Chapter 87 A Divorced Single Mother
Renee parked the car at Tulip Villa and stepped out. Just as she reached for her phone to call a cab, Derek tossed her the car keys. She caught them effortlessly.
“You can use my car. Just take it back whenever you have time,” he said casually.
“No need,” Renee replied, already pulling out her phone. “I’ll just call a cab.”
Derek didn’t press the issue. Instead, he casually leaned against the roadside, keeping her company as she waited for her ride.
“Since you won’t be driving, how about a drink? I can grab some wine from inside while
we wait,” he offered with a grin.
Renee sat down beside him, instantly feeling at ease. If he had invited her inside, she might have been more cautious, given they had only just met. But he hadn’t pushed for that. His easygoing nature, combined with his lively humor, kept things light, and he always respected the space between them. As a result, she found herself relaxing in his
presence.
“The moonlight’s nice, perfect for a drink,” she mused, looking up at the sky. “But unfortunately, I’m not in the mood.”
A full moon hung above them, casting a soft glow. A cool breeze rustled the air as they both soaked in the peacefulness of the night. Despite being strangers just hours ago, here they were, sharing this quiet moment. How curious and surprising fate could be!
Renee tilted her head, staring at the sky, feeling as though time had slowed down. For years, she had been in constant motion, constantly alert, never allowing herself to pause. Even while she was still pregnant, she couldn’t shake the need to dive into her work–studying investigative theories, perfecting her skills. Ryder had seen potential in her, training her not for the battlefield, but for the shadows, to be a covert operative with no official identity, someone who could blend into any role.
And she hadn’t let him down. Every case she had handled over the past two years had been tough, but whenever “Rose” was in charge, she played her cards right.
በ ስ
The agent known by the codename “Rose” had become a legend within military and law enforcement circles. Who would have imagined that this legend had once been a spoiled, headstrong rich heiress? What was even more surprising, though, was that Rose was also a single mother, raising a child all on her own.
As Renee continued to gaze at the sky, lost in her thoughts, she could feel Derek’s gaze on her. His eyes lingered on her delicate features, as if he was trying to memorize every detail, savoring the quiet moment with her.
“If you keep staring at me like that, I’ll have to start charging you,” Renee said, her tone light but without turning to face him.
Derek let out a soft chuckle, the kind that carried genuine amusement. “What would you say if I told you I’m thinking of pursuing you?”
Renee wasn’t taken aback. She wasn’t shy about such things–he was a young man, she was a young woman, and she knew her own appeal. It was natural for him to be intrigued at first sight.
“I’m divorced and have a child,” she replied coolly. “You can pursue me if you like, but don’t expect a yes.”
He grinned, undeterred. “Well, I’m confident I won’t fail.”
Renee couldn’t help but laugh softly, turning to meet his gaze. She added with a touch
more seriousness, “You’re easy to talk to, and I enjoy our conversations. So I’d rather
just be friends with you.”
Derek’s smile softened, and he nodded. “If I pursue you, you won’t be able to see me as just a friend anymore, right?”
“There’s a good chance that’s true.”
Derek sighed dramatically. “Alright then.”
Just then, the cab pulled up. Renee brushed herself off, stood up, and made her way to
the car.
The driver took her down the familiar path, and within minutes, they arrived at the entrance to Rose Villa. She asked the driver to stop, and then handed him the fare, adding a little extra as a thank–you for the late–night ride.
As she walked down the path leading to the front door, her phone buzzed. It was Barr. She answered promptly.
Barr’s voice was serious. “It’s confirmed. Mrs. Mitchell has been using that car. I also found out that after the incident, Miss Payne took the car for repairs. She went to someone she knew, and it took some effort to get them to talk. Based on the clues we have now, it’s highly likely that the car that hit Felix belongs to Mrs. Mitchell.”
