Unmasking Mrs. Newton's Secret Identities novel Chapter 1780

Ricardo's hands clenched into fists at his sides, tension causing his knuckles to crack ominously.

"I've already said it—this was my personal decision and has nothing to do with my father. I came to retrieve the competition proposal that should have been handed over to him long ago!

"You kept stalling and making excuses, putting him under scrutiny from his superiors. I had no choice but to take matters into my own hands!"

Chandler gave a slight nod. "You're a good son, but too bad your father isn't exactly a good parent."

"Whether he's a good father is not for you to judge. He has many qualities I respect!" Ricardo shot back, his admiration for Orson unwavering despite their conflicts.

"Oh, absolutely," Chandler said with a sarcastic sneer. "So commendable that he sends his own son to steal from someone's house. That's a whole new standard of respect."

"How many times do I have to say it before you stop twisting my words? This was all my idea. If my father weren't under so much pressure from you, he wouldn't be losing sleep over this! Don't pretend to be the victim here, Chandler!" Ricardo's voice rose, his emotions boiling over.

Chandler let out a chilling, knowing laugh. "Mr. Cook, it seems you don't quite understand your father, do you?"

"What do you mean by that?" Ricardo asked, sensing something was wrong but struggling to pin it down.

"Nothing important," Chandler replied dismissively, waving him off. "You can leave now. Let's just act like this never happened."

"Are you serious?" Ricardo asked, disbelief evident in his voice. He couldn't fathom that someone even Orson struggled to deal with would let him go so easily.

"Perhaps that won't be the case in another minute." Chandler raised an eyebrow, a warning glint in his eyes. "Do you want to test my patience?"

After a brief hesitation, Ricardo bolted for the door.

"Are you really just letting him go?" Helen asked, feeling it was far too lenient.

Carl set his cup down, ready to stand and greet the newcomer. But as he looked up and recognized the man's face, his smile vanished.

"Mr. Chandler, what are you doing here? I have an appointment with a guest today and can't waste time on idle chit-chat," Carl said, clearly indicating he wanted to avoid any conversation.

Since the incident with Isabelle, their relationship had grown strained.

Carl had made his hostility toward Cathayan designers perfectly clear, declaring he wanted nothing to do with the Newtons.

Unfazed, Chandler's lips curled into a smile. "Are you waiting for the designer you scheduled online, Your Highness?"

"How do you know that?" Carl shot back, his expression tense. "What have you done with him?"