Meanwhile, the driver kept his gaze locked on the road ahead, doing his best to become invisible and saying nothing.

Neither Tilda nor Lyndon said another word during the ride.

When the car pulled up at the company entrance, Lyndon said, "I'LL come pick you up tonight."

Tilda replied quickly, "No need to make a big deal out of it. I brought my own car, so I'll just drive home."

Lyndon nodded, not pushing the matter. "Okay."

Tilda had considered teasing Lyndon a little more. Was he being extra affectionate because Reggie was nearby?

Still, she held back, worried that Lyndon might overdo it in public and leave her feeling even more embarrassed.

After she stepped out of the car, Tilda waved at Lyndon as he drove away, then turned and made her way toward the building.

She hadn't taken more than a step when she almost ran straight into Reggie.

The sudden encounter startled her. "Mr. Potter."

Reggie's gaze lingered on her for a moment. She looked radiant, happiness lighting up her eyes and a gentle smile curving her lips—a picture of someone lost in love.

Something twisted unexpectedly in his chest. "Had Lunch with Mr. Fernandez?" he asked.

"Yes." Tilda nodded, brushing a stray lock of hair behind her ear.

"You could have told me, I actually arranged a feast for you, but I guess it'll go to waste," Reggie replied, a wry smile tugging at his lips.

"Sorry." Tilda offered a quiet apology, her voice gentle.

Reggie waved his hand, his tone light. "No worries. I'm only teasing."

Tilda cast a quick look at Reggie, observing his familiar demeanor, and chose to drop the subject.

"Are you heading out?" she inquired. "Yeah, I've got a few things to handle," he replied. "Alright, take care."

With a faint, courteous smile, Tilda brushed past him and stepped indoors. Her smile, though kind, carried a hint of detachment.

Reggie lingered briefly, motionless, until his assistant's prompt spurred him to leave.

Tilda rode the elevator to the upper floor and entered the conference room, where a handful of team members awaited.

Noticing Forrest's absence, she asked, "Where's Forrest?"

"Oh, he requested Leave through HR to visit his hometown," a team member replied.

Tilda's expression faltered. "Back to his hometown?" "Yeah, apparently there's a family emergency." Tilda's brow creased slightly.