Chapter 21 Bitter Sips and Frosty Looks
When Adeline’s gaze landed on Christopher, her heart skipped a beat.
The soft lighting of the private room couldn’t mask the sharpness in his eyes. His arrival felt like a cold blade, slicing through the ambiguous atmosphere Justin had meticulously crafted.
“Seems like you’re enjoying your chat, Christopher’s voice was low, with a subtle hint of sarcasm that was hard to detect
Justin smiled slightly, leaning back in his chair with case, “Mr. Conor, interested in joining our conversation?”
Adeline didn’t speak; she just instinctively gripped her coffee cup tighter. The cold porcelain helped her regain some composure. She looked up calmly at Christopher, “What are you doing here?”
“Just passing by,” Christopher answered nonchalantly, though his deep eyes were firmly locked on her. “Didn’t expect to run
into you guys.
What a coincidence, Justin said flippantly, a bit provocatively, “Since we’ve bumped into each other, why not sit down and join us?”
Christopher didn’t respond; he simply walked over and sat down across from Adeline. His movements were graceful yet carried an undeniable sense of pressure.
A waiter quickly brought over a coffee. He took a sip and then spoke lightly, “I heard you’re planning a trip to Marine City?”
Adeline frowned slightly. His words were like an invisible needle, precisely pricking the part of her heart that was still undecided.
Justin quickly took over the conversation, “Yes, I also have plans to expand to Marine City. Ms. Dustin, if you’re willing, we could go together”
His tone was gentle and considerate, painting a beautiful future for her. However, to Christopher, this care seemed nothing short of a declaration of war. He set down his cup, his gaze coldly sweeping over Justin, “Marine City has a poor climate, very damp and cold in the winter, not suitable for a long stay.
Justin laughed lightly at this, “Mr. Conor seems to have a bias against Marine City. But from what I know, its economic growth is strong and the urban development is well–established Compared to some places, it seems quite progressive.”
The undercurrents between the two men made the atmosphere suddenly tense. Adeline, caught in the middle, felt an invisible pressure closing in.
She set down her coffee cup and said evenly. “I haven’t decided whether to go to Marine City yet; I’m still considering it.”
“Taking your time to decide is wise, Christopher stared at her, his tone carrying a hint of warning, “After all, some choices, once made, have no way back.”
His gaze was like a net, trapping her firmly. Adeline simply looked up and met his eyes, “Everyone must be responsible for their choices; I understand that well.”
Seeing this, Justin’s lips curled into a meaningful smile. He slowly began, “In that case, let’s hope Ms. Dustin makes her decision soon. Though, I do hope it’s one that gives me more opportunities to accompany you.”
This was clearly a challenge to Christopher, and sure enough, his expression changed slightly. He looked at Justin, his eyes revealing a hint of danger, “Mr. Justin seems quite free? Having time to accompany others, perhaps you should pay more attention to your family business.”
Thanks for the concern, but my business doesn’t need managing by others,” Justin shot back, not backing down, “And Mr. Conor, I heard you’ve been busy planning a wedding? I wonder if Ms. Michelle is pleased?”
This comment was like lighting a hidden keg of gunpowder, making the air even more charged.
Justin, unfazed, turned to Adeline with a half–joking, half–serious tone, “It seems we better hurry then, before someone else settles down and leaves no room for interference.”
This flippant remark disgusted Adeline; she stood up, her voice cool and decisive, “Enough. I don’t want to hear any more of your pointless arguments. If you have anything else to say, save it for another time.”
With that, she turned and left without a backward glance.
The room fell into a brief silence. Justin watched her retreating figure, the smile slowly fading from his face. He murmured, “It seems she doesn’t want to be tied down by the past. I quite admire that.”
Christopher didn’t respond. He just stared at the coffee cup on the table, his fingers slowly tightening. After a moment, he stood up and headed for the door as well.
The night air was cool.
As Adeline stepped out of the restaurant, a black Maybach was parked at the curb. The driver respectfully opened the door for her, but she didn’t get in. Instead, she stood there, took a deep breath, and let the cold air wash away her irritation.