Horace turned away, inhaled deeply to steady himself, and picked up the call.
Hello? Rita?
Kira remained silent.
Yeah, Im at the office already Dont worry. Its nothing major Ill be back soon Alright
From the brief conversation, Kira inferred that Horace came to meet her with the excuse of handling trouble at work.
After he ended the call, Horace faced Kira, his expression now cold and distant. Kira, I have to go back, he said briskly.
Horace Kira began, a plea in her voice.
But before Kira could say more, Horace swiftly opened the door and exited, looking as though he was fleeing from something.
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Kira watched the door slam shut and clenched her fists in anger, her nails digging painfully into her palms. It was so close! She had been so close to a breakthrough! Rita! she hissed under her breath, vowing not to let Rita go easily.
Horace spent more than half an hour on the rooftop, trying to clear his mind, before he returned to his hotel room.
Rita rolled over, her eyes half-closed, and mumbled, Hey, youre back. Did you manage to handle everything?
Yeah, Horace replied curtly. Without showing any emotion, he took off his clothes and slipped into bed.
Rita noticed a slight smell of alcohol as he settled in. Clutching the sheets a bit tighter, she scooted closer to him and said in a casual tone, Collen seems to get on well with Sabrina. Im thinking about having him help us out. Maybe he could invite Sabrina over for dinner to smooth things over.
Horace gave a nod of approval. Sounds like a plan.
Collen never imagined that Sabrina was the daughter of Rita and her ex-husband.
Collen assumed the misunderstanding between Rita and Sabrina had lingered from the dinner the night before, and Rita was eager to mend her relationship with Sabrina. Given that the Hilton familys new venture in Violetholt needed backing from the Fowler family, he had agreed to help.
After Tyrones departure, Sabrina stayed behind in the studio. Later that day, she received an invite from Collen.
Sabrina arrived at the restaurant that evening, expecting to meet only Collen and possibly Bella. Instead, she found Rita and Horace sitting across the table.
Realizing the setup, Sabrina turned to leave, planning to message Collen that something urgent had come up at work.
Just then, Collen caught sight of her and called out, Sabrina, over here!
Caught off guard, Sabrina stood there, momentarily lost for words. She walked over, making a show of ignoring Rita. Collen, whats up?
Before Collen could respond, Rita interjected, Sabrina, I asked Collen to bring you here. Hes aware of our situation.
Sabrina pressed her lips tightly together, giving Collen a look that clearly read meddling.
Collen responded with a reassuring smile, Sabrina, they just want to share a meal with you. Take it easy.
Sabrina was skeptical. Every time Rita approached her, there seemed to be a hidden agenda. Rita definitely hadnt been fully honest with Collen.
Just get to the point if you have something to say, Sabrina said, turning toward Rita.
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.
Sabrina, I know Ive made a lot of foolish mistakes before. Im not asking for your forgiveness. I just want to share a meal with you and catch up,
Rita replied.
The food this time doesnt come with any unexpected ingredients, right?
Sabrina asked, one eyebrow raised.
Sabrina, what happened last time was an error, and Horace has already reprimanded me. With Collen here, theres no need for concern. If youre still worried, we can invite his girlfriend to join us, Rita suggested.
Horace nodded in agreement.
Collen, picking up on the tension from Sabrinas words, chimed in, Sabrina, if youre truly uncomfortable, you can leave anytime.
Collen supposed Horace wouldnt make a big deal out of this minor issue with the Hilton familys project.
Hearing Collens reassuring words, Sabrina felt slightly embarrassed and took a seat nearby. She had braced herself for Ritas usual antics, yet this time, it was genuinely just a meal.
After they finished eating, Collen drove Sabrina back to her hotel.
During the drive, Sabrina couldnt help but wonder about Ritas true intentions.