Chapter 223

Slater lifted his eyes and found Bobby staring at him,that eerie grin curling his lips, a smile so chilling it sent shivers racing down Slater's spine.

His own lips twitched, wariness creeping across his expression. "Do me a favor-don't look at me with that sinister smile. It's downright unsettling."

Resting his chin on his hand, Bobby's tone turned teasingly cryptic. "Perhaps I'vefigured out why lsaac picked you to seduce this man."

The word "seduce" carried a sting, yet curiosity got the better of Slater. Tilting his head, he asked softly,"Why's that?"

Bobby, catching the innocence in his face, smirked with mischief. "Just look at yourself-those wide eyes are more enchanting than most women's. Your skin's smooth and luminous, and that neat oval face could fit into one hand. Aren't these the marks of a perfect romantic lead? Trust me, men will be drawn to you."

Though Slater often seemed carefree, at heart he was shy. Bobby's description painted him in strokes too bold;his cheeks warmed, and panic flickered in his gaze."What nonsense are you spouting? Keep this up,and I won't talk to you again."

Bobby burst out laughing at his flustered response."Alright, alright. Don't get worked up. I'll stop teasing.Let's shift to lsaac's task-you're ready for it, aren't you?"

The mention of business cleared Slater's embarrassment. He leaned forward eagerly. "You already have a plan?"

Bobby tapped at the phone screen. "Didn't my brother send you the file? It maps out Simon's daily schedule, the routes he takes. Isn't the meaning obvious?"

Slater blinked, still uncertain. "Meaning what exactly?"

Clicking his tongue, Bobby sighed. "An encounter,my friend. We need to stage an accidental meeting. If you want to dress it up,call it fate-serendipity."

Realization struck Slater, and he drew a steady breath."No time to lose then. Let's get started."

.··

By evening, the hospital stood quiet, washed in the warm glow of sunset.

Outside, Slater paced at the entrance, glancing repeatedly through the lobby doors.

A crease formed between his brows, puzzlement taking hold.

Isaac's document had clearly stated Simon would be finishing work around this hour.

The sun was nearly swallowed by the horizon-so why hadn't he appeared?

Just as Slater's patience began to fray,his earpiece crackled. Bobby's low voice came through. "Slater,he's on his way out. Time to move."

At once, Slater masked himself in innocence, his gaze drifting casually toward the approaching figure

Yes-it was Simon.

Then,Slater stepped towNard him.

As they drew level, Slater-suppressing his discomfort -feigned a stumble, twisting his foot and letting himself fall.

In a breath, he toppled into Simon's arms, clutching his broad shoulders for balance. From afar, Bobby's face carried mixed emotions.

It wasn't distaste for two men together-only that it felt strange to witness such closeness firsthand between his best friend and a stranger.

Slater's eyes squeezed shut, his body stiff,bracing himself as though the mission demanded a small sacrifice.

But Simon's response cut the script short.

No sooner had Slater fallen against him than Simon pushed him away, faint disgust flickering across his face.

The reaction was nothing like Slater had envisioned.

Still, he didn't let his shock surface. He stayed in character.

Color flushed his cheeks as he ducked his head, eyes brimming with apology. "I'm so sorry-terribly sorry.I stumbled and bumped into you."

Simon gave him a quick glance, a polite smile touching his lips though his eyes stayed cool. "It's fine."

He turned as if to leave.

Surprise swelled in Slater's chest. Hadn't Isaac claimed he was the best option? Hadn't Bobby said men would be drawn to him?

Then why this?

Refusing to admit defeat, Slater caught Simon's sleeve.Simon turned back, frowning.

Slater knitted his brows lightly, teeth grazing his lower lip,his face carrying both pain and fragile appeal. "I...I saw the pen in your pocket. You must be a doctor,right? I think I twisted my ankle-maybe even hurt the bone. It aches badly. Could you take a look?"

Simon's face remained composed, his tone steady."Sorry, I'm a psychologist, not an orthopedic doctor."His voice was calm, stripped of emotion. "I'll call a nurse to guide you to the orthopedic department instead."

He pulled out his phone, quickly arranging for a nurse to bring a wheelchair.

Once done, he pressed his lips together and told Slater,"Wait here. The nurse will be right out. I have other matters-so I'll be leaving now."