Yenedith breaks free from the hug and leaves the apartment, walking to the entrance of the residence where her bodyguard awaits her. — Please, take me to the Golden Rose — Yenedith asks, wiping away her tears.
— Yes, miss — Charles replies, opening the back door for her. After driving a short distance, he says — Is it alright if I stop to take care of something? It won’t take long.
— Okay — Yenedith says.
Then, they stop at a restaurant. Charles gets out of the car and opens the door for Yenedith. — I came to pick up a few things. Would you like to order something to eat while you wait? — Yenedith is about to refuse, but her stomach growls loudly, so she decides to go inside and order a pizza. She notices the familiar way he speaks to the kitchen staff and the servers. — As soon as you finish eating, I’ll take you home. Sorry for the inconvenience — Charles says, sitting down across from her.
— It’s okay — Yenedith says listlessly — Actually, the pizza is very good. Is this your family’s business?
— Yes — he replies —My grandparents founded the pizzeria as soon as they got married.
— Why did you end up being a bodyguard? — Yenedith asks. Charles makes a puzzled gesture, to which the young woman replies — I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to sound like that. I mean, why not work here surrounded by your family?
— Not everyone has talent in the kitchen — Charles responds. Yenedith nods in agreement and continues eating.
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The following morning, Alexander Strauss is in a meeting with the directors of each pharmaceutical department to get an update on the progress of research projects to produce new medications. — Currently, drug R-50018 is being tested in humans to determine its function in cancer cells — says the director giving the presentation — In the last six months, it has been determined that R-50018 helps with the absorption of nutrients from food and the deterioration of existing cancerous tumors. We are currently waiting for results on its inhibition of these same tumors.
— Thank you very much — says Alexander — That’s a great step forward. We expect to have results in another six to eight months. Please monitor for short- and medium-term side effects while taking the medication.
— That’s all — Alexander says and leaves the room. On his way home, he receives photos on his tablet of Tadeus with Senator Pine at a restaurant. This unsettles him a little, but doesn’t surprise him. He takes out his cell phone to call him — You answered faster this time — he says.
— Sorry, I have work.
— I’ll send you a location. I expect to see you there in an hour — Alexander affirms.
An hour later, they meet at an art museum near the city’s boulevard. Tadeus is wearing a dark gray suit with a slightly unbuttoned pink shirt — I thought I’d leave it like this because I don’t have a tie — he says, noticing the Animal’s gaze on his chest.
— Okay — Alexander says.
Tadeus smiles slightly to hide the wave of heat he feels on his face — So, a museum.
— I was thinking about what you said — Alexander says as they enter — She’s definitely a talkative person. I thought bringing her to a place like this might excite her.
They enter the art museum, and Alexander takes charge of leading the exploration through the halls. Tadeus’ lack of comments makes him a little uneasy — It’s impossible that you don’t have anything to say.
— This is a great idea — Tadeus replies — I couldn’t possibly comment like her.
— Could you tell me what you think about the paintings? What do you think they mean? — Alexander asks — That might help me base my opinion on something more specific.
— I find the level of detail impressive — Tadeus comments — In this painting, I can’t see the brushstrokes. It looks like the woman is going to step out of the painting — Tadeus says, looking at Alexander — There’s not much I can say; I’m just admiring it.
Alexander is pleased with Tadeus’ words and silently accompanies him almost to the end of the walk — And you do these kinds of things with Pine? This chapter is updated first at g.com.
— No — Tadeus says — He just likes to eat or drink with me occasionally.
— So you’re just friends? — Alexander asks, placing a hand on Tadeus’ shoulder to stop him.
— I didn’t think you’d want to see me again after the incident with your shoes — he remarks. Mr. Strauss sighs at his evasive comment with a slight smile. — You once told me you felt obligated to him. And, I couldn’t help but overhear your conversation at Necker; you didn’t sound very enthusiastic about continuing to accompany him, but you’re still seeing him — Alexander insists.
— Yes, he’s a friend — Tadeus replies, a little surprised by his own comment. It never occurred to him that Alexander might have overheard them — I understand why people can get the wrong idea.
— Oh… I see — Alexander says with a nervous smile — I must have surprised you with that proposal I made.
— I was just playing along — Tadeus says playfully — I figured you’d realize my advice was bad when it stopped working.
— You’re a con artist! — Alexander exclaims, exaggerating his expression as he takes a single step closer to him.
Tadeus laughs for a few seconds, covering his mouth with one hand as he looks him in the eyes. The businessman gently removes the hand covering his smile to get a better look at the lines etched on his cheeks. The journalist suppresses his smile and lowers his gaze, but it doesn’t take him a second to meet their eyes again. — I suppose our contract is canceled — Alexander announces almost in a whisper. So close to him, the warmth of his breath makes Tadeus blush.
— I can give you your money back, if that’s what you want — Tadeus replies, fueling the moment with his tone of voice.
— Was this all just an excuse to spend more time with me?
— Like I said. I just went along with it.
Alexander smiles slightly at his response, placing a hand on either side of Tadeus’ face, never breaking eye contact.