"He won't feel hurt," I murmured, my voice tinged with amusement. "You're already keeping him warm, aren't you?"
Vanessa instantly stiffened. "Charlie, what do you mean by that?!"
Her reaction was instant—defensive, outraged. The perfect mask of an innocent wife falsely accused.
"I only see Tristan as my little brother!" she cried, her voice rising. "We've been married for so many years and you still don't trust me?!"
I said nothing. I simply watched as she grew more agitated.
Before she could launch into another tirade, Tristan cut in smoothly. "Vanessa, don't get mad. Charlie's probably just jealous—that's why he won't accept the gift." He turned to me with an easy smile. "Maybe we should keep our distance, so he doesn't get the wrong idea."
Despite his words, he made no move to step away from Vanessa. If anything, he leaned in closer, his fingers brushing against the small of her back.
Then, as if nothing had happened, he turned back to me, his expression effortlessly composed.
"Charlie, don't worry," he said reassuringly. "I only see Vanessa as a big sister. There's nothing going on between us. If you don't like the mansion, I'll prepare another surprise for you later."
I met his gaze, a slow smile curling my lips.
"Sure," I said, my voice light. "As long as it's not a shock."
"What... what do you mean?"
Tristan's usual air of confidence wavered for the briefest moment. His brow twitched and there was an unmistakable stiffness in his expression.
Vanessa, on the other hand, scoffed, crossing her arms with an exasperated glare. "Charlie, seriously? You're going to act all high and mighty now that the company's gone public? After everything Tristan's done for you, this is how you repay him? With this ungrateful attitude?"
I glanced at her without a word. The way she clung to self-righteousness was laughable. But now, I couldn't be bothered.
I turned away, adjusting the cuff of my sleeve as I walked past them. "Think whatever you want. I have things to do."
Vanessa's complaints trailed after me, but I let them fade into the background. Right now, I had no interest in wasting my time because there was something far more important at hand.
Before my death, I had seen my attacker's face clearly. It had been Martin Steele—the company's former Chief Financial Officer.