Chapter: 233

Taking advantage of his distraction, Kaitlin pulled her hand away and fixed him with a stern glare. "Alan, what was that all about? Shawn is my business partner. If you piss him off, who'd bear the loss?" she demanded, her frustration evident.

Alan lowered his voice and coughed, keen to avoid drawing attention.

“Kaitlin, let's step outside," he suggested quietly.

With a huff, Kaitlin spun around and strode toward the exit.

Once inside the elevator, Alan reached for her hand again. “I'll bear the loss," he said, his tone commanding.

This only fueled Kaitlin's anger further. "This is my business. How can you so casually say you'll bear the loss? If we offend our partners, who will want to work with us in the future? Think before you act," she retorted loudly.

As the elevator doors opened, Kaitlin gave Alan an icy stare. "Let go of me!" she snapped.

Alan, undeterred, pulled her closer. "Kaitlin, you've been upset long enough. Isn't it time to move on?" he pleaded.

She struggled in his grasp, her cheeks reddening with embarrassment.

“Let go. We're in a public place," she hissed, worried someone might see them.

Alan remained resolute. "If you don't forgive me, I won't let go. Let them watch if they must," he responded casually.

Despite her frustration, Kaitlin couldn't suppress a laugh at his stubbornness.

Seeing her smile, Alan lightened up and faced her directly. "I know you're still upset about earlier. I'm sorry. I didn't protect you as I should have and put you at risk," he admitted sincerely.

"It won't happen again, Kaitlin," Alan promised.

Kaitlin huffed as Alan missed the point entirely.

But it was all in the past now, and she had no desire to argue further. “Aren't you supposed to drive me home? Let's go," she said tersely. "And another thing. Ease up on Mr. Murphy. He hasn't wronged you, so why the hostility?"

Alan's smile faltered at the mention of Shawn. He led Kaitlin to the door with a straight face. "I'm not joking, Kaitlin. Shawn is a cunning person. You must avoid being alone with him," he advised earnestly.

Alan had delved into Shawn's background, though much remained shrouded in mystery.

The complexity and suddenness of Shawn's entrance into Kaitlin's life raised suspicions. Alan had to remain vigilant.

Upon noting Alan's seriousness, Kaitlin pressed for more details.

“Really? Is there something I should know about Shawn?" she asked.

"Not entirely sure yet, but his excessive attention towards you seems driven by some ulterior motive," Alan responded.

This revelation unsettled Kaitlin slightly. She felt compelled to believe Alan's words.

Shawn had indeed shown her unexpected kindness, and their partnership had formed too smoothly.