Chapter 2003

Mike took a deep breath to calm his shaken heart. “Rhea, I won’t participate in your madness. You can do as you please!”

He was about to leave when he heard Rhea’s voice behind him, “Mike Corden, do you think you still had the option to get off this ride once you entered my car?”

“I’ve already gotten out of it.” Mike turned to look at her, fully aware of what she meant. Being in the car meant something entirely different. Still, he feigned ignorance, knowing he would also be insane to participate in her madness.

“I don’t care whether you truly don’t understand or are pretending not to. Anyway, now that you know, there’s no opportunity to refuse!” Rhea spoke coldly, her expression becoming eerie.

Mike met her cold gaze. As the two were at a standstill, the garage door suddenly made a sound, grabbing their attention. Rhea immediately reached for her waist, turning to the garage entrance warily, while Mike remained motionless.

The garage door slowly opened, and a figure appeared at the entrance. Due to the backlighting, the figure appeared somewhat hazy, with only a rough outline.

“Ree, is that you?” A woman’s gentle voice sounded.

Rhea furrowed her eyebrows, but her guarded state relaxed.

“Mom!” She called out with a hint of annoyance as she straightened up.

Maria was overjoyed and came rushing over when she heard her daughter’s voice. After a few steps, she suddenly remembered something and turned to close the garage door before running up to Rhea.

Maria carefully examined Rhea from head to toe and said, “Ree, it’s really you! You’ve come home! I just passed outside and noticed the garage door seemed to have moved, so I wanted to look in. It turns out you’re back. Why didn’t you come and say hello to me first? Are you here to…see him?”

Upon hearing this, Mike was astounded.

‘So, she knows what Rhea is doing. She knows that someone is in here and even who that person is.

Rhea’s mother is an accomplice?!’

Rhea held onto her mother’s arm, saying, “I can’t always inform you in advance because of my restrictions. Besides, my time is limited, and I can’t stay for long. Whether or not I tell you doesn’t matter.”

“How can it not matter? Even if it’s just for a brief moment. I won’t delay your work. Didn’t I do well with what you asked me to do?” Maria tried to take credit.

Rhea nodded. “Not bad. Has he woken up?”

“He’s awake, but he doesn’t seem to have any reaction. Ree, will he still listen to you like before?”

Rhea nodded again. “He will!”

Mike remained silent on the sidelines, just listening quietly. It felt like this mother and daughter were plotting something earth-shattering. The garage was a bit dusty, tickling his nose. Unable to hold back, he sneezed.

Maria only noticed someone else was present after hearing the sneeze. She abruptly turned and stared at him, instantly becoming defensive. “Who are you?! Don’t be scared, Ree. I’ll protect you. Hurry, go!”

She subconsciously positioned herself in front of Rhea, shielding her.

Mike was speechless.