Just as things were getting tense, there was a knock on the door, and in walked Richard with his bodyguard. ra immediately regretted leaving the door slightly open.


    Richard strolled in, cing Jeffree''s phone next to her. "Ms. ra, this number traces back to the assistant your father left behind. Care to exin?"


    Most people would have thrown Cole under the bus right then. But ra wasn''t most people. She felt cornered, with Dn still upset and now Richard on her


    case.


    After a brief pause, she managed a calm smile. "Cole ditched that number ages ago. If you''re trying to pin something on me with this, Richard, you''re really reaching."


    Richard settled into the chair across from her, looking rxed yet confident. "You had a run-in with Jeffree at the g, and now you''re conveniently working on a project with that illegitimate kid. Using me to take him out is pretty crafty."


    He tossed the phone in his hand as he spoke. ra kept her cool because Richard was just guessing. He didn''t have any real proof.


    "Richard, lots of people in this city have had beef with me. How do you know someone else isn''t trying to set me up?"


    Richard had to admire her guts. Even now, she could still stand her ground. He nced at Dn and slid the phone over to him.


    The phone stopped right in front of Dn, making it clear that if Dn let it go, so would Richard. ra''s heart raced, knowing Dn was still annoyed.


    She took a deep breath and subtly reached under the table to tug at his sleeve. Dn''s gaze followed her hand,nding on her fingers. He didn''t say anything, nor did he pull away.


    ra figured Dn was more reasonable than Richard. She kept her face calm, but under the table, she tugged his sleeve again, hoping he''d help her out.


    From across the table, Richard slowly shifted his posture. To him, ra was putting on a brave face, while Dn seemed indifferent but had a hint of a smile.


    Richard''s eyes were back on ra, and his voice was deeper. "Ms. ra, no more arguments?"


    ra was still pulling on Dn''s sleeve when Richard''s words caught her off guard, making her little finger brush against Dn''s. Dn''s other hand, holding a cup of coffee, shook a bit, spilling a few drops.


    ra quickly grabbed a napkin to clean it up, whispering, "Mr. Dn, say a word


    to Richard for me, and I''ll send some roses to Palm Bayter."


    She sat back, meeting Richard''s gaze with a steady look. Dn was absentmindedly rubbing his little finger, lost in thought, until ra''s soft cough brought him back. He finally looked down.


    "Richard, let''s just drop it."


    Richard nced at both of them before standing and picking up the phone. "Alright."


    ra let out a sigh of relief, realizing Richard truly valued Dn''s input. Once Richard was gone, it was just her and Dn again.


    ra fell silent, reflecting. She always thought Dn was wary of her, maybe even disliked her, especially after the Sarah incident. But when it came down to it, he helped her without hesitation.


    As she was lost in thought, Dn suddenly pulled her chair closer with a firm tug.