Chapter 102

I quietly moved forward, my feet sinking into the plush carpet.

Every room ahead had voices coming from it, so I had to listen at each door.

The first room had a woman's voice that I didn't recognize, so I moved on to the second room.

I continued this way until I reached the last room. Finally, I heard Renee's voice.

Her voice was distinctive, with a lazy rasp, so I recognized it immediately.

But the room was soundproofed too well; I couldn't make out what she was saying.

I could only vaguely sense that there were several people inside, and it sounded like they were arguing.

Gathering my courage, I tried to push the door open a crack to hear what they were saying.

Just then, a noise behind me startled me, and I bumped into the door heavily.

The people inside the room immediately became alert and looked outside warily, "Who's there?"

I was extremely nervous and had no idea what to do. There was nowhere to hide, and if they came out, they would definitely see me.

As I was thinking about what to do, a pair of hands suddenly reached out from the adjacent room and pulled me in. The person dragged me into another room and firmly shut the door.

The door to the adjacent room opened in response.

I heard Paula's voice loudly asking, "Who's there?"

It seemed I was right; Paula and Renee were together.

Above me, I heard Royce's voice. He said, "You have some nerve coming here alone. What if they did something to you?"

I could hear a hint of anger in Royce's voice. I looked up at him, slightly surprised, "What are you doing here?"

He replied irritably, "Your company invited me to this event, but I had other plans. I found out I was meeting someone at the same hotel."

"I just saw my guest off and was sitting here to rest when I saw you sneaking around."

Feeling a bit guilty since he had just saved me, I apologized softly, "I'm sorry."

Royce snorted, "Why are you apologizing to me? Can you be more careful next time? Do you even realize how dangerous your situation is? You're always so reckless."

His words made me feel a bit embarrassed.

Today, I had indeed been too impulsive. I was just curious why Paula and Renee were together.

Royce snorted again, "Couldn't you have brought someone with you? At least you could have had some cover. Or let someone they don't know check it out. Did you have to come yourself?"

I looked down, feeling like a student being scolded.

He looked down at me for a moment and snorted, "What would you have done if I hadn't been here today?"

I sincerely thanked him again.

"And you didn't even bring Savannah with you. If something happened, she could have helped you. You're too careless!"

I kicked the floor, knowing he was right, but still feeling defiant.

Finally, I couldn't hold back and retorted, "Am I a child? Can't I go anywhere?"

"Still talking back? Do you even know how dangerous it was just now?"

Of course, I knew, but I didn't want Royce to scold me.

Royce snorted and opened the door a crack, listening to the sounds outside.

It was quiet now; the people next door had gone back inside, seemingly unable to find anyone.

I followed Royce's gaze outside and asked, "Is anyone there?"

Royce shook his head, "Nope, no one."

I was itching to go back and listen again, but Royce saw right through me. "You still wanna go?"

He frowned and glared at me.

That rebellious streak in me surged up. "What's wrong with checking? What if they're discussing something important? It could be a crucial clue."

Ignoring him, I headed for the door, feeling a bit defiant. Ten years ago, you left without a word. What right do you have to control me now?

Just as I reached the door, he grabbed me and pulled me into his arms, holding me tight. I was stunned, my nose pressed against his chest, catching a faint scent of bamboo ink. He whispered, "There's movement outside. Don't make a sound."

Startled, I listened carefully. Sure enough, the door to the adjacent room seemed to open, and someone was walking out. They must have finished their discussion.

I glared at Royce's chin and said, "It's all your fault. Now I didn't hear anything."

He didn't seem to mind my little outburst and continued listening to the sounds outside.

All I could hear was the rustling of his clothes, unable to make out the sounds outside. I had to wait for Royce to give me feedback.

"Have they left?" I asked softly.

Royce, holding me, shook his head, "Not yet. Wait a bit longer."

I was puzzled. What were they doing outside? Had they discovered Royce and me in this room? I became very nervous and scared, not daring to move.

What I said earlier was just out of anger. I didn't really dare to go out and check. Renee seemed dangerous, and there were many men in that room. If they found me, I couldn't imagine what would happen.

I held my breath for a long time, finally unable to resist, "Have they left yet?"

Royce shook his head again. I was even more confused. Why hadn't they left? Were they just standing outside?

I gently pushed Royce away and walked to the door. There was a peephole, and I looked outside. The hallway was empty.

I realized Royce had been lying to me. I turned and glared at him, "Why did you lie to me?"

Royce couldn't help but chuckle, tilting his head to look at me, "What do you think?"

He was wearing a black suit today, which fit him perfectly, making him look both restrained and sexy.

I had to admit, Royce looked really good in a suit, much better than Brandon.

I cleared my throat, feeling a bit embarrassed.

"I'm leaving."

But Royce grabbed me again.

He said, "Call Savannah and have her pick you up. Don't go out alone."

Royce was thorough in his actions. I called Savannah, told her where I was, and then waited quietly. The room was now just me and Royce, and the atmosphere was a bit awkward.

Leaning against the door, I thought about the hug earlier, feeling confused about his intentions.

Unexpectedly, Royce suddenly stepped forward.

Startled, I shrank back, but he kept advancing, his tall frame standing in front of me, exuding a strong sense of pressure.