Chapter 40: The Deal at Lunch

Sunday arrived quietly.

After two days of chaos, scandal, and public outrage, Greendale finally seemed to breathe again. The sky was a soft, endless blue, brushed with thin clouds that drifted lazily above the city. The streets were calm, the air gentle, and for the first time in weeks, the world felt still.

Mindy stood by her window for a moment before leaving her apartment, watching sunlight spill across the skyline.

The storm had passed, but its echoes still lingered in the corners of her mind. Justice had been served, yet she knew the story was far from over.

By late morning, she was on her way to one of Greendale’s most exclusive private restaurants. The black sedan that carried her glided through the quiet streets, its reflection flashing across glass towers and shopfronts.

When the car stopped, the doorman immediately stepped forward to open her door.

Mindy stepped out.

She wore a crisp white blouse tucked neatly into high-waisted black trousers. Her long hair fell naturally over her shoulders, and her face was bare of heavy makeup—only a touch of gloss and calm confidence.

Heads turned as she entered the restaurant.

Not because of luxury brands or glittering jewelry, but because of the quiet authority she carried.

Confidence had become her most striking ornament.

A waiter guided her through the corridor toward a private dining room.

"Please come in, Miss Wilson."

She pushed the door open.

Inside, Adam Gray sat waiting in his wheelchair, his posture straight, his expression composed.

Beside him stood Steven Marsh, his ever-loyal assistant.

The moment Adam saw her, his lips curved into a smile—not the cold, distant one the business world knew, but something genuine.

"Miss Wilson," he greeted. "Thank you for coming."

Mindy returned the smile politely. "Mr. Gray."

Steven quickly pulled out a chair for her. "Please, have a seat."

Once everyone settled, Adam handed her the menu.

"The chef here is excellent. I’ve already ordered a few signature dishes, but feel free to add anything you like."

Mindy glanced through the menu briefly before ordering a few light dishes. When she returned it, her gaze met Adam’s directly.

"So," she said, her tone calm but direct, "did you investigate?"

Steven nearly laughed under his breath. Adam shook his head, amused.

"You really don’t like wasting time, do you? No greetings, no small talk—straight to the point."

Mindy poured herself a glass of water.

"There’s no need to beat around the bush. If we’re here, it’s because there’s something important to discuss."

Adam’s smile faded.

His expression turned serious as he reached for a thick folder beside him. He slid it across the table toward her.

"Then let’s talk about this," he said quietly. "How did you know?"

Mindy didn’t answer immediately. She opened the file.

Inside were photographs, investigation reports, hotel records, phone logs, and surveillance stills. Each page was a piece of a puzzle that, when assembled, revealed something dark.

Steven spoke softly.

"We followed your instructions exactly. The results... are disturbing."

Mindy flipped through the pages one by one.

The first photograph showed Jodey Hale and Ethan entering a hotel late at night. Another captured them leaving together the next morning. There were dozens of similar images—different hotels, different nights, the same pattern.

Another section contained their high school records. Same school. Same class. Same graduation year. They had been together since they were teenagers.

Steven continued, "They’ve maintained contact all these years. We confirmed they’re lovers."

Mindy turned another page.

Ethan stood outside a small pharmacy in one of Greendale’s old alleyways, buying medicine. But the receipts told a different story. The substances he purchased weren’t medicine. They were toxins—slow-acting, nearly undetectable.

The final photograph was from last year’s Bright Design Competition. Jodey stood beside Missy Hawthorne, the two of them whispering before separating.

Mindy closed the file.

"So," she said quietly, "do you believe me now?"

Adam looked at her for a long moment before nodding.

"I do."

Then came the question that had been haunting him since the day they met.

"How did you know all of this? And... my illness. You diagnosed me in minutes. No hospital has managed that in two years."

Mindy smiled faintly. "You wouldn’t believe me even if I told you."

She leaned back slightly, her tone calm. "It’s always the people closest to you who know where to place the knife."

Adam and Steven exchanged glances but said nothing.

Mindy continued, her voice steady.

"During the first round of the competition, when you were presenting your design, I noticed your breathing. The pauses between your sentences. The slight tremor in your fingers. The fatigue hidden behind your calm expression."

She looked at him directly. "Then I saw Missy and Jodey whispering in the restroom. I couldn’t hear what they were saying, but I remembered it. Later, I noticed the way Ethan looked at Jodey—and the way she looked back.

