Sweet Subterfuge by Trina Duo

Chapter 9

Dylan spat out the water he had just drunk.

He hurriedly leaned forward to grab tissues from the dispenser and wiped his mouth as well as the wet stains on his clothes.

“My apologies.” He was a tad embarrassed, and yet there was a hint of amusement in his eyes. Once he had straightened up again, he pretended to act serious by rubbing his chin in deep thought. Then he said in a straight-faced manner, “There actually is something wrong with Mr. Rogers. He really does have a problem.”

Larissa perked up at that.

“He’s a total germaphobe,” Dylan grumbled with disdain, clearly having been a victim of it.

This bit of gossip was nothing exciting for Larissa, but as she had not quite experienced it herself, she could not relate to him.

She just didn’t quite understand. “How does being a germaphobe have anything to do with rejecting Karin Gallagher?”

“Mr. Rogers’ germaphobia is so extreme that he can’t even have bodily contact with anyone else. When he goes out on business trips, he doesn’t even want to shake other people’s hands.”

Dylan’s words shocked Larissa once more.

When Kevan checked in that night, he clearly shook her hand, and last night, they had…

Larissa naturally would not think that she was the only exception for Kevan. After all, he did say that he originally wanted to have her get a call girl. Hence, she did not understand how Kevan’s ridiculous germaphobia would lead him to refuse Karin and have a call girl instead. Could it be that Karin was dirtier than a call girl to him?

Dylan saw her confusion but did not elaborate. Some things could not be interfered with by outsiders like him.

Larissa did not have the courage to ask either.

it just happened to be dinner time now, she

stand on ceremony either. “Sure. Can I

she did not want to meet Kevan due to last night’s events, he did help

nodded with

…

be considered negligent to invite someone of Kevan’s status to have

casual attire, he was still dressed in a

It only ended now.” He gave only a brief explanation

and replied

with Dylan, they naturally sat on opposite sides of the table. She thought that

move her arm a little to touch Kevan’s. For that, she felt like she was sitting on a hot pan, but Kevan seemed unaware of her dilemma.

this in passing, but his narrowed eyes had a cold glint to them that caused Larissa to hunch

involves the privacy of my client. I think it’s better if Ms. Seymour

Kevan caught on to the key point before turning to look at Larissa, his eyes suddenly warmer

others, but since Kevan had asked, she could only bite the bullet and confirm

out an unprecedented smile.

“With such unreasonable parents,

was right about

then. She had not known to look beyond the superficial. After she experienced the insanity of the Hardy elders,

led to her being proven wrong

perspective—ended up becoming her

while. Why is no one serving us water? Is this the service offered by the Regal Dynasty? Is it worth

by the scolding that they kept apologizing before deferentially filling up his glass with water.

nervous. “Forgive me, Mr. Rogers. I will relay this to the restaurant’s manager.

refused to listen. Giving her a cold stare, he said, “Just focus on your department. You have no jurisdiction

shut her mouth at

had gotten awkward, Dylan quickly smoothed things over by saying, “Alright,

due course, waiting for the

asked Larissa, “I heard that you’ll be treating us to