Sienna Johnson stayed late in the office before leaving. The company’s security guard was checking the building floor by floor, turning off the lights. When he saw Sienna Johnson hadn’t left yet, he came over to greet her. "President Johnson, working late again?" The security guard was a long-time employee who had been with the company for many years, even when Dexter Johnson was in charge. "Some work isn’t finished yet." Sienna Johnson chatted with him briefly. The security guard was older. At his age, he should have been enjoying retirement with his pension. However, his only son and daughter-in-law had died in a car accident, leaving behind a grandson still in primary school, so he was forced to continue working. "...President Johnson, please take care of your health. Truthfully, money, reputation... these things are all fleeting. What’s most important is to live happily..." he said with a tinge of sadness, evidently thinking of his son. "Everyone has their own unavoidable difficulties." When the elevator arrived, Sienna Johnson bade him farewell. The security guard watched her enter the elevator before turning off the lights on that floor. Everyone has their burdens, but Sienna Johnson seemed to carry more than most. 「Flower and Fruit Mountain.」 Seeing the nameplate, Sienna’s lips twitched. She knew her daughter, Curly, had come up with it. Curly was wild, and Adrian indulged her, choosing such a name without fear of ridicule. Flower and Fruit Mountain is inhabited by monkeys. If Adrian Desmond lived on Flower and Fruit Mountain, he’d be the big monkey, and Curly would be the little monkey. The door was opened by Tatu, who looked at her with a complicated expression. "Madam, Sixth Master has been waiting for you for a long time." Waiting for me for so long? Was he that certain I would come? "Please, take me to him." Tatu opened the door, allowing Sienna Johnson to enter the courtyard. Pauline Briggs returned from a social event and happened to see Sienna Johnson entering the house next door. An elderly professor couple used to live there, but she had heard they moved out and a young man had moved in. Pauline had met him a few times; the young man looked at her rather strangely, though he seemed to get along well with Curly. A daring guess flashed through Pauline’s mind, and a wave of unease washed over her. "Have you really forgotten everything?" Tatu asked. "Sixth Master has been searching for you for many years." For original chapters go to noⅴelfire.net Their conversation was perfunctory. Sienna clearly had no interest in talking to Tatu, answering all his questions with brief, dismissive remarks. Tatu found himself unable to say much more. Fortunately, they soon reached Adrian Desmond’s room. "We’ve arrived, Madam," Tatu said to Sienna, standing before an ornate wooden door. Tatu gave her a slight nod and left. Sienna stood before the ornate wooden door for a moment, then raised her hand and gently knocked. Sienna felt a little apprehensive as she entered Adrian’s room; he was just too unpredictable. Adrian was an aggressive man, while Sienna was very guarded. She was more like a snail, preferring most of the time to hide in her fragile shell and cautiously observe the outside world. Yet, this particular man always seemed intent on dragging her out of that fragile shell. The door flew open. A man in a sharp suit stood there. The wall sconces in the room cast a dim, yellow glow, and behind him, candlelight flickered and swayed. He just stood there, quietly watching her, his gaze like a black vortex, pulling her in. "Why don’t you come in?" "I’m afraid the price of our deal later will be too high, and I won’t be able to afford it." Sienna, ever the businesswoman, was accustomed to thinking in such terms. "Although I want you, I promised I wouldn’t force you. You can relax." Adrian grasped her hand and pulled her into the room. Inside, candles flickered—exquisite white ones with golden floral carvings. Roses were artfully arranged, and a long table was set with Western food, concealed under silver cloches. It very much resembled a lovers’ rendezvous. "...What’s all this for?" "I haven’t eaten yet." Sienna had eaten a stomachful of spicy food, while he had only had a single bite. Adrian was very gentlemanly, pulling out Sienna’s chair. Surprise flickered in her eyes as she sat down. "Thank you." Adrian sat down across from her and poured her a glass of red wine. Accepting it, Sienna looked at the wine in the goblet and asked with a slight smile, "Adrian, what are you trying to do?" "I know you’re very smart. Don’t try to use your cleverness on me. In this world, I’m the only one you don’t need to be wary of. Drink up. Even if you get completely drunk, I won’t take advantage of you." Sienna took a sip of red wine, her gaze sweeping over the antique-filled room before finally settling on Adrian. She couldn’t shake the feeling that there was something distinctly odd about this evening. "Black pepper steak. I made it. Try it." Adrian thought. It probably doesn’t taste good. It’s been kept warm for days; definitely not as good as when it’s fresh. Sienna had eaten a large dinner and wasn’t particularly hungry, but seeing Adrian had prepared two servings, she took a few bites to keep him company. "Do you want the truth or a lie?" Adrian was unsatisfied with Sienna’s answer. "Not bad? That’s all?" "If I were to praise you excessively, wouldn’t you find it unbearable to listen?" "The more praise you have for me, the better." Actually, it wasn’t good at all. The black pepper was burnt, the meat was tough and chewy, and it was too salty. Noticing she had put down her knife and fork, Adrian’s eyes flashed with discontent, but he said nothing. "You said you have evidence that Sabrina Johnson stole the special medicine formula. Can you give it to me?" This was the sole reason she had come tonight. Adrian looked up, his gaze fixed on her. Holding his fork in one hand and knife in the other, he ignored her question and said, "Don’t you think tonight is very romantic?" "Yes, it’s very romantic." It’s just that this kind of romance didn’t suit the two of them. "And yet, you’re discussing things that ruin the mood." Sienna stood up and said, "In that case, I’ll arrange a time with you tomorrow." It was already very late; it wouldn’t be appropriate for her to stay any longer. Reaching across the table, Adrian grabbed her hand, stopping her from leaving. Sienna’s eyes sharpened. "Adrian, have you forgotten what you just said? You promised you wouldn’t force me." "I waited for you for three whole hours!" "I’m very displeased right now!" Sienna pulled her hand back. "Since you’re angry right now, it’s best I leave. I have no intention of being your punching bag."