Chapter 291:
The overhead light cast a soft glow on Harleeâs refined features.
Her long eyelashes created gentle shadows on her cheeks as she tilted her head and slowly sipped her coffee.
Her calm and even voice broke the silence.
âYouâre the man Benedict has been hunting for?â
Rhysâ eyes sparkled with mischief as he nodded, openly confirming his identity.
Patrick was utterly stunned. Rhys just admitted it like that? Didnât Rhys realize that Benedict was scouring the city for him? Yet, here he was, boldly admitting it while leisurely enjoying his coffee in what could be considered hostile territory.
Patrick felt he couldnât think straight because of the shock. What made him even more floored was Harleeâs next question.
âNot keeping it a secret?â Harlee arched an eyebrow, her lips curving into a playful smile as a spark of intrigue flickered in her dark eyes.
Rhys got up and took a seat next to her, responding with openness, âNo reason to hide it from you.
Besides, youâve figured it out already, didnât you?â
Harlee gave no clear confirmation or denial.
She had indeed figured it out, but only when she laid eyes on him. When Karina revealed Rhys as the man who had disrupted Claelia, Harlee had been doubtful.
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Her earlier questioning was meant to test whether Karina was reliable. Now it appeared her strategy could proceed as planned.
Karina looked up and gave Aldrich a subtle nod, lifting her hand to make a sign that only they both understood.
Aldrich quickly picked up on it and departed to set things in motion.
As Aldrich and Harlee briefly locked eyes, a slight trace of jealousy crossed Rhysâ otherwise unflustered expression. Yet, he understood Aldrich was her subordinate, and showing jealousy over such a matter would only irritate her. Thus, he kept his feelings to himself.
Patrickâs mind raced. Who was Harlee? Rhysâ identity was supposed to be a tightly kept secret. It was unthinkable that someone outside their closest circle would know. So, how had she come to figure it out?
Patrick remained on high alert.
Before leaving for the hospital, Merritt had explicitly instructed Patrick to be vigilant, and anyone who approached Rhys should be closely monitored. Patrick couldnât understand why Harlee was interested in Rhysâ identity.
Patrick wasnât at ease.
He observed Harlee as she calmly drank her coffee, her face giving nothing away.
After a brief pause, he decided to speak.
âAre you here for the jade stones?â
Harlee turned her head slightly, her look cool and detached as she eyed Patrick.
âSort of.
But not exactly.â
.
.
.