Chapter 86 Suspicious
“Slow–slow down! Watch the road ahead!”
The car screeched to a halt, and Renee turned to glance at the man beside her. He was still in shock, his expression frozen. She nearly burst into laughter.
“Grow a spine,” she teased.
“Are you… some kind of pro racer?” he stammered, his face pale yet oddly exhilarated. A wide grin spread across his lips. “I have to admit, that was insane. You’re the first woman I’ve met who drives like this.”
“So I’m your first, huh?” She raised an eyebrow playfully.
He chuckled. “Ha–ha, you’re funny. That was really impressive, though. Let me introduce myself properly. I’m Derek Garza, your friendly neighborhood trust fund kid.”
Renee laughed outright. It was the first time she’d heard anyone introduce themselves that way.
“You’ve got a beautiful smile,” Derek remarked smoothly.
“Thank you,” Renee said, her tone amused. “Renee Carter. Nice to meet you.” She extended her hand with effortless grace.
Derek took her hand, and in a playful display of old–fashioned charm, he bowed his head and pressed a light kiss to the back of it.
She blinked, slightly taken aback but not offended. It had been a long time since she’d laughed this freely.
“You’re not from Tofral, are you?” she asked. She was familiar with most of the city’s wealthy families, and Garza wasn’t a name that rang any bells.
“I am, actually,” he replied. “But I only became a so–called rich heir a couple of years ago. My dad stumbled into a fortune by accident.”
Renee chuckled. “That’s probably the first time I’ve heard someone describe their father that way.”
Derek grinned. “Since we’re hitting it off so well, mind if I add you on WhatsApp?”
As he spoke, he had already pulled out his phone and held it up in front of her, waiting expectantly.
He was amusing, and she saw no reason to turn down a new acquaintance. “Why not?”
After friending each other, Renee was about to step out and call a cab when Derek suddenly spoke up. “I had a bit to drink earlier. Mind driving my car back for me?”
Afraid she might refuse, he quickly turned on the charm. “We just became friends, and friends help each other out, right?”
Renee stifled a laugh, watching him try to act cute.
“And besides,” he added, flashing a grin, “didn’t I just do you a favor? And the time before that too…”
“Fine, fine.” she relented, shaking her head. Derek was even more glib than Ryland. If the two ever met, she believed they might actually get along.
“I never said I wouldn’t help,” she added, “just stop bringing up last time.”
Getting caught in an awkward situation in the men’s room wasn’t exactly a memory she wanted to relive.
“So… you’re taking me home?” Derek pouted playfully.
Renee usually had no patience for people acting cute–especially a grown man—but for some reason, Derek’s exaggerated attempt was more amusing than annoying.
“Where do you live?” she asked, starting the car.
“Tulip Villa.”
She froze.
“What? Don’t know the way? Let me set the GPS for you then,” Derek offered.
A small smile crossed her lips. “I know where it is. I have a friend who lives in that neighborhood.”
Tulip Villa was right next to Rose Villa. If she moved back, that would make them neighbors.
Coincidence?
Renee glanced sideways at Derek. His expression was relaxed, natural–he didn’t seem like someone with ulterior motives. Still, after two years of honing her instincts as an agent in the special forces, suspicion had now become her second nature.
