Take My Breathe Away

C23: Moving In

"Hello, Philip," Debbie greeted on the phone. "What? Now?" Narrowing her eyes, she said, "Okay, got it. I'll be there as soon as I can." After hanging up the call, she took a much needed deep breath. Ever since she had given Philip the divorce papers, she had been staying in the dorm. There was no reason for her to live in the villa anymore.        
   

Yet a moment ago, she had received Philip's call and he had asked her to go back there. Unaware of the purpose behind his request, she became a bit worried    

."Kristina," Debbie began, turning to look at her, "I'm sorry you have to go back to school alone. I need to go back home."    

"What?" Kristina asked in confusion. "Is there something wrong?" Concern was written all over her face. As much as Debbie wanted to share the truth, she felt it would be better to keep this to herself.    

Shaking her head, Debbie answered, "No. Don't worry. I'll see you tomorrow."    

"All right then," Kristina said with a hint of uncertainty in her voice. "Goodbye!"    

A bit grateful that she did not have to answer any more questions, Debbie waited for her friend to get into the taxi they had just hailed and leave before she hailed another one for herself. While heading to the East City Villa, she was in a rather nervous state. 'Did Carlos already agree to sign the divorce papers?' she thought. If he did, Debbie wondered why she still had to make the trip back there. Upon reaching her destination, she paid the fare and got out of the taxi.    

Then, she stood on the spot while the taxi drove away, and stared at the villa lit with more lights than she could count. Her eyes were filled with worry.    

Usually, there were only three people including her in the villa. Accompanying her were the servant and the steward who were Julie Liu and Philip respectively. It was past ten o'clock in the evening now. Neither Julie Liu nor Philip would typically stay overnight in the villa, yet it seemed like there were still people at home. There was only one explanation for Philip to stay so late -- Carlos was at home.    

The young lady took a deep breath, opened the entrance door gently, and sneaked into the living room. There was no point in delaying her arrival.    

Philip's voice could be vaguely heard, and as she peered into the room, two men came into view.    

With a domineering aura, Carlos was sitting on the couch. The man did not appear like he was in a good mood. While staying hidden, Debbie considered walking out of the house, but her feet did not move and she had her eyes fixed on Carlos.    

His eyes were shut while he was listening to Philip's report regarding her personal information and recent activities.    

"She ranked the last in high school," Philip said, carefully observing his boss' reaction. "And she failed the college entrance exam. As per your request, I've arranged her application to study in the Finance Department of Economics and Management School of Y City University. She is currently a junior student..."    

Noticing Debbie in the doorway, Philip gave her a sympathetic look. Carlos, on the other hand, did not even open his eyes. It was as though he hadn't heard the door open earlier. Deep in thought, the seemingly unaware man tapped the wooden armrest of the couch.    

"What did she do in the university?" Carlos interrupted Philip's report, his voice low and attractive at the same time. Clasping her hands together, Debbie quietly begged Philip not to throw her under the bus.    

The doe-eyed lady waited for him to make a choice. After having spent three years serving her, Philip believed that she was a good girl, and so he hesitated to answer the man in front of him.