Seeing that she hadn’t heard from him yet today, it was clear he was either working late or on a night shift. After all, food was the best fuel, and she thought he might feel more energized if he ate something, so on her way to the prosecutor’s office, she stopped by a store to buy tea and chocolate rice cakes. She also wrote a pretty note on a Post-it and stuck it on the package.
“Dear, if you think of smoking, try the chocolate. ^^”
“This is plum tea. It’s said to be good for insomnia. It’s also good for stomach health, liver detox, calcium absorption, hangover relief, and colon health. Drink it regularly.”
“I’m not sure if you’ll like the rice cakes. I bought some in case you get hungry during your night shift.”
But would he like it?
What does he think of me?
Can he see right through me like this?
If he asks why I came, what should I say this time?
Once again, her timid nature kicked in, and trivial thoughts and worries surged, making her head spin. After a long moment of anguish, Lola finally decided she didn’t care and settled the bill before leaving the store.
*******
Even though it was no longer a place she had never been to, as soon as Lola entered the prosecutor’s office building, her heart raced. Unconsciously tense, she gripped the paper bag tightly, her hand tensing up.
The female staff member at the front desk, who hadn’t yet finished her shift, glanced over Lola from head to toe and asked in a stiff tone with a formal question.
“What brings you here? Do you have an appointment?”
Visitors who had not made prior arrangements were generally not allowed to enter the prosecutor’s office, so it was necessary to check in at the front desk.
Lola calmly stated her purpose.
“Hello, is Prosecutor Dylan Eve available?”
“Oh, Prosecutor Dylan? Who should I say is here to see him?”
“If you say it’s Lola Dax, he’ll know.”
Lola moistened her dry lips with her tongue as she revealed her identity.
The staff member seemed very curious about the woman in front of her who had come to see Dylan Eve at this hour. After observing Lola’s face carefully once more, the staff member picked up the phone as if to confirm. After a few minutes of conversation, she put the phone down and returned with a rather disappointing response for Lola.
“Mr. Dylan is not in his office right now.”
“Then has he gone home?”
The female employee shrugged lightly, but her response was curt and ungracious.
“Well, I suppose so.”
At her words, Lola felt as if she had suddenly deflated like a balloon, but she struggled to hide her feelings on her face.
“I see.”
“Did you come without contacting him?”
She hadn’t contacted him, thinking that he might be even more pleased with a surprise visit. Should she have called ahead?
“Thank you.”
Lola turned weakly to the woman who still hadn’t taken her curious gaze off her and forced a smile as she walked away.
Her steps felt heavy as she turned to leave.
She felt empty, as if she had lost something.
It was unbearable to leave without seeing his face. To calm her restless heart, Lola began to walk slowly. Every now and then, a deep sigh escaped her lips as she stared into the void.
*******
At the same time.
Dylan, who had left the office in the afternoon to meet with people regarding the MAZ automobile slush fund case, did not return to the prosecutor’s office afterward. Instead, he was having a late dinner outside with Chief Prosecutor Alan Jay, discussing the allegations related to the slush fund.
“Did you meet with the relevant parties?”
“Yes.”
“What happened? Did you find out anything?”
Since they were usually busy, it was rare for Dylan and Alan to have a meal together. So, Alan had something else he wanted to ask.
Dylan was a capable prosecutor with a sharp judgment. Therefore, Alan had faith that Dylan would handle the matter well in his own way, so there was no need to ask for details.
Alan was simply laying the groundwork to transition to the next topic smoothly.
“Not yet. I think I need to dig a bit deeper.”
Alan lightly patted Dylan’s shoulder as if to show his firm belief. He hesitated as if he wanted to say something while taking a spoonful of rice.
“Do you have something to say to me?”
Seeing Dylan’s keen perception, Alan couldn’t help but admire him inwardly.
Alan spoke in a casual tone to avoid raising suspicion.
“Dylan, you look good these days.”