They weren’t simply bodyguard and employer. There was something more."

Steven blinked. "You noticed all that... just by observing?"

Mindy’s lips curved slightly. "I spent most of my life living in other people’s shadows. When no one notices you, you naturally begin noticing everyone else."

Adam lowered his gaze. He believed her—not completely, but enough. Enough to know she wasn’t lying.

Inside, Mindy’s thoughts were quieter, heavier. She couldn’t tell him the truth—that she had lived this once before, that she had watched him die, that she had seen the headlines years later when Jodey and Ethan’s crimes were exposed. Some truths were too dangerous to speak aloud.

Adam broke the silence.

"I’ll deal with Ethan and Jodey."

His voice was calm, but there was steel beneath it.

"You also said you could help me walk."

Mindy reached into her handbag and took out a sealed envelope. She placed it gently on the table and slid it toward him.

"I know someone who can help you," she said. "A doctor whose identity is confidential. He’s agreed to create a treatment plan for you."

Adam’s brows furrowed slightly. "A doctor?"

Mindy nodded. "Yes. He’s known for his unconventional methods, but his results are extraordinary. He doesn’t want his identity revealed, but he agreed to help after I explained your situation."

She gestured toward the envelope.

"Inside is a detailed plan—medicine schedule, diet chart, physiotherapy routine, and handwritten notes. You’ll need to go to Ritol City. I’ve already spoken with my grandfather, Jasper Wilson. He’ll oversee your treatment there, following this doctor’s instructions."

Adam’s eyes widened. "You’ve already arranged everything?"

Mindy nodded once. "If you follow this plan exactly, you’ll be walking within three months."

Steven nearly jumped from his seat. "Three months? Are you serious?"

Mindy’s tone didn’t waver. "I don’t joke about medicine."

Adam stared at the envelope for a long moment before asking quietly, "Who is this doctor?"

Mindy’s expression softened. "I can’t tell you. He values his privacy. But I can promise you this—if you follow the plan, you’ll walk again."

Adam studied her face, searching for any sign of deceit. There was none. Only calm certainty.

Finally, he nodded. "Then I’ll trust you."

Mindy inclined her head slightly. "That’s all I ask."

For a moment, silence settled between them again. Then she spoke, her tone turning serious.

"Be careful, Adam. Jodey and Ethan couldn’t have planned everything alone. Someone inside your family—or your company—is helping them. They’re feeding information from within."

Adam’s expression darkened. "You’re certain?"

"I’m certain," she said. "Start with the people closest to you. The ones who always seem loyal."

He nodded slowly. "I understand."

The tension in the room eased slightly.

Adam leaned back, exhaling. "You’ve done more for me than anyone else has in years. I owe you."

Mindy smiled faintly. "You don’t owe me anything."

Adam’s lips curved into a small grin. "Still, I’d like to repay you. What do you want? Money? A favor? Name it."

Mindy tilted her head. "Did you really think I was doing all of this for free?"

Adam laughed—a genuine, unguarded laugh that startled even Steven.

"Fine. What do you want?"

"I want the land you own in Cerbos," she said simply.

Steven blinked. "The wasteland? Nothing grows there. Nobody wants it."

Mindy’s tone didn’t change. "That one. I want it."

Adam studied her for several seconds. The Cerbos land was barren, forgotten, and worthless. At least, that’s what everyone believed.

Finally, he looked at Steven. "Prepare the transfer documents. Transfer the Cerbos land to Miss Mindy Wilson immediately."

Steven hesitated only a moment before nodding. "Understood."

Mindy smiled sincerely. "Thank you, Mr. Gray."

Inside, she couldn’t help the quiet satisfaction that bloomed in her chest.

One year from now, the government would announce the largest amusement park project in the country’s history—right on that land.

Its value would multiply dozens of times overnight.

In her previous life, Adam had transferred it to Jodey after their marriage. She had become famous because of it.

This time, history had changed.

The conversation gradually lightened after that.

They spoke about fabrics, color theory, and the evolution of European fashion houses. Adam was surprised to find someone who understood design as deeply as he did. For nearly two hours, they exchanged ideas, sketches, and philosophies about art and creation.

For the first time in years, Adam felt something he hadn’t felt in a long time—peace.