Chapter 286
Violet's gaze eloquently conveyed her doubts.
If the date had been a failure, why would Patrick have been so close to Riley?
Everyone was aware that Patrick wasn’t an average person. He had always been rather distant in his interactions with others. It was even more surprising that he had allowed a woman to follow him around and even took photos for her!Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g
Patrick could tell from Violet's expression what was on her mind.
He couldn't help but smirk and said, “Don’t jump to conclusions based on just what you sec. There is nothing between Riley and me. It’s you who seems to be bothered by her, and before that, you were concerned about Rose’s lipstick being in my car. If | didn’t know any better, I'd think you have a crush on me!”
Upon hearing the last sentence, Violet’s relaxed demeanor immediately tensed up.
Especially when she remembered Patrick’s statement in the hotel’s private suite that he couldn't possibly like her.
She averted her gaze and began to play dumb as she said, “What are you talking about? I... |... | already told you. I’m your contract wife. If another person comes into the picture, I’d be uncomfortable. | don’t want a third person involved, alright?” Upon hearing this, Patrick’s expression visibly darkened. He raised an eyebrow and glanced at Violet, “Is that so?”
Violet nodded earnestly and answered, “Of course!”
It suddenly occurred to Patrick that Russell had mentioned Violet’s fondness for someone in the same school before.
How could she possibly like him if she was so fond of that man?
The thought made Patrick’s mood take a sharp nosedive!
He adopted a noticeably colder tone, “You can rest assured; there’s nothing between Riley and me!”
Violet, seeing Patrick's shifting mood, seemed to grow unhappy once more. She sighed. me ntally, wondering what was wrong with him.
However, when she thought about his injured hand, she couldn’t help but feel pained. Regardless of the circumstances, she decided to tactfully apologize and improve his
mood.
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Tue, 27 Feb
But then, Patrick’s phone suddenly rang.
Patrick checked the caller ID and answered the call.
“Hey, bro, why are you calling so late? What is going on?” Patrick’s voice possessed a clear and captivating resonance.
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Freddie asked him, “I heard about the incident in Mount Summerwood Resort & Spa. Are you okay?”
Patrick shook his head, “I’m fine. What’s going on?”
Freddie’s voice was somewhat hesitant, “It’s... nothing. | was just checking in to see if everyone from your company is... safe and sound!”
Patrick furrowed his brow slightly and replied in a somber tone, “A designer named Rebecca has passed away, and the police are investigating the matter. Everyone else is unharmed.”
Patrick clearly heard a sigh of relief from Freddie after he said that.
His eyes flickered, “Bro, have you arranged for someone to handle the situation at the hotel?”
Freddie nodded and answered, “I’ve arranged it. | heard that Rebecca’s family went to cause trouble. I'll get someone to negotiate the compensation from the hotel. As for your company, I’m afraid this matter won't be easy to resolve. After all, Rebecca’s. accident happened in the team building event.”
Patrick furrowed his brow and said, “You don’t have to worry about this matter. I'll have it handled. I'll definitely compensate where necessary. However, Rebecca was inadvertently involved in a murder case, and if her family wants to shift the blame to the company, don’t blame me for being tough!”
Freddie smiled and nodded. “Yes, | believe you. This is not a problem for you,” he said.
While Freddie and Patrick were talking, Violet took out her phone and realized that he had missed numerous calls and received many messages from Freddie.
She hadn’t answered because she was driving.
Violet chose not to call back but responded to the WhatsApp messages instead.
Violet sent a message: [Freddie, don’t worry. The company’s matters didn’t involve me. I’m already home now. You don’t have to worry about me!]
Violet sent another message: [Thank you. Don’t go to bed too late!]
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Violet raised her head and saw that Patrick had just finished his phone call.
Patrick looked at her with a pensive expression as if contemplating something serious.
Violet was about to speak when her phone rang.
Seeing Freddie’s call, Violet hesitated for a moment before picking up the call.
Before she could speak, Freddie anxiously said, “Viola, are you alright? | heard that someone died in Mount Summerwood Resort & Spa, and | knew you were there. | was so worried!”
Violet looked up and noticed that Patrick had finished his phone call.
Violet hesitated and looked at him with a troubled expression.
Patrick, as if he hadn’t heard her words, repeated, “Answer it in front of me.”
Violet almost subconsciously complied, not wanting to argue, especially considering his injury.
After all, it didn’t really matter where she answered the call.
Freddie heard her say something and asked, “Viola, is someone with you there?”
Violet replied with a serious tone, “Yes, it’s a colleague. Didn't | just reply to your message? I’m fine. You should go to sleep. I’m about to go to sleep!”
Freddie remained silent for a while.
She had mentioned being home carlier, and now a colleague was with her.
He clearly heard a male voice on the other end of the line. Could it be that a male colleague was at her place?
Freddie’s mood was a bit sour, but he also sensed that Violet didn’t want to continue the
conversation.
Fortunately, he had confirmed that she was safe, so the call wasn’t in vain.
Concealing his disappointment, he spoke, “Alright, I'll hang up now. Get some rest and have a good night!”
Violet ended the call and saw Patrick gazing at her intently, his eyes filled with intensity.
Violet almost instinctively tried to explain, “An old classmate heard about what happened at Mount Summerwood and called to check if | was okay.”
But as soon as she spoke, she regretted it. Why did she feel the need to explain herself
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as if she were guilty?
Patrick fixed his eyes on her and asked with a chilly tone, “Is that so?”
Violet pursed her lip and answered, “He did call to inquire about the situation.”
Patrick appeared displeased and suddenly extended his unharmed left hand, demanding, “Phone.”
Violet was taken aback. “Huh?”
Patrick’s tone grew firmer, and he looked expressionlessly at Violet. “Weren't you talking to me? Your phone keeps ringing, and you're sending messages. Are you here to send texts and make calls or to have a conversation with me? Leave your phone with me, and I'll keep it safe.”
Violet stared at Patrick. Frankly, if Patrick hadn’t been injured, she would have given him a piece of her mind.
She didn’t deny her affection for Patrick, but she couldn’t deny that his personality was utterly exasperating, exhibiting an extreme level of arrogance and stubbornness.
Nevertheless, despite her thoughts, she reluctantly handed her phone to Patrick.
She consoled herself by thinking that she simply didn’t want to upset an injured person.
Patrick took the phone, glanced at it, and placed it on the coffee table in front of him.
Then he looked at Violet and asked with an indifferent tone, “Am | just a colleague to you, huh?”
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