The Deadly Assassin Robin by Tristan Storm

Chapter 194 Chapter 194 The Slip-On Sandals In the car, Robin noticed that Vera was barefoot.

"Vera, seriously? You're the CEO of Silva Group, and you're going to work barefoot? Where are your shoes?" She glared at him. "You're really asking where my shoes went? Last night, you threw both of them into the lake! Or did you conveniently forget that part?" "I threw your shoes into the lake? I ... don't remember that at all." Robin's voice trailed off as he realized he might've just confessed.

"Don't you play dumb with me! When we get to town, you're buyinga new pair of shoes! Those shoes cost80,000 dollars, do you have any idea how heartbroken I am?" Robin rolled his eyes. "I'm not buying you shoes. And anyway, it's early; no stores are open yet. Just have your assistant order a pair for you later." Vera huffed. "Every twe go up to that mansion of yours on Dawnspire Heights Estates, you find sexcuse to get rid of my shoes! "The last time, I had to walk out of there in socks, and Piper laughed atfor a week! "And this time, I don't even have flip-flops! Robin, I swear, if you do this again..." Robin raised an eyebrow. "Oh yeah? And what are you going to do about it?" She hesitated, then said with a defiant smile, "I'll just camp out in your precious mansion and never leave!" They bickered the whole drive. Just as they were about to reach the Silva Group building, Robin spotted a small shoe store open on the side of the road. "Fine, fine, stop complaining. There's a shoe shop over there. I'll get you a pair." He paused.

"What's your size again?" "Size 6!" Vera covered her mouth to hide a grin, feeling oddly thrilled.

Finally, he's buying something for me! Robin went over to the shop and, without much thought, picked out a pair of slip-on sandals for ten dollars.

Vera watched him from the car, feeling a warm glow inside.

She imagined the nice, stylish shoes Robin might bring back for her.

Maybe today will actually be a good day, she thought with a smile.

After paying, Robin noticed the shoes weren't even bagged. "Hey, don't you have a box or something for these?" The shopkeeper gave him a look. "A box? For a ten-dollar pair of sandals?" Robin looked down at the sandals. Fair enough. The box would probably be worth more than the shoes themselves. "Well... how about a plastic bag, at least?" The shopkeeper sighed, rummaging around under the counter before producing a crumpled, slightly dirty plastic bag.

Robin raised an eyebrow. "This is the best you've got?" "Sir," the shopkeeper replied with a sigh, "business is tough these days. Margins are tight." Robin rolled his eyes. "Fine, whatever." He slipped the sandals into the plastic bag and walked back to the car.

Vera waited, her excitement growing. He probably picked out something fashionable, she thought to herself, imagining him bringing back a pair of elegant heels. But when she saw the crumpled plastic bag he was carrying, her face fell.

"You've got to be kidding me! Robin, these are the shoes you bought?" Robin nodded, handing her the bag. "Yep, size 6. The shopkeeper said they were the finest pair they had." "How much did you pay for these?" she asked, her voice rising.

"Ten dollars," Robin replied as he got back in the car.

Vera nearly lost it. "You expectto wear ten-dollar shoes to the office? "Where I meet with people who manage billion-dollar portfolios? "Then don't wear them." Robin shrugged. "This was the most expensive pair they had. The guy even tried to sella two-dollar pair, but I didn't go that cheap." Vera shook her head in disbelief. "I can't believe this. I threw out my 80,000 dollars shoes only to end up with ten-dollar slip-on sandals." She opened the bag and looked at the shoes-green plastic with tacky little bows and gaudy floral patterns around the edges. "Gosh, I'll look like a total fool if I wear these!" she muttered.

Robin sighed. "Just wear them for now. Better than going barefoot. You can buy a new pair at the mall across from your office. "I think they probably open at nine." "Great, just great," Vera grumbled. "Thanks to you, today's going to be a long day of getting laughed at." When they reached the entrance to Silva Group, Vera stepped out of the car in her bright green slip-on sandals. The receptionists and security guards at the entrance immediately noticed her unusual footwear.

She could feel eyes following her as she walked through the lobby.

"Hey, check out Ms. Silva's shoes today. Bold choice!" "Is it the trending wear?" "Yeah, I think that's the new trend-bringing back that classic, old-school style ... " Vera held back a laugh. They actually think these ten-dollar shoes are skind of high fashion...

Sarah rushed over as Vera entered the office. "Ms. Silva!" Vera waved a hand dismissively. "Stop callingthat." Sarah glanced down at her shoes, trying not to laugh. "Vera, those shoes are... um, quite the statement." She then laughed.

"Oh, shut it. For your information, Robin gotthese," Vera said, rolling her eyes.

