Wang Qiqi suddenly stopped, burdened with bags and parcels, and Lu Qiaowei found it strange. “What’s wrong?” Why had she stopped walking all of a sudden?

Wang Qiqi glanced around, realizing she was surrounded by unfamiliar faces, and with someone rushing her from the side, she quickened her pace. Yet, a nagging feeling persisted. “Weiwei, do you feel like someone’s watching us?”

Lu Qiaowei shook her head. “No, is something the matter?” Suddenly, Lu Qiaowei remembered something Fatty had mentioned vaguely—that a person who once stole company data had disappeared—and he had warned her to be careful when coming and going. Could it be that the person had actually shown up? This thought terrified Lu Qiaowei.

Wang Qiqi wasn't entirely sure, but seeing Lu Qiaowei’s suddenly tense expression and pale face, she knew she was anxious too. She patted Lu Qiaowei’s hand. “It’s nothing, nothing at all.” Truthfully, Wang Qiqi regretted bringing Lu Qiaowei out shopping today. If Sam saw how friendly she was with Lu Qiaowei, wouldn't she drag Lu Qiaowei down with her? Thinking this, Wang Qiqi grew annoyed. John could plant a spy in Richard’s company, so why couldn't he keep an eye on Sam? How could such a dangerous person be allowed to run free? If Sam were just an ordinary employee, Wang Qiqi wouldn't worry as much, but Sam was Richard’s lover, and he had become a spy for Richard’s sake. Who knew what reckless actions Sam might take for him now?

Lu Qiaowei noticed Wang Qiqi’s forced composure and desperately wanted to tell her to stop smiling, as Wang Qiqi’s current expression was as stiff as it could get. “It’s fine, it’s fine. This is a society governed by law, let’s just go back.” Even as Lu Qiaowei spoke these words, she felt deeply uneasy. This was America, a place where obtaining firearms was relatively easy. What if things escalated into a fight to the death? “We won’t be coming back here after we finish our shopping today anyway.” Heavens, the New Year was almost here; please, let nothing happen.

Wang Qiqi murmured an agreement and quickened her steps toward the car. The two women rapidly stuffed their purchases into the trunk. Lu Qiaowei was faster and already settled into the passenger seat, waiting for Wang Qiqi to get in so they could start the car and leave. Just then, a figure darted out from the side and, quite deliberately, slid into the back seat.

Lu Qiaowei was startled by the sudden appearance. “Ah! What are you doing?” Someone climbing into her car in broad daylight—she could tell immediately he wasn't a good person, especially wearing a tennis cap. He looked like a villain from every angle.

Wang Qiqi hadn't gotten into the car yet, but with Lu Qiaowei inside, she couldn't just run. After staring intently at the uninvited guest for a few moments, she realized it looked like Sam. Although his clothes were clean, his face was covered in a beard, making him vastly different from the once refined Sam. “You’re Sam?” Wang Qiqi asked hesitantly.

“Angel, long time no see. Relax. I’m not carrying a gun.” Sam saw Wang Qiqi standing rooted at the car door, refusing to enter, and the scream from the other woman, realizing they couldn't linger. He took off his coat and brushed down his clothes, signaling he was unarmed. “I just wanted to find a chance to talk with you today.”

Sam had initially intended to seek revenge, perhaps at least to kill someone. But the days he spent on the run had given him much to consider, and his mindset slowly shifted. He had first tried to find Tao or Tom to negotiate, but he discovered their security during work hours was extremely tight. Without some extraordinary measures, he had no way to corner them into a discussion. In desperation, Sam could only approach Wang Qiqi for negotiations. Today was his best opportunity, perhaps his last, and he truly didn't want to miss it.

“Talk?” Wang Qiqi pondered. Negotiating inside the car felt unsafe, and Sam had shown enough courage to approach them. “How about this? Let’s find a place to grab a drink and talk.” Although Sam claimed he had no weapons, Wang Qiqi felt it was better to speak in a public location. “Or we can just talk right here.”

Sam thought for a moment and didn’t insist on negotiating in the car, especially since there was another person inside. “When did you find out I planned to steal the company’s source code?” Sam still couldn’t figure out how they suspected someone would steal the programming, given how low-profile he had been at the office. Then he recalled how smoothly the theft had gone that day; at the time, Sam thought fate was on his side. Looking back now, it seemed they had intentionally given him an opening.

