Chapter 824

He didn’t want her labeled as “the other woman” nor did he wish for her agency to suffer any backlash.

Thus, he and Xiomara orchestrated a spectacle for the online audience.

Despite the sting of Sumner’s harsh words, Lindsey recognized his good intentions.

He had a generous heart and couldn’t bear seeing her downcast.

Yet, with each favor Sumner extended, Lindsey’s discomfort grew.

She feared accumulating a debt of gratitude too vast to ever repay.

Glancing at her watch, she noted the late hour.

After a long stretch and a rub of her aching shoulder, she collected her thoughts and left the office.

Outside, standing by the roadside, Lindsey hoped to hail a taxi when a familiar sedan pulled up.

The window rolled down, revealing Sumner.

Surprised, she instinctively stepped back.

“Looks like you’re burning the midnight oil.

I was just passing through and figured I’d drop you off at your place.

Hop in,” Sumner offered with a friendly smile.

Lindsey bit her lip.

Their homes were in opposite directions.

His offer didn’t make any logistical sense.

Attempting to politely decline, she shook her head.

“I’ll catch a taxi.

That’ll be just fine.

”

Sumner’s response caught her off guard.

“What? After all I’ve done, you’re going to decline my offer without so much as a thank you?”

Lindsey hesitated.

“So, about the news of you having dinner with Xiomara last night…”

“It was a publicity stunt,” Sumner admitted.

“I requested photographers.

”

It was just as she had expected.

Emboldened, Lindsey cut to the chase.

“How can I repay you?”

Sumner glanced at his watch.

“Actually, I’m famished.

Care to grab a supper?”

“Just a supper?” Lindsey raised an eyebrow.

“Would you rather marry me?” Sumner chuckled.

Lindsey fell silent, a little worried.

Chatting by the roadside during a media frenzy wasn’t ideal.

But if they were caught having a supper together? That was a recipe for disaster.

“Relax,” Sumner soothed, noticing her hesitation.

“There’s no paparazzi.

I already checked.

”

Refusing again would be awkward.

He had been a huge help, and yet she was hesitating.

With a sigh, Lindsey climbed into Sumner’s car.

The sedan zipped off into the night.

Moments later, an unassuming taxi parked nearby flicked on its headlights.

The driver, clad in black, removed his mask and lit a cigarette.

His eyes glowed in the faint light.

He dialed a number.

“They’re on their way,” he rasped, his voice devoid of emotion.

“Both of them.

”