Chapter 1738: Be bothered with a smile

Meanwhile, at the Homeland Security Headquarters...

Mint sat at the end of the oval table in the private conference room. Surrounding her were some of the most prominent figures in the justice system: the Chief of Police, a Secret Service Representative, a Military Representative (Hugo), the Director General of the Security Service, and even delegates from Interpol.

Leaning forward, Mint rested her arms on the edge of the table, her expression stern. Around them, the glass walls of the room gradually tinted to black. Just before complete darkness fell, the interior lights flickered on—sealing the space in secure isolation.

"Let’s begin."

---

[Prime Group: CEO’s Department]

Teddy was typing at his computer when his fingers paused. He glanced up over the top of his monitor, eyes landing on Hayley.

She looked a little haggard, massaging her neck while struggling to focus on her task.

To Teddy, Hayley was the type who rarely messed up. Confident and efficient, she made everything seem easy—but without arrogance or pretense. She always had things under control. It wasn’t like she would admit something challenges her, but she often look so distress about it.

Which is why her current restlessness raised a red flag.

Still, Teddy said nothing.

He stood up quietly and made his way to the pantry. When he returned, he was holding two cups of coffee. One for himself—and the other...

"Huh?" Hayley blinked as the scent of coffee reached her. She looked down to find a cup placed near her keyboard. Slowly, she looked up right into Teddy’s eyes.

Across the room, Shawn paused too, noticing Teddy standing near Hayley. Though he hadn’t voiced it, he’d also been quietly worried about her. It was very obvious that Hayley had something else in mind, after all.

Teddy leaned against the side of her desk. "You okay?" he asked. "You seem... off."

"Ahh..." Hayley let out an awkward laugh, straightening her back. "Of course. I’m fine."

"You sure?" He raised a brow. "If you need more rest, you should let Miss Penny know. I don’t think she’ll appreciate you pushing yourself."

Hayley forced a smile but it faltered.

’She’s the one who told me to come in to avoid suspicion,’ Hayley thought, keeping it to herself. ’Even though clearly, I am not fit to work.’

After all, she and the Miller siblings had a secret they were determined to take to the grave. They had to, if they still want to live outside of prison. Penny might’ve told them Priscilla was fine, but what happened was more than just physical altercation.

"I—"

"She’s fine."

Suddenly, a voice came from the entrance.

Hayley, Teddy, and Shawn turned to see Patricia strolling in, yawning, clearly on her way to the pantry.

"Hayley’s just tired because she has a boyfriend now," Patricia said lazily, shooting a look at her two male coworkers. "They’ve been busy day and night. And before you ask how I know — she managed to bag my brother. I had no choice but to know."

With that, Patricia continued on her way without another word.

Shawn and Teddy exchanged looks, raising their eyebrows as understanding dawned on them. Hayley, meanwhile, fought the urge to sink into the floor.

Honestly? She wouldn’t have minded people thinking her exhaustion came from being loved up and pampered. She wished that were the case.

"Heh..." She forced another laugh. "What she said. Patricia might be my sister-in-law someday. Or maybe, it’s possible to get pregnant in just days of being in a relationship."

Teddy’s concern evaporated instantly, and Shawn looked visibly relieved.

"Tch." Teddy clicked his tongue and stepped away. "Take a short break and get your head in the game."

Hayley shot him a glare as he walked off, acting like he was her boss.

If she had the energy, she’d have smacked him with a file folder.

"Hayley, I think Teddy’s right," Shawn said more gently. "Just breathe for a bit. Enjoy the coffee."

Unlike Teddy, Shawn’s voice carried quiet encouragement.

"Fine," Hayley sighed, picking up the coffee Teddy had brought her. She took it with her to the pantry, where Patricia was still standing.

Patricia was watching the coffee machine slowly fill her cup in pure silence.

Hayley leaned against the counter beside her, resting her hands on the edge, her expression tightening.

"Patricia," she said softly. "This isn’t your first time dealing with something like this, is it? How can you act so... normal?"

Even with Penny’s reassurances, the experience still haunted Hayley. It would take time before she could move past it.

Patricia didn’t answer right away. Truthfully, it was her first time nearly killing someone. But it wasn’t her first time almost getting killed.

"If we don’t want more trouble, then even if we’re bothered... be bothered with a smile," she finally said, her eyes on the coffee. "Penny said it’s over. So that means it’s over."

"I know, but—"

"Just trust Penny," Patricia said, turning to face her. "It’s the only way we get through this. I don’t want any more problems just because you can’t keep it together."

Hayley pressed her lips into a tight line, hesitating. She didn’t respond—just watched Patricia pick up her coffee and walk away with a yawn, returning to her usual sleepy self.

"...Is she an actress or what?" Hayley muttered with a slight pout. "She’s right. Miss Penny already covered for us... but we have to hold it together, too."

She sighed again and pushed off the counter. So lost in thought, she forgot to grab her coffee.

But as she stepped out of the pantry, she found Patricia still lingering just outside.

"Patricia? Why haven’t you—"

Her words died on her lips as she followed Patricia’s gaze.

Through the transparent glass separating their office from the hallway, several figures walked past.

Penny. Hugo, in full uniform, chest adorned with medals. Mint. Zoren. Yugi. Wild. Mark.

All headed straight for the CEO’s Office.

Deep lines formed on the foreheads of Hayley, Patricia, Teddy, and Shawn as they exchanged tense glances.

"...Is something wrong?" Shawn asked quietly. "Feels like something big is about to drop."

Teddy set his eyes on his computer, and his expression darkened. "I think a problem just hit us."