By the time I had vacuumed every inch of the apartment, my rage had subsided. Now, I just felt hurt. How could Neil think I would betray him like that? I thought we were on the same page. I thought…
I don’t know what I thought.
To lift my spirits, I put some upbeat music on and sang my heart out as I mopped the kitchen floor. The music was so loud, and I was so lost in it, that I didn’t hear the door open. I didn’t hear a person enter the room. I was singing, shaking my butt, mopping. Then, out of the corner of my eye, I saw him.
I shrieked.
Chapter Thirty-One
Cheeks burning, I yanked my headphones off and took in the man before me.
Dark hair, shrewd eyes, stern lips. Immaculate from head to toe in a tailored suit and black leather shoes. A Rolex on his wrist.
I couldn’t believe my eyes.
What is he doing here? Did he follow me? How did he get in?
Meanwhile, Neil stared at me as if I were the most fascinating creature he had ever laid eyes on.
I dropped the mop into the bucket with a clatter. “Neil! What are you doing here?”
He snapped out of his trance and approached me. “I live here.”
“Wait—what?”
“This is my apartment. I own it. I live here.”
My brain was short-circuiting. This didn’t make any sense. “But… No, it can’t be. Who was that other guy?”
“Other guy?”
“I saw him walk up to the door the last time I was here.”
Neil scratched his chin. “I think my neighbour slipped a letter under the door a while back. It could have been him.”
“Well, what about… the alcohol in the cupboard? You said you don’t drink!”
“Ah, those. They’re bottles I received as gifts. I kept them for guests. Not that I ever have anyone over…”
“Then how about all the books? I’ve never seen you read.”
“Of course I read.”
“B-but…”
Neil folded his arms, eyebrow raised. “But what?”
“But Cat Dad’s cute!”
The corner of Neil’s lips twitched. “You think I’m… cute?”
“Not you!” I buried my face in my hands. “Ugh. This can’t be happening.”
Neil clucked his tongue. “I should be the one questioning you.” He stepped closer, backing me into a corner between his kitchen cabinets. “What are you doing here? Why are you cleaning my house?”
“I was just trying to make some extra money. I didn’t know it was your house.”
“Are you a spy? Do you work for Daniel Ling?”