?Chapter 997:


    Rhys sat at his desk and leaned against hisptop, seemingly having justpleted some work.


    Having recently showered, he was d only in a ck robe, his damp hair dripping water onto his corbone.


    At the sound of the intrusion, Rhys didn’t bother to look up, as if he had anticipated Harlee’s arrival.


    “Have you changed your mind so soon, rushing over thiste just to indulge in somete-night passion with me?”


    Harlee was speechless. Rhys was truly shameless, his mind filled with nothing but crude thoughts. Though tempted to destroy his dignity, she restrained herself. Instead, she walked over, dumped the bag of garbage on his desk, and said, “Enjoy.”


    Rhys nced down. Rotten apples? Spoiled guavas? Squishy mangoes? His brow lifted slightly in surprise.


    “Quite the sophisticated form of mockery.”


    Picking up a somewhat intact date from the pile, he studied it before tossing it back.


    “Next time, feel free to call me trash directly. There’s no need to dress it up.”


    Harlee leaned on the desk with both hands, meeting his gaze.


    “Mr. Green, aren’t you curious why I’vee to see you at this hour?”


    Rhys grabbed the discarded date, took a bite, and immediately spat it out.


    He calmly reached for a napkin to wipe his lips, though his expression betrayed the awful taste lingering in his mouth. Pursing his lips, his eyes flickered toward the cup of water nearby.


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    Harlee noticed his gaze and shifted to block his line of sight, making it clear she wouldn’t let him have a drink.


    Forced to endure the rancid vor, Rhys maintained hisposure.


    “If you won’t exin, how could I possibly guess your intentions?”


    Harlee pressed her lips into a thin line.


    “But if you want me to guess, I’ll humor you,” Rhys said smoothly.


    “Bringing a bag of trash to my door at four in the morning? Let me guess—you nned to throw it in my face, correct?”


    He remained seated, his face unreadable save for the faint crease of his brows, likely from the aftertaste.


    “Am I wrong?” he asked, his voice low as he lightly tapped his index finger on the table.


    Harlee faltered for a moment as Rhys had guessed correctly. With the truth out, there was no use in denying it.


    “Don’t you find this amusing?”


    “What’s your opinion?” Rhys countered.


    “Isn’t throwing trash where it belongs entertaining?” It was easy for her tough—it wasn’t her feelings that had been trampled.


    Rhys’ gaze darkened.


    “How about you share your real reason for showing up?” He didn’t buy the idea that her midnight visit with a sack of garbage was simply to insult him.


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