal of the documents before him, his eyelids lifting ever so slightly.“Are you insinuating something?““Merely stating the facts as they stand.“Malcolm set aside his papers, rubbing his temples in contemplation before voicing his thoughts.“Are we certal of Reese’s mall visit?” This gave Justin pause. He shook his head.“I cannot confirm with absolute certainty.“Malcolm mulled over this for a moment before calmly analyzing, “Reese is a cunning woman. If she were to execute a plan, she would ensure every detail was meticulously considered. Furthermore, she is not one to shirk her duties for a frivolous shopping trip, especially in the absence of any social events.“Reese had proven herself to be quite the trickster in the past.The likelihood of her involvement in the rent project was high–bordering on ninety percent certainty. And that fleeting figure that had made a hasty retreat previously? It must have been her.While disguises are challenging to master, Reese, given her unique skill set, might just possess the aptide for it.Justin voiced his uncertainties, “Are you suggesting that Reese is attempting to mislead us, to cloud our judgment?“Malcolm chuckled lightly, “Isn’t that just like her? She has been suspecting Mr. Tartt of orchestrating her grandmother’s demise, and then there was the incident yesterday. She deliberately tested Jason’s abilities, and let’s be honest, Jason is far from ordinary. Reese even hinted at a possible ulterior motive behind Jason’s association with the Flynn family.“A realization dawned on Justin, “So, Mr. Flynn, you believe Reese might be colluding with Mr. Tartt?” “It’s a possibility we cannot ignore. If Reese remains elusive, perhaps we should shift our focus to locating Jason?““I shall attend to it,” Justin affirmed.No sooner had he spoken, Malcolm’s phone chimed. A casual glance at the screen and the smirk that danced on his lips was a clear indication–it was Reese. Recognizing his, Justin discreetly exited the office.Malcolm answered the call, his tone blunt, “Where have you disappeared to?““Merely visiting the mall. A friend’s birthday is on the horizon, and I’m selecting a gift.“Her lie was delivered with such ease, it might have been convincing had Malcolm not harbored his suspicions.Deception was a trait he abhorred, yet when it involved the woman he cherished, his tolerance inexplicably heightened, and he found himself almost amused.Malcolm gently cautioned her, “You know, when I pose a question, I usually possess the answer. It would be wise to be truthful, my dear.“Reese felt a pang of unease. For a fleeting moment, she was genuinely apprehensive, yet she couldn’t ascertain whether Malcolm had truly uncovered her secret.This uncertainty restrained her from revealing anything prematurely; there was no need to play into his hands if he was merely bluffing. Others might have crumbled under the pressure, but not Reese. Her astute judgment and intuition were far superior to the average person.She wagered that even if Malcolm suspected her true whereabouts, he lacked concrete evidence. If he possessed such proof, why would he bother with the interrogation?With a confident glint in her eye, she responded without hesitation. “I’m simply at the mall, as I said.“Malcolm raised an eyebrow, finding it challenging to extract a straightforward answer from her. It suddenly occurred to him that having such an intelligent wife could either be a blessing or a curse.“And what of Mr Tartt? Was he not accompanying you?” he probed, clearly not willing to let Reese off the hook so easily. He was prepared to engage in a battle of wits if necessary.Reese saw through Malcolm’s tactics and decided to cut to the chase. “Do you honestly believe I would associate with Mr. Tartt without just cause?” “It pertains to your grandmother’s demise.” “Even if I were investigating my grandmother’s death, I wouldn’t need to be seen with Mr. Tartt. Besides, you should have already verified—I was indeed at the mall. And in your surveillance, did you spot Mr. Tartt?” Her retort was not unexpected. She possessed a quick wit that could leave one tangled in confusion and questioning their own judgment. Such a meticulous mind could not possibly belong to someone with a simple upbringing in the Backwoods.Recognizing the futility of further interrogation—knowing she likely had a myriad of rebuttals at the ready–hed decided to relent. She wouldn’t concede anything without irrefutable evidence before her.“Very well, I shall return shortly. Incidentally, you neglected to report your absence from work today. Everly mentioned docking your pay for half a month.““Indeed, deduct it. Just ensure to compensate me accordingly,” she responded nonchalantly, even managing to jest with Malcolm about it.Malcolm’s smile deepened, amused by her audacity even though he was indifferent to the financial aspect. What surprised him more was that Reese was actually jesting with him–the stark contrast to her usual demeanor was as different as night and day.“Certainly,” he agreed promptly. “I’ll provide whatever you request.“After ending the call, Reese exhaled a sigh of relief. It appeared Malcolm didn’t possess any evidence after all, just as she had suspected.She turned to Louis and inquired, “Did you manage to conceal Jason’s tracks?” “Indeed, everything has been taken care of. Your husband won’t discover a thing,” he assured her. Louis had to admit he admired Reese’s ability to anticipate and mitigate any potential risks before executing her plans, ensuring they always proceeded without a hitch. “But Reese,” he continued, “with a husband as astute as yours, you’re both in for quite the mental and emotional marathon. Constantly on guard against each other’s moves–I must admit, I’ve never seen you this tense before.“Reese shrugged with a sense of resignation: “That’s because I’ve finally met my match.“But there was something else, a truth she was reluctant to acknowledge.She might be developing feelings for Malcolm. Emotions had a tendency to cloud one’s judgment and decisions. Louis nodded thoughtfully, “I can see that. Both of you are formidable. It’s merely a matter of who gains the upper hand.“Reese glanced at her wristwatch; it was nearing seven o’clock. No wonder Malcolm was suspicious; she had been absent for an extended period.“Attend to your duties. I should make my return.” Reese, allow me to drive you.” “There’s no need, I drove myself. But do double–check Jason’s situation, we cannot afford any oversights.” Understood.”