“Anna told us. Before she left, she mentioned you were acting very strangely and might be plotting against the company.” Wang Qiqi unceremoniously pushed the blame onto Anna. “She said she saw you with Richard, and around that time, Richard mentioned having a new plan.” Sam hadn't expected Anna to be the reason for his exposure. “She said she saw me with Richard?”

Wang Qiqi nodded. “Because of that piece of information, the company gave her a very generous severance package when she left.” Wang Qiqi wasn't lying about the compensation amount being substantial, though she and the others knew John was the one who fought hard to secure it for Anna. Now, Wang Qiqi felt grateful they had overpaid Anna; it might actually help them deceive Sam.

Though Sam still wore a doubtful expression, many people in the company knew Anna had received a large payout. People had been gossiping that Angel had paid a premium to ensure Anna left Tao quickly, never imagining she would betray him like this. “Anna.” Sam couldn't believe his meticulous plan had been undone by her, especially after he had given her such good advice. What an ungrateful viper.

“We didn't believe it at first, but we set a trap, and it turned out to be you.” Wang Qiqi watched Sam grit his teeth as he uttered Anna’s name, wondering if he planned to cause trouble for her. “To be honest, John always thought highly of you. He said that while your skills weren’t exactly top-tier, you were very meticulous, and he intended to have you lead a team once the company expanded further.” Wang Qiqi was not lying to Sam; that was genuinely John’s opinion. “Tao and Tom both agreed.”

Sam froze. He hadn’t expected John and the others to recognize his efforts. “They—they…” Sam was genuinely shocked. “They usually just criticize me.” If he hadn't seen any future at the company, why would he have helped Richard? He realized now he had misunderstood everything.

“Don’t I get scolded by John often?” Wang Qiqi thought that criticism usually implied hope for improvement. Praising someone incapable relentlessly was the real act of sabotage. “Let bygones be bygones. What are your plans for the future?” If he had plans for the future, it meant he wasn't harboring any crooked ideas.

“Future?” Sam gazed out at the scenery, then closed his eyes, fighting to control his emotions so tears wouldn't fall. “What future do I have? My future is gone. Don’t the IT companies already know enough about my helping Richard?” Sam knew it would be hard for him to work in the IT industry going forward, even starting his own business. He lacked the capability, and even if he had it, would anyone want to partner with him?

“If there’s no opportunity here in the States, have you considered looking outside the U.S.?” Wang Qiqi kindly suggested, watching Sam look utterly hopeless. She genuinely felt that a man without a future might do desperate things. His act of betraying his employer meant no IT firm would hire him, at least not until the current situation cooled down. However, Sam was capable, handsome, and a foreigner; if he looked around, there should be plenty of opportunities—perhaps in China, where he could work in IT or even as an English tutor.

“Outside the States?” Sam’s look of despair suddenly sparked with light upon hearing Wang Qiqi’s suggestion. “You think I’d have a chance in Asia? Wait—you haven't set up an interception at customs, have you?” Sam’s expression darkened instantly. America was vast, making it easy to hide, but once he left the country, the police could easily catch him. Humph, what a cunning person she was; he almost fell for her trick.

“Did you kill anyone?” Wang Qiqi fought to control her rising anxiety as she watched Sam’s hand drift toward his pocket. She thought, No, please tell me he didn't bring a gun. “You’ve been online recently, too. Have you seen a wanted poster with your name on it? Don’t worry. Our target is Richard. As long as he doesn’t try anything foolish, we won’t have time to deal with you.”

Sam studied Wang Qiqi for a long moment, then stepped out of the car. “I’ll trust you this one time. I hope you aren't lying, or next time, there won't be such a good opportunity. If I really end up wanted, I can't promise I won't do something drastic.”

Wang Qiqi nodded frantically. “Don’t worry, don’t worry.” Oh my god, even if John wanted to dispose of him, he’d have to consider many things. Desperate people do desperate things, and they certainly couldn't afford bodyguards watching them constantly right now.

“I hope so.” Sam got out of the car but didn't rush off, instead standing by as he watched Wang Qiqi back up and drive away.