Sarah's eyes widened. "Robin gave you those? That's ... bold of him." Vera gritted her teeth. "Enough about the shoes! "In fact, send out a memo-anyone caught talking about my shoes today loses 2,000 dollars from their paycheck!" She hurried to her office, feeling both embarrassed and oddly satisfied.

Robin, you jerk, just wait! I'll get you back for this, she thought.

But as she closed her office door, she couldn't help but smile. At least he boughtsomething ...

"Those kids," she thought to herself, "thinking they'll get anything from Robin Ramsey. He's not exactly known for his generosity." She chuckled, remembering the ten-dollar pair of shoes he'd bought her.

"Well," she mused, "at least he gota little something." She barely had a moment to settle in before her phone rang. It was Raymond. "Vera, I'd love to take you out to lunch today." "Lunch? Why?" Vera asked, surprised.

Raymond hesitated. "I was hoping you could helpget in touch with Robin.

"I'm really grateful for the opportunity he gaveafter the incident at the Harmont Bar." "I've tried, but I can't seem to approach him. Vera, I know you two are close. Would you be willing to put in a good word for me?" "Exactly. I'm hosting a small gathering with stop people in Harmonfield, and everyone's been talking about Robin. If you could just ... helpconnect with him, I'd be grateful." Vera sighed. "I can't guarantee he'll agree, Raymond. But sendthe details, and I'll see what I can do.

"I'll do my best to bring it up. Sendthe details of your gathering, and I'll gauge his interest." Raymond's voice was thick with gratitude. "Vera, thank you so much. I really owe you one." "Forget about it," she said, cutting him off. "You know I don't need the formalities. And I know you're hoping to get in Robin's good graces." She paused, her tone turning serious. "But lettell you something-Robin's not like those other upper-class guys. If you want to get close to him, sincerity is key. No games." "Don't worry," Raymond assured her. "I wouldn't dream of it. I genuinely want to get to know him. He helpedout before, and I want to return the favor." Robin took Vera's car to East City Development Group.

During the road, he sneezed repeatedly.

He frowned, muttering to himself, "Who's talking bad about me?" Then he smirked, "It's probably Vera cursingout." Vera, d*mn you! As he continued walking, he kept muttering under his breath, half-cursing Vera back.

He'd just entered the lobby when he ran into Piper.

"Robin, why didn't you cback to Graceview Apartments last night?" she asked.

Robin frowned. "Where I stay is none of your business." "Of course, it's my business!" Piper purred, leaning in with an exaggerated pout. "I already forgave you, so why are you still avoiding me?"

She huffed and continued, "I even warned Rosalie to move out of your place last night! You should just m move back in Robin. Then we could go to work together, leave work together... wouldn't that be nice?" Robin just stared at her, clearly unimpressed. "You're delusional." At that moment, Shirley stepped into the elevator.

She glanced between Robin and Piper, quickly assessing the tension between them.

Once the doors closed, an awkward silence filled the space.

Finally, Piper couldn't hold back any longer. "Ms. Dunn, there's something I need to report." Shirley turned to her, expression calm but curious. "Go ahead." "Do you still remember the Graceview Apartments you gave to Robin? He just let Rosalie move in!" Piper huffed.

Shirley raised an eyebrow. "So?" Piper blinked, clearly caught off guard. "Ms. Dunn, aren't you ... bothered by that?" Shirley's brow creased slightly. "Why would I be? "Anything I give to Mr. Ramsey is his to do with as he pleases; that's his choice." She tilted her head slightly, her voice cool and measured. "If he decided to let Rosalie stay there, I'm sure he has his reasons. What exactly are you trying to imply, Piper?" Caught off guard by Shirley's response, Piper stammered, "I-I just thought... well, doesn't it seem inappropriate? What if Rosalie ... gets the wrong idea?"

Shirley's expression turned frosty.

"Piper, this is Robin's personal Le you business. Neither you nor have any right to interfere. Are you trying to sow discord between Robin and me? Or are you just attempting to slander him?" Seeing Piper's stunned expression, Shirley continued, "I warned you before to focus on your work and avoid spreading gossip around the office. I don't tolerate that sort of behavior here.

"If you don't shape up, you're going to find yourself out of chances." The elevator doors opened on Piper's floor, and Shirley gave her a pointed look. "This is your stop. Please step out." Piper hesitated, clearly wanting to protest, but Shirley's expression left no room for argument. Reluctantly, she exited the elevator, visibly flustered.

As the doors closed, Shirley turned to Robin with a sigh. "Looks like Piper has a bit of a grudge against your I've heard about the situation with Rosalie, too. If she needs assistance, letknow. The company has a relief fund that could help." Robin nodded. "Alright. I'll pass that along to Rosalie." Shirley gave him a warm smile, leaning a little closer. "So... tomorrow after work, how about coming over to my place? I'll cook for us."