After running out of Eric's office sobbing uncontrollably, it was a moment before Evelyn realized her public outburst. Scanning her surroundings in panic, she assured herself that her antics had not drawn the attention of any colleagues, before slipping into the toilet. After washing her face, she calmed herself down before walking back to the forensic lab.

To be honest, she had not expected herself to cry like that. It just so happened that her already bad mood was compounded by Theodore purposely making a fool of herself, leaving her seething with anger and feeling a sense of injustice.

Damn that wily old fox!

As her hands unconsciously rubbed the plastic appendage in her pocket, she consoled herself with the thought that she would never have to interact with him again, which cheered her up a little. As she entered the forensic lab, she saw Dr. Grace Johnson hard at work. She immediately went over and offered, "Professor Johnson, can I help with anything?"

She had previously interned under Grace for a period of time, hence her habit of addressing Grace as a teacher.

"Help me to key in this information into the computer." Grace picked up a file, but then changed her mind. "On a second thought, perhaps I should do it myself instead."

"I'll do it, let me do it," Evelyn took the file and said respectfully. "Professor Johnson, please don't hesitate to order me around just like last time."

Glancing at her, Grace gave a knowing smile. "If I continued ordering you around like an intern, I'm afraid Chief Finley would never let me hear the last of it."

"Chief Finley controls the forensic lab too?" Evelyn looked bewildered.

"Well, he doesn't exactly, but everyone here knows that he is close with Mr. Kingsley."

Mr. Kingsley? Theodore?!

Finally understanding the discerning look in Grace's eyes, Evelyn realized that rumors of her 'scandal' with Theodore had already started spreading among her colleagues. Feeling awkward, she immediately tried to explain herself. "Professor Johnson, there really is nothing between me and Mr. Kingsley. That incident in the woods was just a misunderstanding, a big misunderstanding."

Grace lifted her gaze to the door before making eye contact with Evelyn again. Giving a small smile, she remained silent.

Confused, Evelyn turned back to check and was instantly embarrassed to death. Theodore was standing at the door, grinning from ear to ear. Seeing her turn back, he crooked his finger and beckoned her over.

No wonder Grace had that teasing expression.

All at once, Evelyn's face turned scarlet. Her first instinct was to chase Theodore away, but that would have been out of her place. Besides, she was no match for the wily old fox. Giving him a cold stare, she suppressed her anger and ignored him, sitting down and opening her laptop.

Undeterred, Theodore instead walked closer to her and played with her ponytail affectionately, chuckling as he said, "My little Evade, let's have a talk."

"What do you think you're doing?"

Evelyn pushed him away roughly, uncomfortably casting a glance at Grace. Looking around, however, she realized that Grace had already left, deepening the misunderstanding. In a fit of pique, she stood up and started to head out too, in order to clear up any suspicion.

"My little Evade," Theodore stopped her, pleading softly. "I have a favor to ask.".

"Wow, what could a big shot CEO like Mr. Kingsley want from me?"

Ignoring her pointed barb, Theodore answered with a rare touch of earnest, "Grandpa wants to meet you."

"I refuse."

Guessing that she was still scarred from her previous encounter, Theodore explained sincerely, "Grandpa was not scolding you yesterday, so don't take his words to heart. Ever since he has had dementia, there are days where he will be clear-headed as per normal but other days where he can't think straight either. That was what happened yesterday when he mistook you for his daughter, and today he's kicking up a fuss wanting to see you again."

"I'm sorry, but I'm busy." Sitting down, Evelyn continued with her work.

"Please do me a favor just this once. Grandpa's health is deteriorating and it's not good if he gets too agitated."

Even though her heart softened for the old man, Evelyn reminded herself that he was the grandfather of the wily old fox standing in front of her. Hardening her heart, she told him, "He's not my grandfather, so it's none of my business."

"Sweet, kind, little Evade, please help me."

Evelyn's eyebrows arched. "Only if you beg me."

Pursing his lips, Theodore said in a low voice, "I'm begging you."

"Not helping even if you begged." As she watched his face darken, she felt a sense of satisfaction.

At his wit's end, Theodore paused for a moment before saying out of the blue, "Hand over my compensation then."

"What compensation?" Evelyn was confused.

"Take a look yourself." Reaching into his pocket, Theodore handed his phone over to her.

"What is this?"

"You'll know once you see it."

A video started to play on the phone. Evelyn leaned in and watched closely.

"Oh? Isn't this my scooter that has been parked outside the woods this morning? Why is there a video of it? Uh oh, the scooter was not parked properly! Oh no, it crashed into the car beside it!" Evelyn thought.

That car...

Theodore offered an explanation helpfully, "My car is worth tens of millions and you scratched it with your scooter. You have to take full responsibility for the damages."

Tens of millions?

A cold sweat broke out over Evelyn. Stammering, she asked weakly, "How... how much do I have to compensate you?"

"Seeing how you are so poor, just a hundred thousand will do."

"Hundred thousand? That's daylight robbery!"

"That leaves me no choice but to call the police then. Once the insurance company calculates the damages, it will probably be closer to three or five hundred thousand." Theodore picked up his phone and started dialing 911.

Sensing that he was dead serious, Evelyn felt goosebumps along her spine. Hurriedly, she grabbed a hold of his hand and gave an apologetic smile. "Mr. Kingsley, let's not be too hasty!"

"Sorry, but I'm very busy and don't have time to wait around. You have two choices—either pay me a hundred thousand right now, or pay thirty to fifty hundred thousand later."

"I don't have that money," Screwing up her face in dismay, Evelyn replied. "Is there a third option?"

She only had 308 dollars left on her card.

Unsympathetic to her plight, Theodore brushed her off and dialed 911.

"Please no! I'll come along with you to meet Grandpa then!"