Chapter 91: The Heart Easily Moved by Her

Irene felt her heart soften. But she was unusually hesitant. Irene had seen many men: the resolute and brave Frank, the young and handsome Emil, the elegant and flamboyant Percy—each of them could have been kept by her side. But Stefan? Was that possible? He seemed too expensive and picky, not suited to be kept close. Seeing Irene's slight resistance, Stefan felt helpless for the first time. "Don't be impatient. Call me if you need anything, and don't leave any evidence." Irene raised an eyebrow. "Oh, that doesn't sound like something a proper businessman should say to a private detective." Stefan chuckled, pulling Irene back into his arms and kissing her cheek. Harper was stunned once again. Was this really something his boss would say? Every time Harper thought, "This is the limit," something more surprising would happen. If the circumstances allowed, Harper would really want to post about this online. For example: **[Cold Boss Comforts Someone Online, Urgent. ]** **[Has anyone seen Stefan comfort someone? 1,000 Q coins for details and time.]** Irene smiled. "I really appreciate you coming to see me today." Stefan's voice was husky. "It's best not to say such things when parting. It sounds like you're planning to abandon me. Are you going to leave me?" He sounded so pitiful. Irene couldn't help but look up at him, but Stefan buried his head in her shoulder. Irene laughed, burying her face in Stefan's fluffy hair. Suddenly, her gaze sharpened. Stefan's white shirt was slightly disheveled, revealing the white skin beneath his black suit. There, Irene saw a scar that looked very familiar. "Darling?" Stefan lifted his head, and the small patch of skin quickly disappeared. Irene concealed her suspicious gaze. Both she and Stefan were hiding things from each other; now was not the best time. Hugging Stefan, Irene laughed and said, "Of course not." "So, are we dating now?" Stefan's voice was hoarse. "My family is pressuring me too. We might as well be together." Irene raised an eyebrow. "I never settle for anyone." But then she added, "However, I remember you calling off an engagement before." Stefan chuckled. "I also never settle easily." Stefan was very smart. His eyes lit up. "So, you're agreeing." Irene raised her head, smiled at Stefan, and then closed the door on him. Stefan watched Irene walk up the steps and touched his lips, smiling. He wanted to treat Irene well. After experiencing changes in his childhood, Stefan longed for pure love and the union that came with it. He believed he could protect Irene. As for the Norman family's girl, Stefan could only apologize. That was something he hadn't thought through before, agreeing to it to repay Mr. Norman's kindness. He should compensate that girl. Sitting in his car, Stefan opened the paper bag Irene had given him. Inside, wrapped in white paper, was a unique handmade craft. It was the skeleton of a cat, with strands of black metal wire entwined around the bones, making it look like a cat trapped by thorns. The black wires connected inside the cat's hollow eye sockets, illuminating two small blue lamps placed there. Harper glanced at it in the rearview mirror. He had to admit, in the empty night, this decoration was quite scary. But the boss was the boss. Even though Harper found it eerie and didn't want to see it again, Stefan looked at the decoration and smiled. The affection in his smile was unmistakable. Holding the decoration, Stefan was even thinking about where to place it when he received a text from Irene. **Irene:** **Black cat ornament, only 100 Q coins.** Stefan facepalmed. He didn't know if Irene was joking or still keeping her distance from him. If it was the former, he would generously transfer her millions. If it was the latter, Stefan was already feeling a subtle heartache and pain. His smile remained, but the warmth in his eyes faded. Despite his rational mind telling him that the amount Irene asked for was too small and it was just a harmless joke. Everyone said he was hard to approach, seemingly easy to talk to, always polite to everyone, but there was always a clear boundary, like a transparent glass wall. But now, Stefan felt that Irene was even harder to approach than he was. Before he could reply, Irene sent another text. **"Just a joke, please do not mind. I am going to bed, good night baby, love you."** Stefan's pent-up frustration eased a bit. He shook his head with a helpless smile. He was truly smitten. She could so easily stir his emotions. Harper, who had been silently observing Stefan through the rearview mirror, remained quiet. Visiting Irene tonight was not part of the plan. From what Harper knew, Stefan always did things according to plan, and this was the first time Stefan broke his routine. His emotions fluctuated so quickly. It was hard for Harper not to make other associations. Perhaps it was time to prepare for Mr. Norman's inquiries. On the other side. Emma followed Irene closely to her room, confused. "Sister, why did you give him that ornament? You made it yourself when you were fifteen with guidance from a Gypsy witch. Grandma said it was what kept you safe in countless dangers!" But now, why give it to a man so easily? Didn't Irene always say men were like new clothes, to be changed when needed, with no attachment or hesitation? Emma looked puzzled. Although she didn't believe in ghosts or fate, this concerned Irene. Emma couldn't help but care. She asked, but Irene didn't answer. Emma's eyes lit up. "I knew it! You regret it, don't you, Irene?" Irene smiled. Emma clenched her fists. "I'll get the black cat back!" Irene said, "No need. This is a test for him, to see if he deserves to be part of us, even temporarily." Emma nodded. Irene was right!