Tessa lowered her gaze, her eyes lingering on the key for a moment before shifting to the white McLaren parked in the distance.

Her tone was calm and measured. “Quentin, if I remember correctly, the starting price for a McLaren P1 is over 12 million, right? You really didn’t have to spend this much just to apologize for what happened on New Year’s Eve.”

Unfazed, Quentin pressed on with his lie, “Of course I do. I upset you that night, and Naomi hasn’t stopped nagging me about it. 12 million is nothing. I know you don’t need it, but please accept this small gesture. Otherwise, Naomi will keep on at me. Just do this for me, okay?”

Her expression remained composed, her clear, bright eyes meeting Quentin’s.

“Quentin, tell me the truth. Did Stephen buy this car? Go back and tell him I don’t want it. We’ve broken up, and that’s the end of it-I don’t want any ties left between us.”

He felt a wave of unease wash over him, realizing that lawyers weren’t so easily fooled.

Fortunately, he had already spoken to Naomi beforehand.

Naomi had been endlessly complaining about Stephen lately, so when Stephen asked Quentin to deliver the car, Quentin didn’t hesitate to fill Naomi in.

He explained that Stephen was feeling guilty and had bought the car as a form of compensation for the breakup.

Naomi rolled her eyes, clearly unimpressed. “A car? That’s it? Stephen’s such a cheapskate.”

“Well, it’s not just the car,” Quentin added. “There are also a few limited-edition Hermès bags in it. Stephen said that you and Sienna each get one, and the remaining one is for Tessa.

“But you’ll need to help us out-tell Tessa that you and Sienna bought the bags to comfort her, and don’t mention Stephen.”

When Naomi heard about the Hermès bags, her eyes lit up. “Bags? Where are they? Let me see!”

Quentin led Naomi over to the bags, and her excitement was almost palpable. “Oh my gosh, I’ve wanted this white one forever, but it was always sold out!

“Stephen really knows how to get things done he managed to snag three! What great taste! Sienna and Tessa are going to love these. Now we can each have one. Stephen really thought this through.”

Quentin then pulled out an exclusive credit card and handed it to her. “Here, take this. Tessa’s law firm will be on break for the holidays soon. Take her on a trip to clear her head-everything’s covered by Stephen.”

She grabbed the card with a scoff. “Now that’s more like it. But don’t think I’m on his side just because I’m taking his stuff. Stephen’s still a heartless jerk in my book!”

He let out a sigh, rubbing his forehead in frustration. “Yeah, whatever you say. Just make sure you and Sienna look after Tessa during this time.”

He still couldn’t bring himself to tell Naomi the truth behind Stephen and Tessa’s breakup.

If Stephen was going to take the heat, then so be it. It was his mess to sort out.

A few insults wouldn’t ruin him.

…

Meanwhile, Stephen suddenly sneezed in his office. He frowned, quickly grabbing a tissue to wipe his nose before heading to the bathroom to wash his hands.

That was strange-he wasn’t sick. Why had he sneezed out of nowhere?

“Yeah, Tessa, this car is something I had Quentin buy to apologize to you. Just take it-what’s a few million bucks, right? If you don’t, I’ll keep bugging him,” Naomi’s voice came through the phone.

Tessa didn’t fully trust Quentin, but she trusted Naomi, her best friend.

“Well… fine, I’ll accept it. It’s not that big of a deal, really. But please, stop making it harder for Quentin. He’s just a little out of touch and didn’t think it through. I know he didn’t mean any harm.”

Listening nearby, Quentin felt a mix of guilt and gratitude wash over him.

“Tessa, I’m truly sorry. I never meant to deceive you. This was just a harmless little lie, and I hope you won’t be too upset when you find out the truth later,” he thought.

After the call ended, Tessa handed Quentin his phone. “Alright, Quentin, I’ll take the car. Thank you.”

He let out a sigh of relief and smiled. “Don’t mention it.”

Tessa took the keys and walked over to the car. As she opened the door and saw the backseat piled high with Hermès bags, she paused for a moment. Turning to Quentin, she asked, “What’s all this?”

Quentin casually lied, “Those are the bags Naomi and Sienna bought for you. They wanted to help cheer you up after everything that happened.”

She snapped a quick photo and sent it to Naomi and Sienna. Their stories aligned perfectly with what Quentin had said.

Feeling reassured, Tessa’s heart warmed. She sent her thanks to both of her close friends, along with a few heartfelt words.

Seeing everything in place, Quentin spoke up, “Well, Tessa, I know you’ve got plans for tonight, so I won’t keep you. Feel free to take the car home.”

“But Quentin, you came in this car. If I take it, how will you get back? Do you want me to give you a ride?”

Quentin wayed off her concern. “No,

it’s fine. I call my driver. I’m

planning to stop by the milkshake

stand nearby and grab Naomi

drink. You know how much she

loves their strawberry milkshakes.”

Stephen’s car was parked in the underground lot at the mall, where Quentin was supposed to meet him shortly.

Tessa didn’t think twice. She waved and said, “Alright, I’ll head off now. Bye!”

“Bye.”