C14 The Accident Five Years Ago.

Inside the office, Toby Fuller rhythmically tapped his finger against the desk, seemingly awaiting something. Roughly five minutes passed before Assistant Benson returned.

"Sir, despite some complications, I managed to get the information," he reported.

Toby's eyelids lifted slowly. "What complications?"

"The surveillance cameras on St. Louis Street had been replaced, making it quite a challenge to retrieve footage from five years ago. Eventually, a computer technician claimed he had the recording. He remembered the car accident being a big deal at the time, so he'd saved the video. When he learned I was searching for it, he handed it over."

Assistant Benson cautiously observed Toby's reaction. "The video clearly shows Miss Aguilar's car being struck by another blue sedan. Would you like to see it?"

Sonia Reed had been driving a blue Audi at the time of the incident.

"No," Toby replied coolly. "Just give me the footage and make sure that technician keeps quiet about this."

"Understood."

Having worked with Toby for years, Assistant Benson was well aware of his intentions. Toby clearly had no desire to make this public, nor did he wish to see his ex-wife incarcerated over the incident.

Lost in thought, Toby stared at the pen in his hand. After a moment, he grabbed his coat and headed back to Fuller's Mansion.

Upon entering the hall, he was greeted by the sound of laughter and lively conversation. Ruth Lee and Khloe were sharing a humorous story, creating a warm and friendly atmosphere. Even Axel, usually a bundle of mischief, was quietly engrossed in his phone.

Ruth stood as she noticed Toby's arrival. "Toby, you're back."

Khloe rose as well, her demeanor gentle and graceful.

"What's so funny?" Toby inquired, handing his coat to a servant. "What are you all so happy about?"

Khloe glanced at Ruth, a smile playing on her lips. "Your mother has been regaling me with stories of your childhood. I find them quite amusing."

Ruth feigned indignation. "Khloe, you should stop calling me 'auntie.' You're going to be my daughter-in-law; 'mom' is more fitting."

A blush crept over Khloe's cheeks as she shyly met Toby's gaze.

"We're all family here; there's no need to be shy. Toby, wouldn't you agree?" Ruth playfully nudged the couple. Axel chimed in, "I guess I can't call her 'Khloe' anymore. I'll have to start calling her 'sister-in-law!'"

Khloe's blush deepened.

"Mom, let's not tease Khloe," Toby sighed. "She's easily embarrassed."

Ruth chuckled. "You're so protective of her, and you're not even married yet. I'll leave you two be. I'm going to catch up with the neighbors."

Axel grinned mischievously. "Big brother, I'll leave you two alone as well."

Once the room had cleared, leaving just the two of them, Khloe stepped forward and took Toby's hand. "Toby, my dad keeps asking about the accident. Did you say something to him?"

"No," Toby shook his head.

"It's odd; he seems to think Sonia Reed is involved, but I never mentioned it to him," Khloe mused, then sighed. "I've forgiven Miss Reed. I don't want to dwell on the past."

"You don't harbor any resentment?"

"No, not anymore. She's had her own struggles. She must have been driven by love to act so recklessly," Khloe said, her empathy shining through.

Toby caressed her hair, his gaze intense. "Khloe, your kindness is boundless. You were the same in college. I remember you writing about saving a little mouse as a child, nursing it in your bed, much to your father's dismay."

He smiled at the memory. "It's quite endearing, actually."

Khloe's smile faltered briefly before she regained her composure. "Why dredge up the past? Those are embarrassing stories. By the way, Axel mentioned your grandmother hasn't been well. I'd like to visit her."

Considering his grandmother's aloofness, Toby hesitated before responding, "I'll take you to see her tomorrow."

"Thank you."

It wasn't until he ascended the stairs that Khloe pulled out her phone and dialed a number.

"How's it going?"

"Miss, everything's in place. What's the next step?"

"I want to see it as a trending topic the day before the banquet."

"Understood."