CHAPTER 857: CHAPTER 856

"I gotta admit, I found out the actress I like is taken," Derrick confessed, downing his coffee like it was a shot of whiskey, while feeling his mood hitting rock bottom.

"What a coincidence! The race car driver I’m into is also off the market." Timothy gulped down another cup of coffee in one go.

"Looks like we both got our hearts broken today, huh?"

"Not just that, we’ve been watching our best bud to show his affection towards his fiancee."

They gave each other a sympathetic pat on the back and offered each other words of comfort.

"There are plenty of fish in the sea," Derrick said with attempted nonchalance.

But Timothy knew in his heart that the fish he wanted was the rarest and most beautiful in the world.

Once it’s caught, there’s no way to find another one just like it.

"Don’t sweat it too much. You’ll find someone even better."

Despite his words, Derrick knew deep down that no girl could ever measure up to the incomparable Rosemary.

The two friends sat there, feeling even more downcast, silently sighing before clinking their coffee cups together, drowning their sorrows in one long sip.

After Romeo brought Rosemary back to the hotel and closed the door, he immediately confronted her with concern.

"I had no idea you won that underground race."

Rosemary looked up with her bright eyes and asked, "Timothy told you?"

So that’s why Romeo had suddenly looked at her in the coffee shop.

"If I hadn’t asked, he wouldn’t have said a word. Do you realize how dangerous those underground races are? They’re not official tracks, and there are no fair referees; it’s all down to personal honor. And some people have got no conscience. What if you run into someone like that and get hurt?"

"I’ll be fine," Rosemary assured him. "For them, it’s just a hobby, but for me, it’s different."

"How so?" Romeo pressed on, gazing into her eyes.

"I started racing to protect myself."

If it weren’t for the need to escape her pursuers, she wouldn’t have developed such driving skills, let alone stepped in to race for Ophelia.

Hearing this, Romeo was filled with compassion. He couldn’t help but kiss her soft lips, and with a sad touch to her face, he murmured, "I wish I had been there sooner."

If he had been there, he could have shielded her and kept all harm at bay for her.

He couldn’t stand the thought of all the hardship she had endured in that unforgiving world.

"If it was too dangerous, Ophelia wouldn’t let me race. She’s my best friend," Rosemary comforted him in turn. "If her leg hadn’t been injured and in need of rest, I would’ve loved for you to meet her, though you’ve seen her on video before."

But meeting each other’s friends face-to-face, like what they did today, was a different experience.

Visiting Ophelia wasn’t practical for them, as she lived alone and was barely able to walk. They knew pretty well that if they went to her house, she would insist on playing the hostess, which wouldn’t be

good for her recovery.

"We’ll have a chance in the future," Romeo said softly while caressing her cheek; at that time her phone rang.

It was Horace.

"Go ahead, I’ll get you something to eat."

He had brought her favorite snacks to Belloria and packed them in his suitcase.

In order to give her privacy and trust, Romeo didn’t linger to overhear their conversation. Instead, he walked away to fetch the treats.

Watching his tall figure move aside, Rosemary felt her heart warmed even more. She took out her phone and glided over the screen with her fingers.

"Boss, this Sean guy looks sharp, but why is his signature so messy? Can’t even make out his name."

Horace’s voice came through from the other end.

When Rosemary left the hospital, she handed the island sale agreement Sean had signed straight to Horace without even glancing at it.

The name of the other party meant nothing to her.

"What’s up?" Rosemary cut to the chase.

"I’ve sent some guys to the island to clear out the weeds and stuff, but there are some plants my crew can’t identify. I can’t tell if they’re weeds or herbs either. I’ve taken pictures and sent them to your

email."

"I’ll check it out in a bit."

"Also, we’ve calculated the area planted with herbs and that yet to be planted, and also figured out the sunlight exposure, soil composition, air humidity, and overall weather patterns. I’ve made spreadsheets

of all these data and sent them to you."

Rosemary was surprised by his efficiency. "Good work," she said with a tinge of appreciation.

"It’s no trouble at all. Working with you these past days has been invigorating—I’m doing what I love.

Plus, I’ve been in touch with Jack. He said he’s just waiting for your go-ahead, and he’ll personally transport the herbs we need to plant here."

"I’ll give him a timeline soon."

"There’s something else." Horace continued with another update. "Just as what you predicted, the surveillance cameras near the auction house on the night of Sam’s death were tampered with to different degrees. They need your touch to be restored. I’ve sent the files to your email."

"Alright, I’ll handle it now."

After ending the call, Rosemary pulled out her laptop and told Romeo, "I’ve got some work to do; you take a break."

Romeo placed an assortment of snacks in front of her, watching her slender fingers flying over the keyboard, typing a rapid succession of characters.

"Restoring surveillance? Let me do it." Romeo offered, "Have a bite and rest."

Rosemary recalled the last time they teamed up to crack Carol’s computer firewall. Romeo’s hacking skills were beyond question.

She handed him the laptop without hesitation.

Romeo took the laptop, settled on the couch to retrieve the data, while massaging her feet rested on his lap occasionally. His gaze was locked on the screen as his fingers danced on the keyboard.

Rosemary lounged on the couch, with her legs casually draped over his, and nibbled snacks from the bag, while passing him a piece from time to time.

With this, Romeo’s motivation soared. In no time, he had the surveillance restored and awaited her praise.

"Quick work."

"With my fiancée watching, I’ve got to show off a bit."

Romeo enjoyed the snack she handed him, with a look of contentment on his face.

Rosemary forwarded the surveillance to Horace, who nearly dropped his face mask in shock.

"Boss, you’re way too fast. I was just doing a face mask, and I’m not even done yet."

"What’s a big guy like you doing with a face mask??" Rosemary teased in her message.

"Men need skincare too. Hold on, I’ll call you back."

Horace continued his skincare routine while digging into the mystery of the black car and the person who shot Sam.

Rosemary knew that the results would come soon, so she discussed with Romeo, "I might need to step out tonight or tomorrow for some business. I’ll have people with me; it’s not dangerous. You wait for me at the hotel."

"Can I trust your people?"

"They’re loyal."

"Then call me if you need help."

In Belloria, he had a network of influence hidden in the shadows, known to almost no one.

When necessary, they could quietly work for her and give her the extra push she needs.