Chapter 101.
Chapter 101
“Still, Emma managed to land him.”
“She was missing overseas for three years, wasn’t she? How did Justin even find her?”
“No idea. Justin kept everything under wraps.”
“If you ask me, Emma wasn’t really missing. Maybe she hooked up with some rich guy abroad, ditched Justin, and now that the guy’s done with her, she’s back looking for Justin to pick up the pieces.”
“Justin’s too naive when it comes to love. Emma’s got him wrapped around her finger.”
“Don’t forget, back in college, Emma used to hit on plenty of rich guys driving fancy cars.
“”
“She even snuck out with Liam a few times late at night and didn’t come back until morning.”
“How do you know that?”
“I was her roommate. Of course I’d know!”
At the restaurant front desk, Emily saw the bill had already been settled and made a mental note to repay the favor later.
Returning to the private room, she noticed Wilfred’s assistant standing by the door, looking slightly out of place. As she stepped inside, she immediately sensed a subtle tension in the air.
Wilfred uncrossed his legs, sitting back naturally, while Sean sipped his drink with an annoyed expression.
“Mr. Wilfred, I thought we agreed I’d treat you tonight. Why did you have your assistant settle the bill?” Emily asked, frowning slightly.
“It wouldn’t feel right to let a lady pay for dinner,” Wilfred replied smoothly. Though he was a mixed–race foreigner living in the Merika State, his grasp of the local language was surprisingly good.
Sean set his glass down. “Great, he managed to show off again,” he silently scoffed.
“In that case,” Emily suggested with a smile, “there’s a bakery next door that’s amazing. Let me pick out some pastries for you as a thank–you.”
Wilfred smiled in agreement. “I’d love that. I haven’t tried any local pastries yet.”
At the bakery, Wilfred followed Emily with a basket in hand leaning in slightly as she described which pastries were the best. Each time she mentioned one, he would dutifully add it to the basket.
Emily also picked out a few of her own favorites, including some dried fruit and a newly stocked beef jerky she couldn’t resist.
Sean tried to get closer to Emily, but each time he moved in Wilfred’s assistant skillfully blocked him, bombarding him with questions in an exaggerated accent.
“Mr. Smith, have you tried this one?
“Mr. Smith, is this good? How do you pronounce this?”
Sean was nearly pulling his hair out in frustration.
1/2
Chapter 101
+25 BONUS
When it was finally time to pay, Sean had already stationed himself at the checkout counter, determined not to let Wilfred’s assistant settle the bill again.
Wilfred carried two full baskets, both brimming with goodies.
“Mr. Wilfred, let me take one,” Emily offered, reaching for a basket.
Wilfred sidestepped smoothly. “They’re quite heavy. It wouldn’t be right for a lady to carry them.”
As the two approached the counter, Sean glared at Wilfred, his irritation barely contained. “This guy’s even smoother than Justin. Unbelievable,” he silently remarked.
Sean stepped forward and grabbed the basket Emily had filled, placing it firmly on the counter. With a raised eyebrow, he shot Wilfred a smug look. “I’ll carry this one for her.”
The cashier began scanning the items.
“That’ll be $210,” she said.
“Swipe my card!”
“Mobile pay!”
Wilfred and Sean spoke simultaneously.
“I’ll cover it with mobile pay. It’s quicker. Helping Emily is the same as helping me, so this one’s on me,” Sean said, flashing his payment code toward the cashier.
“Better use a card,” Wilfred interjected smoothly, offering his credit card with a composed smile. “Most of these were chosen by Emily for me.”
Chapter 102