However, Deniz seemed to have fallen out of favor with someone, as his presence in Ardlens became less frequent, sparing Vicki from witnessing his pleas for forgiveness.

Honestly, Vicki wasn't invested in Deniz's affairs, so she remained unaware of his conflict with Jarrod.

"Deniz, why did you stop my car?" Vicki's expression soured as she addressed him.

Deniz didn't seem bothered by her tone and continued to smile kindly.

"I simply haven't seen you in a while and wanted to greet you. Vicki, you've grown even more beautiful."

Deniz's gaze lingered on Vicki in a manner that made her uncomfortable, his eyes assessing her in a way that felt invasive.

Vicki was instantly annoyed. She had heard Deniz once showed an inappropriate interest in her aunt. One time, when her aunt and sister were out, he pretended to be drunk and sneakily slipped under her aunt's quilt, attempting to undress her. After her aunt beat him up, he claimed his actions were due to the alcohol while the truth was otherwise.

"Deniz, if there's nothing else, I'm leaving now," Vicki said, feeling disgusted. She signaled the driver to raise the window.

“Oh, Vicki, are you in a rush to go see Mr. Schultz?" Deniz suddenly asked.

Vicki immediately rolled the window back down, wide-eyed. “What did you say?" she asked, staring at him.

“I just saw Mr. Schultz. He was driving off," he replied.

Deniz looked at the time on his watch and said, "Mr. Schultz left less than twenty minutes ago. If you ask the driver to hurry, you might catch up with him.”

But Vicki was skeptical. If it was true that Jarrod had just left, why would Alec say Jarrod had gone on a business trip? Why did they manage to hide the cause of Jarrod's sudden leave from her?

"Mr. Miller, can you just explain everything clearly once and for all? I really don't understand what is going on." Vicki's strategy was now starting to fall apart. Unlike Lowe, she couldn't maintain her composure. A trace of panic was written all over her face.

"Miss Hampton, you know I was thrown to a place far away since I somehow offended Mr. Schultz. I can't even come near Ardlens until now. But I really want to return to Ardlens." Deniz opted not to answer Vicki's questions.

The more desperate Vicki appeared, the calmer Deniz became. He was skillfully manipulating the situation.

"Mr. Miller, if you want to say something, just say it. Tell me directly what you want. Don't beat around the bush," Vicki said straightforwardly.

"Miss Hampton, can't you still tell?" Deniz asked back. "I desperately want to return to Ardlens, and I need your help."

“Is that all? No problem," Vicki quickly agreed. “I'll discuss it with my father. By then, Jarrod won't be able to stop you from returning to Ardlens."

Deniz smiled. “After I return, can I still manage my previous projects?"