Forty minutes later, in the red Porsche, Darnell was stepping on the gas while glancing around.
“Stop looking. Judith went to work.”
Areli, sitting in the back seat, clearly knew what Darnell was thinking. “There was a shooting at the Highrose Bridge near Megavolt Electrical.”
“Two unidentified people on a motorcycle with fake plates shot a famous journalist with a shotgun.”
“It’s a serious matter. Judith was called to help, so she won’t be chasing you with a kitchen knife.”
Hearing this, Darnell felt relieved. “Looks like I should visit that journalist’s grave someday, thanking him for saving half my life.”
Judith had chased him up eighteen floors just now.
Darnell put on a stern face and snorted, “That woman is so undisciplined. As a police officer, how can she randomly accuse people and chase them with a knife?”
“Next time I see her superior, I must file a complaint. If all the police in Whiteville were like her, wouldn’t the public be terrified?”
“If you’re not afraid of dying, go ahead and complain.”
Areli took out a makeup mirror to touch up her makeup and responded indifferently, “Judith receives more complaints each year than you can imagine.”
“And many of those complaints come from the wealthy of Whiteville, yet she still managed to become a team leader. Do you think you can do anything about her?”
Wow, quite a background. Darnell immediately changed his tune. “Not afraid of authority, she’s a good cop. Fine, I’ll let this go.”
If he couldn’t afford to offend her, he’d better stay out of her way. After all, he had some leverage over her with that tattoo.
“Coward!”
Areli rolled her eyes at him. “I thought I could look up to you, but it seems I overestimated you.”
Her pretty face showed contempt. “And you’re just a scoundrel. You kissed Judith and then pretended to faint as if nothing had happened.”
“If it were me, I’d also chase you with a knife.”
“Tsk, how can you blame me for that?”
Darnell defended himself confidently. “She accidentally fell on me, and our lips touched. How was that my fault?”
“She’s so fiery and extreme. Would I dare provoke her? Pretending to faint was my only option to downplay things, making her think I didn’t know anything.”
“It makes everyone feel better and avoids awkwardness.”
Darnell grabbed Areli’s hand. “Miss Fanshaw, you have to understand me.”
“Let go!”
Areli raised her eyebrows sharply, her gaze filled with killing intent, forcing Darnell to release his grip. Then she asked casually,
“How did Judith’s kiss feel? Was it exciting and sweet?”
“It was quite…”
Darnell started to respond instinctively but quickly realized Areli’s question was loaded with sarcasm. He changed his tone.
“I was half-fainting at the time and worried she’d strangle me. How could I feel anything?”
“Besides, no matter how many beautiful women there are in the world, I only love you, Miss Fanshaw. Did you save the video from that night?”
Darnell grinned cheekily, “Could you make me a copy for keepsake?”
“Darnell!”
Areli’s face turned red with anger as she raised her eyebrows again. “Do you believe I’ll chop you up? How many times have I told you not to mention that night again?”
“This is your last warning. If you bring it up again, I’ll chop you up.”
“Alright, let’s not talk about that. Let’s discuss Officer Meech. She’s so violent and has misunderstandings about me…”
Areli crossed her legs and said firmly,
“I’ll find an opportunity for you two to reconcile another day. Now, just focus on driving and help me secure this big deal later.”
“As long as we get this deal done, everything will be fine.”
Areli added domineeringly, “If we don’t get it done, you’ll be sent to guard the warehouse in the suburbs.”
Darnell looked helpless. “Miss Fanshaw, how can you be so unreasonable and threaten me? Will you force me to have sex with you if necessary?”
Seeing Darnell’s frustrated expression made Areli feel slightly triumphant.
“Shut up! You are my assistant, team leader of business operations, and my chauffeur. Asking for your help in securing clients is a reasonable request.”
She gave Darnell a cold look before she taunted, “You were very proactive when helping Bailee. Why do you complain when I ask you to do something?”
Darnell immediately shut his mouth.
At that moment, Areli’s phone rang. Her cold expression softened upon seeing the caller ID as she put on her earbuds.
“Mr. Matson, good morning! What brings you to call?”
Darnell squinted slightly. Mr. Matson? That must be the chairman of Spectrum Pharmaceuticals, a big shot in Westergold.
He perked up his ears and listened closely to the conversation.
“Areli, how have you been lately?”
“I heard Whiteville has been quite chaotic with two shootings recently. Many people died. I’m worried about your safety.”
“So I’m planning to send a team of bodyguards to Whiteville to protect you 24/7.”
The voice on the other end belonged to an older man, weathered yet authoritative.
“Bodyguards? For me?”
Areli was slightly taken aback but chuckled softly, “Mr. Matson, I’m very safe. I only go between home and work every day without any danger. Bodyguards aren’t necessary. I’m not used to being followed around all day with no freedom at all. Besides, our project is at a critical stage. More people knowing means more risk.”
“I know you’re not used to it, but it’s for your benefit.”
Spencer Matson laughed gently and continued, “Rest assured. They are trustworthy people who won’t interfere with your work or life.”
Areli hesitated. She still wasn’t comfortable with having bodyguards. “Mr. Matson, can I think it over for two days?”
“Alright.”
The chairman replied softly, “They will arrive in Whiteville today. Let me know once you’ve decided. They’ll appear when needed.”
“This is also for the project.”
Areli sighed softly, “Okay then. I’ll give you an answer after I’ve thought it through.”
“Take your time deciding,” Spencer said kindly before coughing lightly, a sound that made Darnell’s ears twitch. This guy seemed ill.
But Darnell kept silent.
After hanging up the phone, Areli rubbed her temples and looked out the window at the peaceful street outside while murmuring, “What danger could there be?”
Darnell coughed lightly, “Miss Fanshaw, having bodyguards is good. They can suppress Roberto in the company and intimidate gangs like the Apex.”
“They could also serve me or fight for me occasionally.”
“You know nothing.”
Areli gave Darnell an annoyed look, “Having bodyguards around all day would make it hard even to eat properly.”
“And today, we’re meeting clients. I told you to dress nicely. Why are you still dressed like this?” With that, she glared at him again.
A red shirt, sneakers, and shorts, with pockets stuffed with phone and keys, the same outfit from his interview day.
Darnell glanced down briefly. “It’s fine. Meeting clients isn’t like meeting my wife, and it’s Saturday anyway. This outfit is even suitable for meeting the mayor.”
Areli’s eyes widened. “No way. You need new clothes and never wear them again.”
Seeing Darnell’s outfit always reminded her of that night she lost her virginity.
“Let’s go to the mall. I’ll pay. If you don’t dress properly, I’ll deduct all your commissions.”
“Miss Fanshaw, it’s really unnecessary. These clothes are fine, and besides, it’s so early. The stores aren’t even open yet.”
Ignoring him, Areli got out of the car as soon as the car was pulled over and pulled Darnell towards a mall.
Darnell stared at Areli. “Miss Fanshaw, you really want me to change clothes?”
Areli threw a wad of cash into his hands. “Yes!”
His outfit was an eyesore.
“Even if all that’s available are women’s clothes, you must change.”
With no choice, Darnell took the money and went into the mall. Half an hour later, he emerged in new clothes.
Areli looked at him and was stunned. “Are you really Darnell?”