Chapter 38
Janice was taken aback as she instinctively touched her neck, forcing a casual smile. “Oh, I’m not sure what happened yesterday. There were just so many mosquitoes, and I ended up with a ton of bites.”
“Really? It’s chilly now. Why are there still mosquitoes buzzing around?” Kody remained skeptical and was eager to ask further.
“My neighborhood property management does a poor job at pest control. They collected the fees but did nothing ” Janice falsely claimed without a hint
of shame.
Kody promptly suggested, “Why not consider moving out? The neighborhood where I reside is great. It’s clean and peaceful. Plus, the property management is responsible.”
“Moving out? That sounds like a hassle. Janice instinctively rejected the idea.
Worried she might refuse, he eagerly proposed. “There’s nothing to it. I’ll hire a moving company for you, and you can simply bring your belongings. You don’t even have to worry about the rent. I’ve got that covered.”
Janice couldn’t help but find it amusing, especially given his serious demeanor. Just as she was about to decline, the office door was pushed open.
A deep, captivating voice said, “Kody, come out with me.”
Malcolm stood at the door, his expression unreadable as he gazed at Kody. Yet, his piercing gaze shifted to Janice calmly, as if he could see right through her.
Kody was confused but still obediently followed him to the rooftop. Once there, Malcolm gazed seriously at his cousin, who had grown up with him.
“It’s best to keep your distance from Janice,” he advised firmly.
Kody was puzzled. “Why should I do that? You clearly know how I feel about her.”
Malcolm’s sharp p gaze pierced through him as he warned, “Stay away from her. Cross that line once more, and I’ll send you overseas for work.”
Kody chuckled, recognizing that Malcolm’s apparent concern was more about Reina than him. “Malcolm, are you worried that if Janice and I become too close, it might affect your relationship with Reina?”
His smile broadened as he reached that conclusion, but his demeanor shifted to a more serious note. “Malcolm, please don’t be angry. Just hear me out. If …I mean, if Janice and I truly end up together, we plan to travel abroad. I assure you it won’t interfere with you and Reina at all
“How does it sound? To ease my family’s constant pressure on my marriage, I plan to bring Janice to the family gathering this month. What do you think?”
Malcolm was frustrated. He instantly grabbed Kody’s collar and snapped. “Say that again!”
Kody was shocked by Malcolm’s fury, yet he held his head high and replied, “Sure! Janice and I are a perfect match. We’re destined to be together.”
Malcolm abruptly released his grip. “Kody, do you even understand what you’re saying?
Kody rubbed his neck and said, “I do know what I’m saying. Janice is amazing. What don’t you like about her?”
Malcolm fixed his piercing gaze on Kody and declared decisively, “Janice is simply not the right match for you!
Kody had intended to retort, but the intensity in Malcolm’s eyes halted him.
Taking a deep breath, Malcolm warned icily, “This ends here. If you share anything I said today, I won’t hesitate to take action against you, even though
we’re cousins.”
With that, he turned and walked away, leaving Kody standing there, bewildered and lost in thought.
As Kody watched Malcolm’s retreating figure, he murmured, “Not the right match for me? What do you mean by that? Is there something you’re holding back? This isn’t right. I need to find a way to uncover the truth.”
Chapter 39
