Chapter 199

"Of course," Clifford replied without looking up. "How else do you expect the plan to proceed?"

The man paused, then nodded in understanding. "I'll arrange the transfer right away."

"Good."

...

After leaving the café, Renata called Santino. He hadn't been home since the company's crisis began, and she hadn't seen him in days.

He answered on the second ring.

"Santino, where are you? Can we meet?" she asked, her voice bright with relief.

"What is it? Is something wrong?” he replied, his tone laced with its usual amusement.

"Do I need a reason to see you?" she pouted. "But yes, it's about the projects. Come meet me. I have good news."

“Oh?" The single word was drawn out, playful.

Renata frowned. Why was he so calm? He had caused a massive disaster, yet he sounded completely unbothered. Pushing her confusion aside, she said, "Where are you? I'll come to you."

"I'm at the office. You can come here."

She hung up and drove to the Lambert Group headquarters. She didn't go up; there were too many people, too many prying eyes. She called him and asked him to come down.

Five minutes later, Santino emerged from the building, dressed in his familiar silk tunic, his wavy hair falling perfectly & faint smile on his lips. He looked like a prince from a fairy tale. After two years of O marriage, the sight of him still made her heart race.

Santino got into the passenger seat. "What did you want to tell me?" he asked, his smile unwavering.

Renata stared at him for a moment, then took his hand. "I came to comfort you, but you don't seem to need it."

Santino chuckled. "Why would I?"

lmet

"How can you say that?" she said, frustrated. "I know how much the company lost. The media is close to finding out, and people are already starting to sell their shares

"I know," he said calmly. "Selling now is the smart move."

"That's not the point! I'm talking about the money you lost!" She didn't know if he was

or genuinely didn't undet

He gently withdrew his hand. "Go on. I'm listening."

Renata's heart sank a little at the loss of contact. “I just wanted to tell you not to worry. I'm going to help you."

His expression didn't change. "I appreciate the thought, but it's not necessary."

She bit her lip. Even when he smiled at her, it felt... distant.

"I'm going to fix this for you. I'm going to fill that hole. Trust me."

Only then did his smile falter.