?<strong>Chapter 995:</strong>


    Reluctantly, Mabel grabbed the nearest cleaning tools and began to scrub, putting on a convincing show of diligence. After watching her for a few moments, the middle-aged man finally lost interest.


    With the concert fast approaching, he had bigger things to worry about than keeping tabs on a maintenance worker.


    Once Mabel was sure the man was gone, she dropped the cleaning tools like they were toxic.


    “Mabel? What are you doing here?” Just as she thought she was in the clear, a familiar voice echoed from behind her.


    Mabel spun around, and the sight of Theo’s curious gaze sent a chill racing through her. She had never imagined that she would encounter him there.


    Mabel was disoriented at the sight of Theo, as if she were in a dream. Her silence was profound before her eyes turned icy. She snapped, “Why are you here?” Theo studied Mabel, then hesitated. “Are you an employee here?”


    As he said this, he lifted her badge, scrutinized it, and ced it back down. A flicker of triumph passed through Mabel when Theo failed to recognize the badge was counterfeit. For all his acumen, Theo was not infallible.


    She grabbed her badge back, rolling her eyes. “Is there a reason for your presence? If there’s none, I suggest you leave at once and stop interrupting my work,” she dered.


    Theo considered her words, then offered, “We’re old friends. Perhaps we could catch upter?” This suggestion made Mabel furious.


    “When did we ever be friends? Did you ever really see me as one? All you see is Elyse. I’m nothing to you. Just leave! You’re making me sick.”


    Theo’s grin turned sinister, his eyes glinting with malice, sending a chill through Mabel. She was painfully aware of his malevolence, having endured his cruelty firsthand. After that, she resolved never to allow herself to feel anything for him again.


    Yet, she felt a twinge of envy towards Elyse. Despite his mistreatment of Elyse, he never let his darkest side show around her. He always wore a mask. This made Mabel resent Elyse even more. Why did everyone seem to adore and protect Elyse? And why did it appear that no one was there to protect her? It hit her suddenly—she wasn’tpletely alone.


    Hyde was willing to stand by her. Warmth flooded through her at the thought of Hyde.


    Seeing a shift in her demeanor, Theo quipped, “What’s your angle? You’re trying to drive a wedge between us, aren’t you?”


    Theo’s intentions were clear as he saw her anxiety increase. He taunted, “Honestly, I doubt someone like you could ever attract a worthy partner. I’m curious to see what sort of disaster you’ve entangled yourself with.”


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