Full of Lies

I was puzzled about where Anna might have hidden that thing. Liquids are difficult to store, and since it was something from the black market, there definitely wouldn't be much of it. Strangely, no matter how thoroughly I searched, I couldn't find it.

Just then, I heard footsteps coming up the stairs. It sounded like someone was already in the hallway. I realized there was no time for me to leave the room.

It must be Anna coming back. If she caught me in her room, I'd have a hard time explaining myself. Suddenly, I remembered the secret door. I quickly moved the cabinet, opened the hidden door, slipped through, and swiftly closed the bookshelf from the other side, restoring everything to its original position.

I entered the study, took off my jacket, and sat down at the desk, picking up a pen. Just then, Anna opened the study door and peeked in. Seeing me, her eyes narrowed for a moment, then she said, "Ma'am, it's time for dinner!"

I nodded and deliberately placed the pen back in its holder, then tore off the page I had been doodling on and slipped it into my bag. I left the study, went to my room, tore the paper into pieces, flushed them away, and changed clothes before heading downstairs.

At the dinner table, I nonchalantly said to Anna, "Next time, don't go out during meal times."

Anna responded with a nod and went to serve the meal. Unexpectedly, Sean walked in, carrying his bag, looking exhausted.

I scrutinized his face and asked, "Why do you look so tired? Was your business trip not successful?"

As soon as I spoke, both Anna and Arya looked at Sean. He glanced at the dining table. "I just feel tired."

He went to wash his hands and then sat next to me, playing with Kyle. "I'm starving. I haven't had a decent meal in days."

I chuckled inwardly, knowing he had been too busy fighting to worry about meals.

Hearing this, Anna immediately asked, "Should I make you some soup?"

"No need," Sean replied, picking up his chopsticks and taking a bite of his food.

Casually, I said, "Your mother called, saying she couldn't reach you and needed to speak with you urgently."

Sean's hand paused for a moment before he continued eating. After swallowing, he said, "Did she mention what it was about? Maybe my phone died."

"No, she didn't say, but she seemed anxious. Didn't she call you back?" I asked, glancing at him. His expression was calm.

"No, ignore her," Sean said as he continued eating. He was truly hungry, eating heartily.

Thinking of Ryan, I deliberately said, "I saw Elena's child today when I picked up our kid. The boy was alone and looked quite sad. I didn't see Elena, so I asked who was picking him up. He said his dad, but his dad never showed up. I even asked him his dad's name."

Sean froze mid-bite. Seeing me looking at him, he quickly grabbed a napkin to wipe his mouth, trying to hide his unease. Across the table, Anna was also staring at Sean, clearly interested in this topic.

I abruptly changed the subject. "The little guy was very cautious and didn't tell me."

Sean visibly relaxed and resumed eating as if nothing had happened. I inwardly cursed him, thinking, "I'm going to torment you until you break."

So I continued, "I had no choice but to take him back to his teacher. I wanted to take him home, but I worried his father might come late and panic, so I didn't."

Sean pretended not to care, but I noticed his grip on the chopsticks tighten. He glanced at me and forced a smile. "You're such a busybody."

"How can you say that? Elena was our employee once. We knew each other. I couldn't just stand by. It's dangerous for a child to be left alone," I retorted. Then I feigned curiosity and asked, "That kid is quite endearing. Have you met his dad?"

Sean lowered his eyes, picked up a piece of greens, and ate it. "No, I haven't."

"How could you not? Didn't you go to her wedding?" I questioned, my tone slightly skeptical.

Sean glanced at me. "No, I didn't. When she resigned, the company was in chaos. She left us in a lurch. Honestly, she almost sabotaged us. I have no good impression of her. If it weren't for you, I wouldn't even bother with her."

I was astonished at Sean's skill in lying so effortlessly. This wasn't the Sean I used to know—the Sean who was straightforward, who would blush and avoid eye contact if he lied. I wondered if this Sean had been possessed.

The more he lied, the more relentless I became. "But didn't she say she brought her child to the company? You even bought the kid something to eat and played with him, asking him to call you daddy."

I acted as if I were teasing Sean, wanting to see how far his lying skills went. Across the table, Anna's grip on her bowl tightened noticeably.

I silently cursed myself for forgetting there was a jealous person at the table! Sean frowned at me. "Honey, I can't remember every little thing. You women love to gossip. Don't believe everything."

"I'm not gossiping. I just saw Ryan today," I replied with a silly smile, feeling a sense of accomplishment as I watched him struggle.

"That kid is quite adorable. Gage even said your mom always praises him, treating him like her own grandson," I continued.

Anna's mouth twitched with disdain.

I placed some greens on Gage's plate and went on, "Elena is quite mysterious. Her husband seems to be someone who avoids the limelight. But being able to send her child to a prestigious private school shows she's got some means. I thought you might know him."

"There are plenty of capable people," Sean muttered.

"Of course, I'm curious about who she married. She was once my subordinate, quite capable. Why does she hide her marriage and children like a secret?"