Roderick was dumbfounded and speechless. He never expected the Ice Queen of River City to be such a shameless flirt.
Undeniably, Kate's beauty could make a man lose his composure and act inappropriately. She's blessed with an effortlessly charming aura that could keep a crowd drooling.
Not even Felicia's beauty could compare to hers. If Felicia's beauty is a breeze, Kate's beauty is a hurricane.
Roderick exhaled and said, "Miss Bolton, you don't have to worry about returning the favor. Let's just keep things in business."
Kate smiled slightly and pinched her nose. She never expected Roderick to be able to escape her sultry gaze.
For that reason, Kate concluded in her mind that Roderick was beyond being human. Only an immortal being could resist such an alluring offer.
"No problem, Mr. Holmes. Things are still under control," Kate smiled softly.
Roderick maintained his composure, trying his best to avoid the stare of the heavenly seductress.
Meanwhile, Christina's mind was burning with anger and confusion as she sat behind the wheel. It was hard for her to understand Kate's moves toward Roderick.
Isn't it ridiculous that the prettiest lady in River City offers herself to such a nobody?
Just then, Roderick's mind turned to a serious matter.
"Miss Bolton, have you thought about this? The enemies who poisoned you in your city are likely the same ones who sent thugs to kidnap you."
Kate nodded slowly, "You're right, Mr. Holmes. I was able to connect the dots, too. It's an alert to tighten my security."
"That will be a good move. I also advise that you should be selective about the places you visit," Roderick advised.
Kate's heart melted as she confessed, "Mr. Holmes, you're so thoughtful. But no matter how selective I am, there are some important places I need to visit for business. For instance, tonight, I have a charity dinner party to attend."
"Oh, that's another point," Roderick nodded.
Then, Kate turned to him and asked, "Mr. Holmes, no one knows when these foes will launch another attack. Could you please follow me to the charity dinner tonight and be my protector?"
Roderick's eyebrows raised slightly, and Kate pleaded, "Please, don't turn it down."
He pondered about it for a moment, then he accepted, "It's alright. I agree."
"Thank you, Mr. Holmes!" Kate was over the moon. Her heart leaped with joy as her secret intention gradually progressed.
Shortly, they arrived at the Bolton manor. Roderick collected the calestrus and confirmed its authenticity.
Undoubtedly, with the strong aroma of the root, he could tell it had lasted for many years.
Immediately after Roderick left, Christina emerged from a corner and walked briskly to her boss.
"Miss Bolton, I just did a quick search about the con man," she sounded joyous.
Kate slowly turned to her, "So, what's the result?"
Christina's face changed to disgust as she said, "He was a live-in son-in-law of the Santos family until he was divorced today."
"Are you for real?" Kate asked in surprise.
"Yes, Miss Bolton." Christina was so happy that she revealed the real identity of the con to her boss. From now on, she would have nothing to do with the jerk.
Christina was extremely stunned when she heard her boss say to herself, "What a win! Now that I know he's single, I will make sure I put in my all to win his heart. Haha!" Kate rejoiced.
Christina's face paled, and she wondered if her boss had been bewitched. She just couldn't comprehend what had gone wrong with her.
...
Meanwhile, Roderick was at the roadside waiting for a cab.
A thought struck his mind, and his determination for revenge grew stronger.
"One rare root down, eight more to go. Once Oliver Santos is healed, you will all find your death," he muttered as his hand tightened around the box in his hand.
Two years ago, after Oliver Santos went into a coma, his children took him to the outskirts of the city because they wouldn't keep him in the same villa with them.
Just then, a cab stopped before him, and he entered.
"Edgebrook Avenue," he said, and the cab drove in the direction of the city's outskirts.
In a couple of minutes, the cab arrived at the destination.
Being on the outskirts of the city, this part of Glacia City had been abandoned for a long time by the dwellers.
This made the streets filled with haunted and abandoned old buildings, which made it look scary.
"I will alight here," Roderick said, and the cab halted. He got out, and the cab hurriedly took a turn and sped away.
Roderick glanced at the quiet and lonely environment, and sorrow filled his eyes. He sighed and shook his head.
Then he headed toward an old bungalow at a close distance.
Reaching the entrance, he gently knocked on the wooden door, "Mrs. Dalton, I'm here!"
A moment later, the entrance door opened gently, and a middle-aged woman peeked out at him.
"Roderick! Welcome! You visit us unannounced!" The woman was so excited when she saw him. Mrs. Dalton was the one looking after Oliver Santos since he was sick.
A warm smile appeared on Roderick's face as he responded, "That's true. I didn't plan it earlier."
Instantly, the woman's face turned bitter. "News reached me that you and Miss Santos are no longer together. I hope this is not a farewell visit."
"Not at all, Mrs. Dalton. Old Mr. Santos is my benefactor, and I can never stay away from him. The separation between me and his granddaughter has nothing to do with that."
Roderick reassured her, and happiness returned to the woman's face.
Ever since Oliver Santos has been in a coma, only Roderick has checked up on him often.
Meanwhile, the members of the Santos family have abandoned their grandfather at the old bungalow.
"Come in, come in." She opened the door wide for Roderick, and he stepped into the old-fashioned sitting room.
"Have a seat. Do you care for a cup of tea?" the woman offered.
"I'm sorry, Mrs. Dalton. That would be for another time. I only have limited time today," Roderick said, and the woman did not argue with him.
Then, he entered the room where Oliver Santos was lying on the bed.
Seeing the condition of the old man made him feel a surge of emotions within himself.
Then he bowed and muttered, "Mr. Santos, you endangered your life for me to be alive till this moment. One day, my dream to help you out of this bad condition will come to life, no matter what it takes."
Roderick gazed at the box in his hand, and his hope grew stronger. He then bowed to the sleeping old man and left the house. As soon as he stepped out, his phone began to ring.
He checked, and it was a call from Tony. Roderick picked up the call, and Tony's voice came through on the other end.
"My lord, the Medicinal Plant Auction we have been waiting for over a year will be held this evening."
Roderick's eyes lit up. This was an opportunity they had been anticipating for so long. He hoped to find some of the rare roots he needed at the auction.
Then he said to Tony, "Be prepared, we will be attending."