That seemed impossible, since Yvette truly wanted someone else. Our separation was inevitable, just a matter of time. Instead of engaging, I focused on my meal and casually said, “Why anyone?”

When I showed no reaction, Nancy turned her attention to Zia with a teasing smile. “You’re so pretty. Are you seeing anyone?”

Zia quickly responded, “Ms. Lane, I already have a boyfriend.”

Nancy raised an eyebrow, smirking. “Good to know. Since Chen’s going to be your boss, keep some professional distance. You wouldn’t want your boyfriend getting the wrong idea.”

I found myself frustrated by Nancy’s assumptions. I couldn’t help but think she and Yvette were truly two peas in a pod, always seeing romance where there was none.

While I stayed quiet, Zia rushed to explain, “That won’t happen! My boyfriend and I are very happy. Even though he’s leaving to go abroad, we’ve promised to stay together no matter the distance.”

“It’s going abroad? When?” Nancy asked, surprised.

“Originally in three days, but he changed it to tomorrow because of the forecast storm,” Zia replied.

“Tomorrow?” I was startled by how quickly time had passed. After tomorrow, Yvette would likely discover her feelings for Randall and chase after him abroad in dramatic fashion.

Nancy finished warning Zia and turned to lecture me. “Owen, don’t let her innocent face fool you. Compared to Yvette, she’s nowhere near her level.”

She leaned in, whispering, “At the end of the day, relationships boil down to money. Yvette’s a powerhouse in business. She’s gorgeous and smart—the only thing she’s got less of is age. You’d be a fool to pass that up.”

Her words grated on me, and I couldn’t hold back. “Were you cheated on or something? Why is your mind always in the gutter?”

Nancy just laughed it off. “Relax, I’m just looking out for you! Cheers!”

I clinked glasses with her half-heartedly, maintaining an amiable front before returning to my meal. There was no point arguing, especially when I still had to stop by the hospital later to check on my uncle’s recovery.

As we were finishing up, Nancy’s phone rang. To my surprise, she didn’t excuse herself and answered it at the table.

“Look who it is,” she said brightly, her tone familiar. “What a surprise! You’re actually calling me first?”

I glanced at her out of the corner of my eye, catching the amused smile on her face. “Drinks? Feeling down? Who ticked you off—my dear brother-in-law, Den?” Nancy teased, shooting me a pointed look as she emphasized the words “brother-in-law.”

My heart skipped a beat with a bad feeling, and I quickly dismissed the idea. After all, she must be happy now without me around, free to see Randall whenever.

Nancy continued, refusing the caller. “No can do. I’m busy with that amazing Owen Yates you’ve been looking for.”

Internally, I cringed. I had chosen a new pseudonym specifically to keep a low profile, but Nancy had just blown my cover despite promising to keep it secret.

Zia’s eyes widened with shock and excitement as she whispered, “Mr. Yates, you’re actually that famous artist? I thought it was just a coincidence!”

I quickly made a shushing gesture to Zia, feeling anxious. Though celebrities came and went in this industry, I had gained attention for my early success. Nonetheless, after a year away from the scene, my skills weren’t what they used to be.

Although her excitement was barely contained, Zia was wise enough to drop the subject. Meanwhile, Nancy continued her phone conversation.

“You’re coming here? Alright, I’ll send you the location.”

Not wanting to meet anyone who knew my background, especially someone connected to the unreliable Nancy, I patted her shoulder and whispered, “I need to visit my uncle at the hospital.”

After a quick goodbye to Zia, I made my escape. I had only come today to get the job sorted out anyway; I wasn’t technically starting until tomorrow.

Nancy said something else as I left, probably explaining my sudden departure to the person on the phone. I didn’t care; any normal person wouldn’t be looking for me at the hospital. I picked up two takeout meals on my way to the hospital, figuring Lila would be there with my uncle. When I arrived at the hospital, I found them sitting together—Uncle Benjamin looking at ease while Lila seemed restless.

“What’s got you two so absorbed?” I teased as I entered.

Both looked up at me, and Lila’s eyes brightened. “Owen, you’re back! How did the job go?”

I nodded. “All smooth. Have you eaten? I brought food.”

Lila took the food with a smile and said, “Benjamin and I are in the middle of a game. We’ll finish later.”

Looking at the board, I could tell Benjamin had Lila’s pieces cornered while she contemplated her next move. Though I wasn’t much of a chess player, the outcome seemed obvious. “Lila, this is painful to watch. Uncle Benjamin’s definitely got you beat,” I joked.

Lila furrowed her brow, stubbornly. “There might still be a chance for a comeback!”

My uncle praised her persistence, saying it showed true gaming spirit. After a few more moves, Lila admitted defeat—my uncle’s strategy was unbeatable. He complimented her play, noting that while she wasn’t a tournament player, her skill was impressive.

Lila’s eyes lit up as she turned to me. “Owen, would you like to play a game?”

I quickly declined. “No way. I’m terrible at chess. Besides, I wouldn’t dare challenge Uncle Benjamin.”

Uncle Benjamin laughed heartily at my compliment, clearly enjoying the flattery.

Lila smiled and added, “Benjamin is exceptional at chess. Did you know him? Even I can’t compete. Speaking of masters, it reminds me of The Magician, the national champion who retired early. Benjamin,”