Right Person, Wrong Time

"Isaac will meet Ryan tomorrow, so there's no need for concern," Beryl reassured Colton, passing along Isaac's message.
Success could yield valuable information about Kendrick, but they had already surmised that Ryan might not know more than
they did, perhaps even less.
"Understood," Colton responded in a low tone. His gaze then shifted to Wendy, who was quietly preparing a meal nearby. With a
slight frown, he asked, "Why aren't you in your room? What brings you here?"
Observing Wendy's apparent confusion, Beryl offered a faint smile and came to her defense, saying, "What harm is there in her
staying here for a bit? She can't go out, and staying cooped up in her room all day could make her ill."
Wendy was unsure about how to respond to Colton, but upon seeing Beryl speak up on her behalf, she directed a thankful
glance his way.
She hadn't expected Beryl's support; it turned out that he could still advocate for her. She had assumed this man would simply
enjoy the spectacle.
"Whatever you overhear, you mustn't share with anyone," Colton cautioned Wendy, his unease diminishing as he considered her
presence. He couldn't shake the feeling that something was amiss about Wendy, as if she were a spy gathering information on
his turf.
His sole known adversary now was Kendrick. Besides, Colton knew Wendy's nature well; she certainly wasn't here to harm him,
but his suspicion lingered.
"Of course not. Besides, I don't fully grasp your earlier conversation. You guys carry on; I'll just keep myself busy cooking for
you," Wendy assured Colton, eager to demonstrate her commitment.
Seeing Colton's tension ease, Wendy promptly showcased the meal she was preparing, fearing he might reconsider and send
her away.
Colton realized that Wendy didn't appear to be lying. He could easily detect when his little sister was untruthful.

He responded nonchalantly, "Alright." Then, he returned to his work.
Wendy felt relieved upon seeing this. As long as Colton didn't speak ill of her behind her back, she could continue to share
information with her sister-in-law.
She silently patted her chest and resumed her work, but all the while keeping her ears alert to eavesdrop.
Beryl cast a deep look at Wendy, who continued to feign cooking. He shook his head in resignation and turned his attention back
to Colton, inwardly sighing.
Colton had underestimated his little sister's capabilities. Even during her idle time at the hotel, Wendy wouldn't stoop to learn
cooking and risk cutting her hands.
She did it all for her sister-in-law, the woman who constantly occupied Colton's thoughts.
"Next, we'll exert pressure on Hofstead Corporation. We have the means to do this now. Let's get to work," Colton declared after
briefly reviewing the data on his computer.
The real battle was about to begin.
They conversed late into the night, with Wendy remaining by their side, committing their dialogue to memory.
Wendy was resolute in her support for her sister-in-law. After all, they shared the same enemy. Informing Nicole was aiding her
brother, not an act of betrayal.
As long as she maintained this perspective, she wouldn't feel guilty.
Only then could her performance in front of Colton become increasingly flawless.
Yes, that's it. Wendy quietly reaffirmed her commitment to assisting her sister-in-law and brother, finding motivation for this
purpose.

Had it been any other time, she would have been comfortably tucked in bed, enjoying her beauty sleep by now.