Rescue

In that moment, Zuri froze.

Leo approached her gently, helping her up. With a soft and tender motion, he took out a silk handkerchief and carefully wiped the dirt from her hands.

The old police officer observed the man who appeared before them. His aura was imposing and his demeanor was noble, clearly indicating his distinguished identity.

"I only scolded you briefly, and you ran out like this. It's the middle of the night; what if you encounter some bad guys? You mustn't be so willful in the future," Leo chided softly, his finger lightly brushing her delicate nose. His tone was affectionate, and his actions were intimate, appearing completely natural.

The old police officer scrutinized Leo's behavior but found no awkwardness or impropriety, as if such interactions between the two were entirely fitting.

Zuri played along smoothly, pouting slightly and humming in dissatisfaction, "Humph, it's all your fault."

"Yes, yes, it's all my fault," Leo responded helplessly, his eyes filled with doting affection as he looked at her.

"What are you looking for?" Leo asked.

"My bracelet, it fell," Zuri replied.

"If it's lost, it's lost. I'll buy you a new one," Leo said nonchalantly.

Just as he finished speaking, the old police officer found the bracelet. Looking at the diamond-studded Cartier bracelet in his hand, his lips twitched. If it weren't for his daughter's love for shopping, he wouldn't have known what Cartier was, let alone that this bracelet's price started at six figures.

To lose such a bracelet so casually was truly extravagant.

As Zuri reached out for the bracelet, Leo intercepted, wiping it clean with the handkerchief before handing it to her.

Leo turned to the old police officer and said, "Thank you for helping her find the bracelet."

With that, Leo began to lead Zuri away.

"Wait a minute," the old police officer called out.

Leo raised an eyebrow, "Is there something else?"

"This young lady was found here in the middle of the night; we need to conduct a routine check. Please provide your IDs. If everything checks out, you both can leave," the old officer said, undaunted by Leo's presence.

Zuri tilted her head and whined, "I left in a hurry and didn't bring any ID. They were planning to take me to the police station. Do I look like a bad person to you?"

Leo, seeing her act coy, had a gleam of amusement in his deep-set eyes. This side of Zuri was rare, only emerging under special circumstances.

"No, you don't," Leo said smoothly, pulling out his ID from his wallet and handing it to the old officer.

The old officer took the ID, glancing down at it. The name Leo seemed familiar, but he couldn't place it until he saw the address listed below. He froze upon recognizing it.

That address…

Coupled with his surname.

The Ye family!

One of the eight prominent families in the capital!

Such a person was not someone he could afford to offend, not even his superiors.

The old police officer handed back the ID to Leo.

"My girlfriend is the second daughter of the Lin Group. You can verify that if you like. If there are any further questions, feel free to contact me," Leo said, pulling out a business card and offering it to the old officer.

"Understood," the old officer accepted it.

The card itself might not be precious to him, but it was exceptionally valuable to many others.

Having confirmed Leo's identity, the old officer harbored no further doubts. After all, the gang they were investigating couldn't possibly have connections with the Ye family. Conversely, if they did, the gang's scale would be far greater.

Leo took Zuri's hand and led her out of the alley.

Inside the luxurious Rolls-Royce, the atmosphere was slightly tense.

Zuri glanced at Leo and softly said, "Thank you, Uncle."

Uncle?!

Leo raised an eyebrow. It seemed little Zuri still wasn't accustomed to calling him brother.

This wouldn't do!

"I just told them you're my girlfriend. If they find out later that you aren't, what do you think they'll think?" Leo's deep eyes held a faint smile as he looked at her leisurely.

Zuri was stunned.

As she pondered, she heard Leo's voice again, "I think, to avoid such issues, it's better if we solidify our relationship in public. That way, they won't have any leverage against us."

Zuri was completely taken aback.

Was it her imagination, or did she just feel like she was being cornered?

Girlfriend?

Being Leo's girlfriend?!

Zuri had never considered it, and his status as Azura's uncle made it even more impossible.

If Leo knew her thoughts, he'd likely want to pack her off immediately.

Zuri smiled, "Uncle, you're not good at telling jokes."

Leo looked at her, a hint of helplessness flashing in his eyes.

She was so smart sometimes, yet so dense at others.

"Call me brother!" Leo clarified directly.

This time, Zuri complied obediently, "Brother Leo."

On the way back, Zuri expected him to question her about why she was there so late and what she was doing, but he didn't. Instead, he kept the conversation light, asking about her likes, hobbies, and funny stories from her life, never touching on her activities that night.

Similarly, Zuri didn't ask why he happened to be in that area, knowing full well that YS Company's direction was opposite.

Perhaps it was just a coincidence that he was in the area for business.

Smart people never dig too deeply, avoiding making situations awkward.

They both knew.

After all, everyone has their secrets.

Half an hour later, the car slowly pulled into Lakeside Island. The car radio's music suddenly stopped, replaced by the news anchor's voice.

"According to the latest reports, a fire has broken out in the Jingan villa district. The extent of casualties is still unknown, but we will continue to follow up on this incident."

Jingan villa district!

That's where Miles's villa is located.

Damn, Miles must be trying to destroy evidence.

Though her emotional reaction was subtle, the brief flash of murderous intent didn't escape Leo's notice.

Jingan villa district?

The name echoed in his mind.

Each with their own thoughts, they arrived at the villa.

Leo exited the car, opening the door for her like a gentleman.

Zuri got out, her expression calm.

They walked into the house together. As she ascended the stairs, Leo's low voice came from behind.

"Zuri, have a good sleep. Tomorrow will be a better day."

"Yes," Zuri nodded, heading upstairs.

Leo watched her go, then turned and entered his study, booting up his computer. The screen displayed a girl in a red dress standing in the sunlight, caught in a candid moment, her smile radiant.

The photo was clearly taken inadvertently.

Leo gazed at the screen, his fingers lightly brushing the girl's cheek. He murmured softly, "How many secrets are you hiding?"