WY Group.
The wall behind the reception desk boasted a striking gold background, adorned with the bold and commanding words “WY Group.” It exuded an air of grandeur, captivating the attention of onlookers like a dragon’s lair, rendering them wary of underestimating its might.
“Sorry, but without an appointment, I can’t allow you to go upstairs,” the receptionist stated in a professional tone.
Theresa stood anxiously at the front desk, her voice polite yet tinged with urgency. “I really need to meet with your president and ask him something. It’s extremely urgent.”
It had been two days since Dolores had been absent from the store, and no one could reach her. Dolores had moved to Matthew’s villa, and Theresa had no idea of its location. Worry gnawed at her, driving her to seek answers from Matthew regarding Dolores’ absence.
The store had recently opened, and many customers were drawn in by Dolores’ reputation. Her absence would undoubtedly make them feel neglected, as if their patronage was not being taken seriously.
Furthermore, Dolores was known for her dedication and sincerity. She wasn’t the type to disappear without a word, especially from her workplace.
If Theresa could have contacted Dolores and learned that she had a valid reason for her absence, it would have eased her concerns. But at present, she couldn’t even reach her.
How could she not worry?
“I apologize, but without an appointment, I can’t grant you access. If everyone were to behave as you are, our boss would be inundated with such meetings, wasting his precious time,” the receptionist responded, maintaining her dignified demeanor, though her words lacked the gentleness from before, revealing her annoyance with Theresa.
“Why can’t you be a bit more accommodating? Or perhaps you could call your boss and allow me to speak with him over the phone.”
“No. If you have the time, you can wait in the lobby for him to come down. You can speak to him directly and ask whatever you need, provided he is willing.”
“Why are you being like this?”
“Sorry, it’s my job.”
Dejectedly, Theresa lowered her head. The people in this vast company were so unkind. All she wanted was to see Matthew.
“Hey, Theresa!” Armand strolled in through the door, casually twirling his car keys, his demeanor nonchalant.
Theresa paid him no mind, intending to leave.
“Hey.” As she passed by him, he grabbed her arm. “Why do you always avoid me? I’m not a monster, you know. Besides, we’re friends. It’s only proper to say hello when we meet. Aren’t you being impolite?”
Theresa furrowed her brows, attempting to free her hand from his grasp. “Politeness also depends on who the other person is. You grab my wrist as soon as you see me. If I didn’t know you, I’d think you were a playboy.”
Armand raised an eyebrow, adjusted his pristine suit, and squinted at her. “I could sue you for slander with that kind of talk.”
Theresa’s face darkened, and she retorted unhappily, “Are you out of your mind? You provoke me first and now you’re making false accusations. Well, that’s enlightening.”
Armand had no intention of actually suing her; he was merely teasing. Seeing her angry, a slight smile curled at the corners of his lips. “Are you here to meet Matthew?”
He had overheard her conversation with the receptionist as he walked in.
Before Theresa could respond, he continued, “Do you have a crush on our Matthew?”
“What nonsense are you spewing?!” Theresa was annoyed, her face reddening. Matthew was undeniably handsome, radiating the charm that only a mature man possessed.
But she knew all too well that he belonged to Dolores.
She had never considered him in that way.
How dare he tease her?
He was beyond despicable!
“Are you angry?” Armand tilted his head, regarding her with a mischievous glint in his eyes.
Theresa longed to slap him, her restraint the only thing holding her back. She glared at him fiercely before swiftly walking away.
Armand curled his lips, holding his ground as he observed her strategic retreat. “You came to meet Matthew to inquire about Ms. Flores, right?”
He had just left Boyce’s office, discussing the case against Maria. Boyce had mentioned that there was no news of Dolores, and Matthew was in a foul mood because of it. As a friend, Armand felt compelled to inquire.
Theresa halted her footsteps. He knew about Dolores!
But considering his audacity, she resisted the urge to speak to him immediately.
“Something happened to Ms. Flores, don’t you care as her friend?” Armand turned around, studying Theresa, who hesitated.
Something happened to Dolores?
How could that be?
Theresa didn’t believe him. She wouldn’t doubt if someone else had told her, but she held a negative impression of him.
