Of course he was willing to take care of Nicole. Heâd been dreaming of meeting her again and promising to do right by her.
But there was a slight problem.
The woman saw right through his concerns and sighed.
âBut she doesnât want to see you, nor does she approve of you taking care of her. Youâll need to solve this dilemma on your own. Iâll give you her location and let you figure this out.â
âMake sure you read that book as well. Every detail you find in there is the result of my efforts, so letâs settle this amicably.â
The woman stretched her hand out expectantly.
Evan glanced at the thick notebook on the table and mulled over his decision. Shortly after that, he took out a gold card and slid it across the table towards her.
âHow much is in here?â asked the woman. She was curious about his fabled wealth.
âAs much as you need. Youâve done so much for Nicole and there is no way to put a price on that. The card has no limits, so feel free to use it as you see fit.â
The womanâs eyes widened in surprise. For reasons unknown, she felt the card weigh heavily in her palm, like she couldnât lift it.
âDonât worry, I will not use the money here frivolously. It will only be used to help people in need. Consider this a joint effort of charity where you and Nicole provide the funds, while Wesley and I provide the services.â
Evan looked at her and nodded appreciatively.
After that, the woman gave Evan an address on a slip of paper, along with a word of caution to not startle Nicole.
âIâll leave her to you. Wesley and I cannot tarry any longer. You should find someone to secretly keep an eye on her, then figure out how to get her to go back with you.â
The woman wore a look of faint surprise on her face, but she continued. âIn fact, I forgot to mention that Nicole has missed you dearly. She hasnât stopped thinking about you, but her reluctance likely stems from fear. I think sheâs afraid that her illness will affect you somehow.â
The word âaffectâ triggered a strong reaction in Evan, as if a knife had been plunged into him, twisted, and yanked out again.
He had been through thick and thin with Nicole, but did she not trust him? Does she think that the burden of her illness is too much for me to bear?
Does she still consider me an outsider deep down?
Evan was hurt. He felt that they should spend the rest of their lives bound to each other to weather this storm.
Nicole, youâre not even giving me the opportunity to help you!
What youâre doing is unbearable!
Do I have to make you feel this way too?
After Evan left The Passion, he received a call from the Hidden Masters.
According to their reports, they had finally pinpointed Nicoleâs location.
âIâll visit her tomorrow. For now, Iâll leave her safety to you.â
âYes, Mr. Seet.â
After the call ended, the four Hidden Masters chatted amongst themselves.
âI saw Mrs. Seet just now,â said Jeremy. âShe so thin, just like a goddamn bamboo pole. Mr. Seet is going to feel distressed when he sees her.â
âShe may be thin,â replied Jensen. âBut sheâs alive and thatâs what matters. Sheâll go back to looking like herself eventually.â
Damien smirked. âGiven Mr. Seetâs tendencies when it comes to pampering her, I think sheâll regain her vigor in no time at all!â
âYes, Mr. Seet definitely has a plan. Wait and see!â responded Darius.
Suddenly, Jeremy snapped his fingers, as if heâd remembered something out of the blue.
âI know! Letâs make a bet. I bet itâll take half a year for her to become nice and plump!â
Jensen found the proposal interesting and agreed. âThree months is my wager! Making someone gain weight is easy. Besides, Mr. Seet is going to scour the earth for all kinds of delicacies for his wife. Heâll whisper sweet nothings to her as well. I think the combined force of food and encouragement will definitely make her nice and plump in three months or so.â
Damien disagreed with the notion. âMrs. Seet isnât a pig for Godâs sake. How will she gain weight so easily? Besides, she has a sickness of the mind and needs proper care. Iâm willing to bet that itâll take a year.â
Darius pondered on this briefly before replying, âIâm thinking itâll takeâ¦three years.â
Jeremy balked at him. âThree years? Darius, are you underestimating Mr. Seetâs abilities?â