She Was Never Just the Wife novel Chapter 80

Chapter 80 Frederick’s Test

As the evening settled in and the city lights flickered on, Frederick’s low–key but expensive black sedan rolled up right on time outside Walsh & Associates.

He got out and personally opened the passenger door for Haley, who was rushing out of the building.

“Frederick, you really didn’t have to come pick me up. I feel like I’m making you go out of your way,” Haley said, sliding into the car with a hint of guilt in her voice.

She’d swapped her daytime suit for a perfectly tailored off–white knit dress and a light camel trench coat, giving her a smart yet gentle vibe.

“It’s no trouble, really. I was nearby,” Frederick replied with a warm smile, closing the door and circling back to the driver’s seat.

He was dressed in a sleek dark gray cashmere sweater and matching pants.

The gold rims of his glasses glinted softly under the car’s warm reading light, making him look calm and scholarly, different from the sharp, businesslike partner everyone knew at the firm, and a lot more approachable.

The car slipped smoothly into the evening traffic. Frederick didn’t waste time on small talk; he kept the conversation easy, chatting about a legal documentary he’d watched recently or the interesting cross–border merger case Haley was handling.

His words were always refreshing and insightful, but never overbearing, always picking up on Haley’s thoughts and taking them a step further. After a whole day of tension, Haley found herself finally unwinding in the relaxed atmosphere.

The restaurant was a private spot tucked away in an old mansion, with a serene and elegant atmosphere. The private room was softly scented with flowers. The dishes were exquisitely presented, light and flavorful, the way Haley liked it.

After a few rounds of toasts and sampling a variety of dishes, the mood was harmonious and easygoing. Frederick set down his utensils, gently dabbed his mouth with a napkin, and his demeanor shifted, becoming a bit more earnest.

“Haley,” Frederick began, his voice gentle but tinged with sincerity, “I invited you here today not to catch up, but because there are two matters I wanted to discuss. First, I’d like to ask you to convey my apology to your friend, Ms. Ross.”

“An apology?” Haley blinked, setting down her spoon. “Frederick, I don’t quite get it.”

Frederick hesitated, searching for the right words, but his gaze remained honest.” Some things are hard to explain in detail. Recently due to some complicated matters

Successfully unlocked! on my side, I noticed that certain actions or information may have, unintentionally or indirectly, involved Ms. Ross.

Chapter 80 Frederick’s Test

“And might have brought her some unnecessary attention or inconvenience.” His tone was sincere, with the right amount of vagueness and caution. “It wasn’t my intention.

“And it wasn’t directed at Ms. Ross, but I still feel uneasy about it. I value clarity and transparency in what I do, and I don’t want to cause trouble for someone I respect.

“So, could you, as someone neutral, help me convey this apology? If I’m mistaken, or if Ms. Ross wasn’t affected at all, that would be ideal.”

He steered clear of specifics, only mentioning “might have involved,” “indirectly affected,” and “unnecessary attention.” His attitude was humble, full of mature consideration and a respectful distance.

Haley felt a bit lost in the conversation, but Frederick’s genuine concern about not bothering someone he respected made it impossible for her to dislike him.

In fact, she thought he really lived up to his reputation for being considerate and knowing where to draw the line.

“I think I get what you’re saying,” Haley nodded. “I don’t know the specifics, but I’ll make sure to pass your apology on to Celia when the time is right.”

“That’s great, thank you,” Frederick said, letting out a relieved breath and giving her a gentle smile. Then, he picked up a compact yet luxurious rectangular gift box from the seat beside him and gently slid it toward Haley.

“This is the second thing,” Frederick said, his tone brightening. “It’s a small gift to congratulate Ms. Ross on her recent extraordinary achievement.

“Nothing extravagant, it’s a deluxe facsimile edition about the intersection of Eastern and Western natural history and botanical illustration in modern times, along with some high–resolution scans of rare hand–painted botanical plates.

“I thought Ms. Ross might find it intriguing.” He made a point of mentioning “plants,” cleverly linking it to the botany background Haley was aware of.

The gift was carefully chosen, culturally sophisticated, and matched Celia’s public interests without being at all conventional.

Haley took the box. The heft felt substantial, hinting at the value inside. “Frederick, you‘ re always so considerate. Thank you on Celia’s behalf.”

“No need to thank me,” Frederick said, waving his hand. He tapped his fingers lightly on the table, as if it were a casual thought.

And he added, “By the way, if Ms. Ross returns to the country and has some free time, would I have the honor of meeting her?

“She can pick the time and place, a brief meeting, nothing more.”

“Meet her?” Haley was caught off guard. ‘I really didn’t expect that, she thought.

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Chapter 80 Frederick’s Test

“Yes,” Frederick leaned forward slightly, hands clasped, his expression serious. “I have a rather unique collaboration idea that I think might align with some of Ms. Ross’s future plans. There could be room for discussion.

“Of course, this is a very preliminary thought. Whether it’s feasible or appropriate would need to be discussed in person.”

He kept things deliberately vague, only mentioning “collaboration idea” and “future plans,” leaving the rest unsaid and putting the ball entirely in her court.

Haley understood his careful reservation. Frederick clearly didn’t want to, or wasn’t suited to, share the details over the phone or through her as a go–between. That kind of caution actually made him seem more professional when it came to potential collaborations.

“Alright, Frederick. I’ll make sure to pass on your apology, the gift, and your wish to meet her,” Haley agreed. “As for how Celia feels and when she’s available, that’ll be entirely up to her.”

“That’s only right,” Frederick smiled and nodded, raising his teacup again. “Thanks for taking the trouble, Haley. Let’s toast. Really appreciate you helping me pass this message along.”

The dinner wrapped up in a pleasant and slightly mysterious mood. Frederick thoughtfully drove Haley back to her apartment building, and only after she was safely inside did he bid her a polite farewell and head off.

Back home, Haley stared at the elegant gift box, replaying Frederick’s vague but meaningful words in her mind. Something didn’t sit right with her. After a moment’s thought, she pulled out her phone and dialed Celia’s number.

In the Kilimanvielle safehouse, Room 301, the air was almost frozen when the phone

rang.

Celia had finished a brief call with William and was about to change out of her dusty work clothes when someone knocked at the door.

It was Bobby, back again, and behind him stood Elliott, now in dark casual attire. His face gave nothing away. Elliott held a substantial manila envelope, his gaze calm and steady as he looked at her.

“Dr. Rose, sorry to disturb you,” Bobby said, with his usual respectful tone, though there was a trace of unease in his voice. “Mr. Perry insists there’s something urgent and important he needs to discuss with you in person. He says it’s about you.”

Celia’s gaze slid past Bobby and locked with Elliott’s. The shock from earlier at the viewing platform, and the lingering effect of his intense eyes, still hadn’t faded.

Chapter 80 Frederick’s Test

Now, he showed up in a way that made it impossible to refuse, his presence almost suffocating.

After a brief silence, she stepped aside. “Come in.”

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