“Don’t try to deceive me. Dolores is fine! Why are you cursing her? What are you up to?”
Armand remained silent, his expression unreadable.
“Am I that terrible of a person?”
“Are you even human?” Theresa shot him a cold glare. Engaging in conversation with him was futile.
Witnessing Theresa’s genuine anger, Armand composed himself and spoke earnestly, “Ms. Flores has been missing for two days, and there’s been no trace of her. It’s unclear whether she’s still in City B or not. Do you believe me now?” With that said, Armand strode toward the reception desk, his gaze sweeping over the reflective surface that displayed the faces of those present. He exchanged a knowing look with the receptionist and subtly winked at her.
Although Armand rarely visited the company, everyone knew of his association with Matthew. The receptionist had witnessed their earlier interaction with Theresa.
Armand was familiar to her.
She sensed that Theresa might genuinely have a valid reason for meeting Matthew.
However, she had never seen this woman before. Where did she come from?
Unable to contain her curiosity, she couldn’t help but gossip, “Who is she?”
Armand raised an eyebrow, dismissing Theresa’s inquiries with a curt response. “It’s none of your business. Focus on your work instead of indulging in gossip.”
The receptionist pursed her lips, maintaining a professional demeanor. “Understood. No gossip.”
“Good girl,” Armand said, flashing a charming smile at her. Though not as captivating as Matthew, he possessed a certain allure that set him apart from ordinary people.
The receptionist took a sip of water, her eyes fixed on Armand with a lovestruck expression. Unbeknownst to her, she was practically drooling over him.
Armand sighed in disdain.
Dolores missing? Was it true or just a fabrication?
Theresa gazed at Armand with a mix of confusion and concern. Her worry for Dolores overshadowed her dislike for him. “Did something really happen to Dolores?” She hadn’t been able to reach her for two days.
Armand regarded her as if she were foolish. “Do you think something like this can be joked about? Besides, why would I lie to you?”
Anxiety welled up within Theresa, and she nearly cried out in distress. “What should we do now? What about Samuel and Simona?”
Armand paused for a moment, trying to piece together the puzzle. Samuel and Simona? Who were they?
“Dolores’ son and daughter,” Theresa clarified.
Armand swiftly approached her and pulled her aside. Dolores had been secretly married to Matthew for a brief period. Only a select few close to Matthew knew about their hidden marriage. The revelation of Dolores having children raised questions about their paternity. Were they Matthew’s offspring?
After all these years since their divorce, it was difficult to ascertain if they were truly Matthew’s children.
Moreover, did Matthew even know about their existence?
“You’re saying that Ms. Flores has two children. How old are they?” Armand inquired cautiously.
“They’re around five or six years old. They’re twins, so they’re the same age. Why do you ask?” Theresa grew cautious, noticing the wariness in Armand’s eyes. Why was he interested in this information?
“You do know that Ms. Flores was married, right?”
“Yeah,” Theresa responded. Dolores had never explicitly shared details about herself or her brief marriage with Theresa. It was merely an assumption on her part, based on Dolores’ character and the fact that she wouldn’t have had children without being married. In Theresa’s observations, it seemed likely that Matthew was the father, despite their divorce. She couldn’t comprehend why they had separated, but it was evident that Matthew still harbored feelings for Dolores.
Armand clicked his tongue disapprovingly. “So, you’re aware of everything. It appears you’re quite close to Ms. Flores. In that case, you should know who the father of her children is.”
“What are you insinuating?” Theresa snorted, her anger flaring up once again. She couldn’t fathom why Armand would doubt Dolores and the legitimacy of her children.
From the moment they were born, Dolores had raised Samuel and Simona single-handedly. Their father had never fulfilled his responsibilities, and now, even his acquaintances were casually questioning their parentage. It infuriated Theresa.
Armand studied her with a serious expression. “You’re angry again.”
“I have nothing more to say to you,” Theresa retorted, wanting nothing to do with him. Out of politeness, she added, “Thank you for informing me about Dolores.”
With those words, she turned and began walking away. However, Armand quickly caught up with her, calling out, “Wait a minute.”