Chapter 319 Cynthia made it seem like she had a close relationship with Leslie, leaving Aurelia unable to interject. She glanced at Aurelia again and said, “You wouldn’t know, but I always seem to be losing things overseas. It’s either in his car or his apartment. There were even times when I grabbed the wrong coat. The weather abroad is always dreary, so I’d end up walking in his oversized coat on the streets. It’s quite amusing.” Three strikes–car, apartment, grabbing the wrong coat. It was hard for one not to assume that there was something between Leslie and Cynthia. Still, it happened before their marriage, so Aurelia couldn’t say much about it. She stood quietly beside Leslie as Cynthia recounted tales of her and Leslie’s past. Although she hated to admit it, Cynthia and Leslie standing together were more pleasing to the eye than any handsome couple in a magazine. There was an inherent elegance about them that others couldn’t imitate. Aurelia pursed her lips and lowered her head slowly, feeling defeated. Cynthia’s smirk grew deeper as she continued, “Where did you and Leslie meet? At university? At the gallery? Museum? Or was it during a beach vacation? Speaking of beach vacations, when we went surfing together last year, I almost got swept away by the waves. Fortunately, Leslie saved me.” Perhaps Cynthia hit the nail on the head because everyone put down their spoon and chimed in. “Ms. Whitlock, you should be embarrassed! You saw how good Leslie was at surfing and insisted on learning.” “The same thing happened when we went skiing in the mountains. You went on the most difficult trails without a word, but fortunately, Leslie managed to catch up to you.‘ ” “It’s quite impressive that you almost drowned in a hot spring, Ms. Whitlock.” As they recounted their overseas experiences, Aurelia couldn’t help but tighten her grip on her skirt. She felt like she didn’t belong there, like an outsider trying to force her into a clique where she didn’t fit. Everyone in the office was high–paying talent, so going on vacations abroad was as easy as going to the supermarket. Aurelia, on the other hand, had never traveled out of the country. They spoke of surfing by the beach, hot springs under volcanoes, and skiing down endless snowy mountains. These were all the things she had never seen. There was no way she could participate in this conversation. Chisplee 115 212 Cynthia stared at Aurelia, smiling. “Why are you so quiet? Don’t tell me that… you’ve never been abroad?” The office fell silent instantly. Those who were engaged in lively conversation just moments ago now stood frozen in place. They were all curious as to why Leslie was with Aurelia instead of Cynthia, who was more favored before. Aurelia understood the looks they were giving her and knew that they were more curious than malicious. She took a deep breath before saying, “I-” Before she could finish her sentence, she felt a weight on her shoulder and was pulled aside. When she looked up, she saw Leslie’s tense expression. It was not directed at her but at Cynthia. “If you could stop being so forgetful, you wouldn’t have to send me documents after work hours in the rain. If you had only known your own limits during the annual trip, we wouldn’t have to trouble ourselves to save you.” Cynthia froze and fell into silence. Leslie glanced at the others. “Anything else you’re curious about? You can ask me. “No, not at all.‘ Daniel immediately got up. “You all should finish your food and get back to work. Don’t you want to go home?” “Yeah, yeah.” Everyone lowered their heads to eat, not daring to say anything else. Aurelia was quite confused as to why everyone seemed to fear Leslie. However, before she could ask him anything, Leslie turned to Cynthia. “Is there anything else you need? If not, go home. I hope we can focus on discussing work rather than private matters.” “Sure,” Cynthia said while maintaining a smile, the veins on her neck protruding from rage.