Chapter 155
Freya felt like she was sitting on pins and needles, trapped in her chair with no escape. Across from her, Eloise’s gaze flitted between Freya and Preston, an undercurrent of tension in the air.
“It seems Ms. Dawson and Mr. Tyler have quite the camaraderie, given that Mr. Tyler has entrusted Ms. Dawson with arranging our meeting.” Eloise remarked, her voice cold as she took a sip of water, masking her discomfort.
On the other hand, Preston appeared utterly indifferent to Eloise’s displeasure at having Freya brought into the mix.
Sensitive to the tension, Freya knew Eloise was too proud to show any sign of weakness. She decided to address Preston directly, hoping to smooth things over.
“Mr. Tyler, Ms. Harwood genuinely looked forward to discussing a partnership with you. Inviting me might not have been the best
move…”
Before she could slip away, Preston’s hand firmly guided her back to her seat, thwarting her attempt to leave unnoticed. Freya was at a loss for words.
“Preston interjected, “Since you made the contact, Ms. Dawson, it’s only logical for you to be here. What do you think, Ms. Harwood?” Eloise managed a response, “Mr. Tyler makes a fair point,” but her expression stayed unamused. She was still upset but reluctant to confront Preston directly.
The tension escalated, making Freya feel even more uncomfortable.
Attempting to break the ice, Freya suggested, “Mr. Tyler, Ms. Harwood, perhaps you should proceed with your discussion. I’ll be here as a witness.”
“Not so fast,” Preston said, signaling the waiter for the menu, to everyone’s surprise.
Preston passed the menu to Freya, a move visibly irking Eloise, who had earlier offered to dine with Preston only to be declined. But with Freya in the picture, Preston seemed more than willing to consider a meal.
Freya, confused, asked, “What’s this for?”
“Aren’t you hungry?” Preston replied, “I wouldn’t want my business partner to discuss matters on an empty stomach.”
Feeling the tension, Freya quickly offered the menu to Eloise. “Ms. Harwood, why don’t you pick something? The menu here is quite impressive.”
Pride wounded and appetite lost, Eloise declined, “I’m not hungry. Ms. Dawson, please go ahead and order if you like. Preston has taken care of the bill.”
The unspoken message was clear. With two out of three not eating, no one was in the mood for food. Freya set down the menu, hoping to move past the awkward moment, but Preston called out, “Two steaks, two glasses of red wine, please.”
The waiter nodded and took the menu.
Trying to lighten the mood, Freya complimented, “Mr. Tyler, such a gentleman, ordering for the ladies.”
Preston responded, “Ms. Harwood mentioned she wasn’t hungry, so I didn’t order for her.”