Tangled in his Obsession novel Chapter 211

An old case, dormant for months, suddenly got stirred up by the appearance of a key player. The situation felt kinda...delicate.

Seraphina Bennett held her breath for a moment before finally managing to say, "You did show up a little late." Patrick Gray chuckled softly, "Actually, I saw your report the moment it was published, it's just that... I was just too busy to come."

Seraphina paused for a moment before probing, "Were you two... close?"

At this, Patrick glanced at her, seeming to see curiosity in her eyes. He didn't seem to mind, just smiled slightly and said, "We've known each other for a long time. She relied on me quite a bit."

"Were you ever officially a couple?"

"No," Patrick replied, "I know what she wants, but my own situation is complicated, and I don't want to involve her in my life. She eventually married Balch Lawson... I knew she wasn't happy, but I never thought her dependence on me would be her downfall."

There was a deep sense of regret and loss in Patrick's eyes as he said this.

"Relationships are always a complex beast, not so easily summed up," Seraphina tried to comfort him, quickly changing the subject, "You mentioned your life being complicated. How so?"

Patrick looked at her, a grin slowly spreading across his face, "A journalist's instinct, is it? I thought you were done with journalism."

Seraphina shrugged, "Just making small talk. You don't have to answer if you don't want to."

Patrick didn't respond, instead he pulled out a business card holder from his pocket and handed a card to Seraphina.

She looked at the card, it read the Chairman of SpectrumMedia Innovations.

"You're in media?" Seraphina asked.

"Yep." Patrick gave her a small smile, "If you're considering getting back into journalism, ever thought about working for me?"

Seraphina was surprised by the sudden turn in conversation. She hesitated, then replied with a laugh, "If the conditions are right, I might consider it."

"I've recently invested in the largest news site in Sunburst City. Planning to start a whole new news line. If you're interested, I'd like you to be the editor-in-chief of our new section," Patrick suggested, "You'll have full editorial control."

"Editor-in-chief?" Seraphina laughed, "Do I even qualify for that?"

Patrick gave a light laugh, "With me, the possibilities are endless."

"Well then, why not the editor-in-chief?" Seraphina asked.

Patrick seemed to anticipate this question, he just smiled and said, "The editor-in-chief has to take on some administrative duties. I'm guessing you're not too keen on that, right?"

Seraphina smiled and slowly nodded, "Your assessment of me, your potential partner, is spot on. I can feel your sincerity."

"So, do you accept my offer?" Patrick asked.

Seraphina frowned slightly, tilted her head and looked at him, "Are we really diving into this discussion so quickly, Mr. Gray? We haven't even talked about the salary!"

Patrick looked around the gallery before replying, "While I'm confident you won't be shortchanged, I thought salary would be the least of your concerns."

"No, quite the opposite," Seraphina looked at him seriously, "Salary is my top concern. If we can agree on that, everything else should fall into place."