Debra found Michael''s thought process inscrutable, but she decided to y along.


    By evening, she had booked avish restaurant, securing a private room to amodate Michael''s public status.


    She found herself seated in the passenger seat of his sports car, the thrill of the ride coursing through her veins.


    It was unexpected that Michael, who maintained a daily facade of depth and mystery, was revealing a mischievous side that relished such exhrating activities.Content ? copyrighted by N?velDrama.Org.


    "Princess, please step out," Michael announced, opening the car door with a flourish.


    Debra had dressed casually without any makeup on. She even donned a mask to suit Michael''s status.


    In contrast, Michael seemed rxed, strolling about and showing no sign of wanting to conceal his identity.


    "Michael, you''re a popr celebrity now," Debra remarked. "Walking around like this, you''re bound to be recognized. Tomorrow''s headline might be ''Michael dines with a mysterious woman"." Michael chuckled. "Creating some news. Isn''t that better?"


    It struck Debra then that, since his debut, Michael had been remarkably scandal-free.


    "But it shouldn''t involve your boss," she countered.


    "Partner," he corrected.


    "To outsiders, I''m your boss," she insisted as they entered the restaurant.


    The restaurant owner was well-versed in serving their circle, ensuring privacy and discretion. "Please follow me, this way." A waiter guided them towards a private room.


    Inside the restaurant, Debra removed her mask, only to lock eyes with Shelia as she looked up.


    Shelia was wearing a dress Debra recognized from a previous banquet, likely a gift from Juan.


    She''s expression flickered briefly before sheposed herself.


    A woman emerged from the private room, tugging at Shelia''s arm with a disapproving look. "What took you so long? Hurry up ande in with me." Sheliaplied, disappearing into the private room without acknowledging Debra.


    "Did you orchestrate that on purpose?" Debra asked.


    This gathering wasn''t arranged by Leanna at her request. It seemed more like She''s private work.


    The restaurant was a known haunt for industry insiders who preferred to keep their meetings discreet.


    What is Shelia involved in that she couldn''t let others see?'' she wondered.


    "Come with me," Michael said, leading Debra into their private room.


    The table was alreadyden with dishes, but Debra found her appetite waning.


    This is Shelia''s resume," Michael said, cing a document on the table.


    Debra frowned. "I''ve already seen her resume. I asked Ben to investigate her this afternoon. What''s the


    issue?"


    "The issue is," Michael began, "Shelia''s resume states she attended a private high school. In reality, she went to Beaconridge High."


    "Beaconridge High?" Debra echoed, confusion written all over her face. "What''s the problem?"


    As far as she remembered, Juan sponsored Shelia during her first year in high school. The Nichols family was involved in charity work and chose Shelia from that private school as a key student in need. "I was at Beaconridge High. Shelia and I were ssmates," Michael replied.