Chapter 610 - Don’t Do Something Silly, Gel

"Finally, you showed up!" As soon as Zoey entered her office, Angelo exclaimed as he closed the door behind them.

Zoey could not help but roll her eyes as she placed her handbag down. Angelo was acting aggravated as if he was a girl best friend ready to fill her in on the gossip she had accumulated.

"Can you chill?" Upon putting down her handbag, Zoey faced the aggravated Angelo and uttered exasperatedly. "Chill, calm down, breathe."

Zoey added, moving her hand in front of him. However, Angelo sported a poker face which made Zoey purse her lips in a thin line as she cleared her throat.

"Where were you all this time? Don't you know that we're in the crucial time with our transaction with the Feng Estate? Not to mention that Ivan and Cora are dating! Seriously, how can we even have time to do all this with Inigo just around the corner?"

Angelo prattled in one go. Zoey had noticed the vein on the side of his neck enlarge, indicating the lack of air as he didn't breathe while scolding her. 

"Err…" Zoey scratched her temple, sporting an apologetic look as she hadn't informed him that she had already asked for Matthew's help.

In exchange, Zoey would stay still in the backseat and watch everything unfold. Subconsciously, Zoey was aware that telling Angelo about it would be a problem. After all, this man lusted for Inigo's head.

If she was in his position, she would be disappointed. But, it was just too much for Zoey. She had died and lived once again -- repeating life all over.

Not that it was bad as she got to live with them, but deep down, Zoey preferred how she lived her previous life. She didn't have any regrets aside from losing Matthew and their child just like that.

Therefore, having to live her life differently, part of her didn't want it. The reason she asked Matthew's help was because she just couldn't do it. It may sound selfish, but that was what her heart wanted.

"We won't." After a minute of silence, Zoey looked at Angelo straight in the eye.

Angelo's expression changed upon hearing her vague response. He furrowed his brows, tilting his head to the side.

Zoey took a deep breath before she decided to explain the current setup to him. She didn't plan to tell him today, nor did she ever thought she would do it now. But, Zoey discerned that there was no perfect time and hiding it longer would spark far greater problems.

"We won't what?" 

"Angelo," Again, Zoey took a deep breath and exhaled it sharply. "I want to forget about our initial plans."

After a beat, Zoey mustered all her courage and informed him without short notice. Angelo's expression this time gradually changed into a confused one as he took a step back.

"What do you mean forget?"

"I asked for Matthew's help and he wants me to stay away from the matter."

"So, that's what you're planning to do?" Laced with sarcasm, Angelo scoffed as he gazed at her from head to toe in dismay.

"You believed him? Do you even know what could have happened?"

"I do, Angelo. I believe and trust Matt's capabilities. It's actually selfish of me to pass all the dirty work which we should be doing." In a matter-of-fact tone, Zoey explained without her eyes looking away from him.

Zoey witnessed how Angelo chuckled in mockery. He shook his head, his tongue touching his inner cheek.

"You're telling me, we should trust your… boyfriend with our and his life?" After pondering Zoey's explanation, Angelo queried.

Zoey shrugged. She had already decided. Not that she planned to completely stay away from the problem.

"And if he couldn't, we're all going to die along with him. Is that what you're telling me?" Angelo chuckled, finding Zoey's sudden decision ludicrous.

"No. What I'm telling you is to trust my judgement." Without breaking her eye contact, Zoey expressed. A determined glint flickered across her eyes, hoping he would understand.

However, deep down, Zoey was aware that the chances that Angelo would agree were low. He sought Zoey's help because they had a common enemy. But, with Zoey who seemed to back out from the plans, Angelo was gravely disappointed.

"I'm sorry, Zia. I might have overestimated you." Angelo took a step back, shoving his hand inside his pocket as he pursed his lips into a forced smile. 

"What a waste." He clicked his tongue, raising his brows briefly as he shrugged.

"Gel,"

"I'm taking a day off…" As Zoey called him out, Angelo spoke interrupting whatever negotiation she was about to lay on the table. "Or maybe, a leave. I don't need to formally send my resignation, do I?" 

Once again, Angelo shrugged his shoulders and pivoted his heel, walking away from the office. Zoey watched him as he left without a word. She could only sigh before leaning on her desk.

'I knew this was gonna happen.' She thought internally, letting another sigh escape from her mouth as she shook her head sideways.

After all, Angelo's presence in the Z Image Group was temporary. He was just there, hoping Zoey could help him exact his revenge on Inigo. Therefore, it wouldn't be surprising if he wouldn't show up ever again.

Yet, part of Zoey felt this strange sadness in her heart. For her, he was more than just a reliable colleague. Angelo was her friend. 

"Don't do something silly, Gel." Zoey murmured as she stared at the shut door.

*****

"Hey, Angelo! I have…" In front of Z Image Building, Ivan and Cora who were about to enter the establishment saw Angelo's figure who just exited.

Ivan called him, but Angelo didn't even glance at their direction as he continued to storm out of the building.

"Hey! Where are you --  did my sis bully you?!" Since Ivan was ignored, he exclaimed once again but to no avail.

Angelo jogged and hopped on his motorcycle before he sped away. Both Cora and Ivan were baffled; they looked at each other in puzzlement before they both shrugged.

"Weird." Cora muttered which Ivan agreed with a nod.

"Our boss probably knew about it.. I'll go ask her."