Chapter 224 - Warm Welcome

[Back at Zoey and Matthew Xi's location]

"You knew? Since when?" Seeing her reaction, Matthew Xi narrowed his eyes as there wasn't a time he noticed Zoey acted as if she'd figured it out. 

"Uhm... I had my doubts from the beginning. Hehe. Why did you think I question your sexuality if not for the legendary rumor that's still alive until now?" Scratching the back of her head, Zoey explained vaguely as she had to take that into consideration after all her failed attempts in seducing him. 

"Also, you never really tried to hide it, did you? In my perspective, you were just waiting for me to ask." Zoey shook her head, sighing as she could barely call it a bad lie. 

After all, during their first encounter, Zoey saw the brand of his clothes and she had keen eyes to discern authentic and counterfeit. That's her forte! Her suspicion leveled up more when she noticed his clothes at every encounter. 

Not just his clothes but also his lone accessory which was his wristwatch. How the heck Matthew Xi thought Zoey wouldn't take notice of that limited edition wristwatch of which there were only three in this world?!

Zoey might not be that interested in luxury brands, but that didn't mean she was clueless about it. After all, her other line of business was also a luxury brand under Patrizio Moretti. 

Not to mention, there were other hints about Matthew Xi's mannerism, habits, and other suspicious activity while he was working. Sometimes, Zoey would catch him talking on his phone, giving orders that were unrelated to the Z Image. 

The last straw which completely convinced Zoey that Matthew Xi was the CEO of the XI Corporation was Vivian Xi. How? When Vivian Xi first dropped by in Z Image Building, her reaction when Zoey purposely mentioned Matthew Xi's sexuality confirmed Zoey's deductions. 

"Then, why didn't you say anything?" Matthew Xi could barely ask, as he was in disbelief hearing this from her. He expected that he would surprise Zoey, yet Matthew Xi found himself in shock instead. 

Although he had suspicions before that Zoey might have figured it out, he often failed to have proof. Therefore, the longer days passed by, the more Matthew Xi's suspicion waned. 

"Why would I? I prefer pretending not to know so you wouldn't think I did everything despite knowing who you really are. How would I counter sue if you decided to sue me after our deal?" Zoey averted her gaze away, murmuring her selfish answer.

Indeed, Zoey's reason was just simple; it was her plan B if Matthew Xi felt like pressuring Z Image Group after Zoey put him through a roller coaster ride. She could just say Matthew Xi was the one who was trying to scam her or anything that could work in her advantage. 

The important key was she could claim that Matthew Xi pretended to be someone else! That would make him less credible as they would label him as a liar. After all, no one was above the law and Zoey trusted their current government justice system. 

Surely, although Zoey was losing her mind falling for Matthew Xi, she was still conscious enough to think of the consequences. So, Zoey was more surprised that he told her the truth as she didn't expect it, really! She would rather not hear it, to be honest. 

"..." Hearing her cunning answer, Matthew Xi was rendered speechless. 'She thought that... far?!' His subconscious mind gasped in disbelief. Somehow, he didn't know whether to feel offended by her Plan B or laugh at how silly it was.

Still, her reasoning actually made sense, if ever Matthew Xi didn't fall for her. On the second thought, Matthew Xi wouldn't even agree to this deal if he wasn't initially interested in her!

"So, earlier...?" Placing the pieces together, Matthew Xi recalled how he almost massacred everyone. If she knew all along that he's Matthew Xi, she would probably guess the 'fateful' encounter with Paul Qian wasn't unintentional. 

"Ehh... I was trying to make you jealous. I heard Mr. Qian is very loyal to you, so I thought he would report to you." Nodding her head in understanding, Zoey figured out what he was referring to. Hence, she explained. 

"After all, I really planned on confessing my feelings to you tonight. So, I thought, maybe, if I can make you jealous, you'll agree to be with me just like how you agreed to our deal." Conflicted whether she wanted to explain her side or not, she still did which caused his brows to furrow even more as his ears twitched. 

"How did..."

"I knew Mr. Handsome Qian was following me earlier — he didn't even try to hide! You should train him well!" Zoey interrupted Matthew Xi midway as she openly criticized how Paul Qian lowered his guard down. 

If he was more careful, Zoey wouldn't probably notice he was following her. But, he was reckless and underestimated Zoey's sharp radar for good-looking men. 

Matthew Xi just stared at Zoey, utterly speechless! All this time, she got everyone wrapped around her fingers and no one knew; like mindless puppets dancing at the move of her fingertips. 

They were not the one deceiving her — it was the opposite! Matthew Xi felt he was outplayed by her and it sure hurt him right in the gut!

"So, since you're not gay and you actually told me the truth... are we a couple now?" As Matthew Xi just stared at her like a fool, Zoey took a step forward, playing with the keys in her hand before placing her arms over his shoulders. 

"I mean, are you willing to date a manipulative, toxic person?" Fluttering her eyelashes as everything was out in the closet, Zoey smiled sweetly as her hand played with the tip of his hair. 

"If yes... welcome to my world, my love." She added, waiting for his response. 

"You'll be the death of me." Shaking his head, Matthew Xi sighed. His hands then wrapped around her waist, pulling her closer to him. 

"Thank you for the warm welcome, My Lady.." Slowly, Matthew Xi leaned closer to her as the corner of his lips hooked up, because this time, she was welcoming him openly.