At midday, Shirley and her peers exited the library's reading room.

They chatted about various issues as they walked toward the cafeteria.

“Shirley.” Suddenly, Shirley heard her name being called. Turning toward the voice, she spotted Sergio standing near a pillar not too far from her. Noticing her gaze, he walked toward her.

The classmate on the left noticed Sergio and gave Shirley a nudge, eyeing the pair with curiosity. "Mr. Sergio Blakely?"

Shirley remained composed. “Is there something you need?"

"I'd like to invite you to lunch. We can talk while we eat. How does that sound?" Sergio said.

“What's the matter? If it's not urgent, just tell me now," Shirley replied.

Observing her detached demeanor, Sergio smiled and glanced at her two classmates.

Shirley then said to her classmates, "Head to the cafeteria and get me a meal. I'll join you shortly."

"Alright." The classmate on Shirley's left grinned mischievously and eagerly ushered the one on Shirley's right to leave.

“What is it you need to discuss? Just say it." Shirley's tone was flat.

Sergio surveyed the bustling library hall, noting people milling about. “Are you sure you want to discuss this here?"

Shirley glanced around and moved to a corner. "Go ahead."

“Did you strike a deal with Tyrone?"

"Well, yes." Shirley lowered her gaze. It was not surprising that Sergio could find it out.

"At our company reunion before Christmas, was it Tyrone who arranged for your access to the hot spring resort and disabled the surveillance beforehand?"

Shirley gave a dry chuckle. “Speaking of which, I gotta thank you for having someone make Trevor drunk."

“But you've stated that Trevor isn't the father of your child. You know well that nothing transpired between you and Trevor. So, what else occurred that night? To secure that money, instead of contacting the police, you shifted the blame onto Trevor."

Sergio maintained eye contact with Shirley as he pieced together his deductions. If this was true, it would explain everything.

Silence fell between them.