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"Sir, I'm not sure if I'm the right person to answer this kind of question," Diamond admitted.

"Why not? You're my secretary, and you've always been doing perfectly with all the tasks I gave you. You also gave many good opinions."

"I know, but this is the matter of knowing one person. We don't know Vincent's true intention because we don't exactly know what kind of person he is," Diamond was thinking of a name while she talked about this. "Why don't you ask someone who knows him really well, such as Chloe, of course."

…

Vernon paused for a long time before asking, "You want me to ask Chloe's opinion about this? Are you serious?"

"More than serious, Sir. Chloe knows about Vincent way more than we do. Even if she's not a career woman, I believe she can give you a much better opinion than I will ever do."

"But that means I have to be honest with her," Vernon said. He started fiddling with his fingers, indicating he got a little nervous. "I told her I was in the process of overthrowing my Big brother, and it'd take a while. But I never told her the method nor told her the difficulties."

"And why won't you? I thought you wanted her to trust you," Diamond asked.

"I just don't want her to be anxious. She's always anxious whenever we talk about Vincent. She developed a trauma after ten years of abuse, so I always assure her that everything is according to my plan."

"I see…" Diamond sat casually on the sofa in front of Vernon as if they were good friends who'd talk about many things during lunch break. "Well, I certainly don't want my homegirl to get scared. But I still think that you need to tell Chloe about this."

"You see, Chloe feels safe with you and she must've been so appreciative about it," Diamond said. She leaned on the sofa and crossed her legs, "So I think she'll be even happier— and willing to help you if you can open up to her."

"It's easier said than done, Diamond," Vernon sighed. "I don't want her to be eaten by fear, and decided to do something stupid like returning to that bastard."

"She won't. I know she won't, " Diamond confidently claimed. "I asked her many times whether she still has feelings for Vincent, and she said no. She's done with him."

"Well, that's what she said to me too."

"Then what are you waiting for? She will be pleased if you open up to her!"

…

Vernon wasn't expecting Diamond to lead him back to Chloe. He had been thinking about asking Chloe's opinion the moment he left Vincent's office.

But he kept pushing that idea back in his head as he tried not to show weakness in front of the woman he loved.

He wanted to be the dependable man for Chloe to lean on, a tough fortress that would make Chloe feel safe forever.

'Will she change her opinion about me if I open up about my worries?' Vernon wondered.

He kept wondering about the same thing as he drove back to his apartment in the evening.

It might be easy for a woman like Diamond to say he should open up. But for most men, being vulnerable was something they hated, especially in front of the woman they loved. It didn't help that Vernon barely had any emotional maturity after ten years of being a mess.

Vernon unlocked the door with his fingerprint and was greeted by Mackie, who rushed towards him.

"Welcome home, Uncle!"

Vernon smiled and patted Mackie's head, "Thank you, Mackie. Have you eaten anything for dinner? Did your Mommy order something for dinner?"

"Um! Mommy ordered something from the restaurant!" Mackie reported.

"I see. Well, guess I don't need to cook then," Vernon said. He tossed his briefcase to the sofa while he loosened his tie.

He went to the kitchen to check and saw Chloe trying hard to grab a plate and put it on the table despite her injury.

"Mommy!" Mackie rushed to snatch the plate from Chloe's hand. "Don't do anything, you need to rest! Let me do it!"

"Thank you, dear, but Mommy is alright."

"No, you're not!" Mackie looked at Vernon, ready to report Mommy's naughtiness today. "Uncle, Mommy is still trying to clean your room, do the dishes, and even cook! But worry not, I have stopped her every time!"

"Chloe," Vernon frowned as he stared at Chloe displeasingly. "Why do you keep doing that? Didn't I tell you that you cannot do anything other than resting?"

Chloe gave Vernon a helpless look, "I just can't sit there and watch while Mackie tried to do everything on her own. She even tried to bathe me like I'm a baby."

"But I'm doing this for Mommy!" Mackie insisted.

"We want you to heal as soon as possible. So just stop this and rest, okay?" Vernon was careful at talking with Chloe about this. Despite his annoyance, Chloe's insistence to do something must've stemmed from the trauma, so he had to be gentle.

Under the watchful eyes of her family, Chloe couldn't say a thing and nodded reluctantly, "I will try not to do anything…."

"Good," Vernon patted Chloe's head gently and then darted his eyes at the dining table. There were a few foods that she had ordered, and it was appetizing… kinda.

"D—Don't worry, Vernon. I made sure that it was good. Mackie and I often ate in this restaurant before," Chloe said. She felt guilty that she couldn't cook and guiltier when she was forced to see Vernon cooking.

He must've been busy with his job, so the least she could do was prepare dinner... Even though it was only a takeout.

Vernon was already doubtful. The food looked appetizing, and Chloe picked the stuff he liked.

But he was a picky eater. He'd usually throw it all up unless it was cooked by Chloe or based on Vernon's preference.

But he had to appreciate Chloe's effort to prepare food despite being injured.

He sat at the dining chair and took a bite of the braised lamb shanks.

He expected the food to be at least edible, but the taste of the lamb was so weird that he almost puked.

"How is it? Good?" Chloe asked anxiously.

Vernon swallowed the lamb hard and forced a smile, "It's good."