Chapter 214

Stevie frowned in confusion. "Dig into someone? What happened?"

Isaac's face was grim, his gaze sharp as steel. "His name's Simon Moss. Born in Clokron, though his roots trace back to Akoitha. He recently joined Verena's hospital as a psychologist. After my first attempt at rehabilitation failed, Verena thought my condition might be psychological, so she arranged for him to treat me. But the moment our sessions began, I felt something off. His hostility toward me isn't even subtle."

His voice sank lower, carrying the weight of suspicion. "I'm convinced he's got hidden intentions where Verena is concerned. I want you to dig up everything on him."

If anyone could do it, it was Stevie-his hacking skills were unmatched, and Isaac knew he'd leave no stone unturned.

Hearing the mention of someone openly hostile to Isaac, Stevie bristled, his protective instincts flaring."Don't worry, Isaac. If he tries anything, I'll make sure he regrets it. But..." He hesitated, and then voiced his concern. "Are you certain he's after Verena? Could this just be your feelings talking?"

It wasn't doubt about Verena's appeal. Stevie simply knew how consumed lsaac was by her. His possessiveness was legendary, and Stevie feared that intensity might be coloring his judgment.

Isaac caught the undertone in Stevie's words, but he dismissed it without hesitation. His gut had never steered him wrong, and the malice he'd felt in Simon's stare was far too real to ignore.

"I'm not that oblivious, Stevie," he said, his voice low but firm.

The weight in his tone made Stevie straighten instantly."Alright, I get it," he replied quickly. "Maybe I was reading too much into things. Don't worry, Isaac. I'll dig into Simon Moss until there's nothing left hidden."

A faint smile tugged at Isaac's lips. "Thanks."

Stevie let out a light laugh on the other end. "Come on, Isaac, we're best friends. No need for thanks. Just focus on getting better at the hospital and leave the rest to me."

After the call ended, Isaac finally allowed himself a brief rest.

When he woke again, his phone buzzed with a call from Jacob, who reported in a steady tone. "Mr.Bennett,we've finished the initial background check. Simon Moss graduated from Wrafpost University, one of the most prestigious schools in Clokron. Afterward, he was recruited by a leading hospital there. Former colleagues describe him as cheerful, proactive, and empathetic. He's even known for taking in stray cats and dogs. Professionally, his reputation is strong as well-he's received several highly regarded medical awards. I've already sent the detailed report and photos to your email. Please review them when you have the chance."

Cheerful.Proactive. Empathetic.

Isaac's eyes narrowed, something about that portrait grating against his instincts. The words painted a flawless image, yet it all felt... off, like a mask too perfect to be real.

Pressing his fingers to his brow, he spoke quietly. "Understood. You can.return to your work."

"Yes, Mr. Bennett," Jacob answered respectfully before the linè went dead.

Isaac's brow furrowed. Jacob's report was just surface fluff that told him nothing of real value. If there were answers, they would have to come from Stevie.

Three days slipped by quickly.

In that time, lsaac submitted himself to Verena's routine examinations. Every day, she worked her hands carefully over his legs, massaging them with patient diligence.

Then, one morning, his phone buzzed. Stevie's name lit the screen.

Isaac answered immediately, "What did you find?"

On the other end, Stevie was quiet for a beat before replying, "Isaac, I dug through everything I could. His records are spotless. His background lines up perfectly. Nothing suspicious turned up, even after. I ran the checks multiple times. I thought I might've missed something, but no-there's nothing."

Isaac parted his lips, ready to speak, but Stevie's tone shifted suddenly, lightened with amusement. "But...I did stumble across something interesting."

Isaac arched a brow. "And what's that?"

Stevie's chuckle carried through the line. "Didn't you say you thought he was eyeing your wife? Turns out,according to what I found, Simon isn't into women at all. He's interested in men. Could it be you're reading too much into things because you're a little too protective of Verena?"

Interested in men?

Isaac's expression darkened, a flicker of conflicting emotions flashing across his face.

Isaac couldn't shake the unease. Simon's record might have been clean on paper, but his instincts told a different story. That flicker of hostility in the man's eyes had been real, and Isaac was certain Simon was interested in Verena.

Whether or not the rumor about him preferring men was true didn't matter. The truth would come out with the right test.

On the line, Stevie sounded almost incredulous at Isaac's silence. "You really don't believe me? Isaac,my intel's solid-it's never wrong." Isaac steadied his thoughts before answering, his voice low but resolute, "We're not dismissing him that easily. Keep a close watch. Even if he's truly interested in men, there's no guarantee that's the full story.Anyone who could pose a threat to Verena stays under scrutiny."

There was a pause, and then Stevie agreed without hesitation. "Got it. I'll keep digging. If anything shifts,you'll be the first to know."

···

In her office, Verena sifted through Isaac's recent test results, carefully analyzing the subtle changes in his psychological state. His progress was undeniable-steady, visible improvement across the board.

Pleased,she immediately dialed Ivan's number. The call connected almost instantly, and his exuberant voice spilled through the line. "Verena! You won't believe this-we must be on the same wavelength, because l was just about to call you."

Even without seeing him, she could picture the sparkle in his eyes and the mischievous curve of his lips.

Her own mouth lifted into a faint smile. "Enough joking, Ivan. I have something serious to discuss."

Ivan's laugh carried easily through the line. "Alright then, what's so urgent?"

Verena straightened in her chair, her tone all business. "I need you to track down the top psychologist overseas-Luther Owen. If I recall correctly, you've crossed paths with him before?"

"Luther?" Ivan's chuckle deepened. "I've known him for years. Consider it done. But actually, there's something I need to ask you too."

With one concern already lifted off her shoulders, Verena exhaled softly. "Go ahead."

Ivan's instincts as a hacker had always kept him cautious. Sensitive matters were never for phone calls. His tone dropped, firm and deliberate. "Not over the line. Let's sit down face-to-face."

Verena knew him well enough not to argue. His habits were ingrained, and she respected them."Fine111she replied smoothly. "This afternoon." Later that day, she arrived at the quiet coffee shop they'd chosen. The staff guided her to a private booth tucked away in the corner.

Ivan was already there.

He sat sprawled comfortably in a loose black utility jacket, his curls falling naturally around his face. A glint of blue caught the light-the earring on his left ear. Dark sunglasses rested low on his nose, just enough to reveal the sharp gleam of hazel eyes underneath.

Even in such a casual getup, he carried the same effortless presence as always-laid-back, yet impossible not to notice.