His Unveiled Passion

Dinner was a battlefield in disguise.

Lester and Stephen exchanged subtle jabs, each refusing to back down.

Tessa pretended not to notice while Marissa did her best to ignore it as well.

After the meal, Stephen offered to drive Tessa and Seline home.

"I drove myself here," Tessa replied.

"Then let me ride with you. We're headed in the same direction anyway," Stephen said smoothly.

Tessa paused. "Aren't you taking Ms. Scott home?" she asked, glancing at Marissa.

"She drove here too," Stephen answered without even sparing Marissa a glance. His tone softened when he turned to Tessa.

She shot him an annoyed glare. "Didn't you also drive? Why do I have to take you?"

"Quentin messaged me just now. His car broke down on the road. The tow truck won't be there for another hour, and he's in a hurry to get home. I had my driver pick him up since he's nearby. I brought the driver out with me today anyway."

Lester let out a cold laugh, his tone laced with sarcasm. "What an odd coincidence."

Stephen smiled. "Isn't it?"

Lester fell silent. Tessa clearly didn't buy it.noveldrama

To prove his point, Stephen pulled out his phone and dialed Quentin. He even put it on speaker.

"Quentin, your car broke down, right? I'm having the driver come get you now. I happen to be nearby."

Quentin picked up immediately and played along without missing a beat.

"Yeah, didn't I just tell you? Why are you calling again? Hurry up, I've got something urgent to do."

"Wait there. He's on his way," Stephen finally said.

After ending the call, Stephen looked at Tessa with an arched brow, his expression seeming to say that he had not been lying. Then, he waved for the driver to leave with the car.

Before Tessa could say anything, Marissa spoke up first. "Stephen, let me take you home."

"You're not headed my way. My place is next to the Yates Residence. We're neighbors, so my place is on the way," Stephen replied coldly.

Tessa could tell full well that he and Quentin were putting on a show. But she didn't call them out on it.

Since the driver was already gone, Stephen Would have to ride with Marissa if she refused. And

truthfully, she didn't want thernet

them alone together.

With a calm expression, she cast him a glance and said simply, "Let's go," before

pulling open the car door and getting in.

"Coming," Stephen said, his voice light and cheerful. He looked pleased.

Before stepping in, he shot Lester a quick, smug smile.

Wynn drove while Tessa and Seline sat in the back. Stephen took the front passenger seat.

After the car pulled away, Marissa and Lester exchanged a glance. Neither looked impressed.

...

When they arrived at the entrance of the Yates residence, the car stopped.

"You can get out here," Tessa said quietly.

She didn't want Samuel to see Stephen arriving with her. That would raise questions she didn't want to answer.

Stephen seemed to understand what she was thinking. His eyes dimmed slightly

as he opened the door, but he didn't get out immediately.

"There's nothing between me and

vel

Marissa. She wanted to see me today to discuss a business

proposal," he said, turning todook at her in the back seat.

The interior light glowed overhead, casting a soft golden hue across Tessa's face. She looked calm and quiet. The warm light highlighted her gentle refined features. She was breathtaking but showed noo emotion.

"Oh," she replied, and said nothing more.

"Good night, Tess," Stephen said as he stepped out.

She didn't return the sentiment.

After he got out, Wynn drove the car into the Yates' residence underground

garage.

Tessa got out and entered the elevator, her mind drifting. She remained distracted the whole way up.