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Chapter 21: Business Everywhere
Victoria had been sipping her lemonade when she heard Isabella Montgomery’ comment about Nick’s marriage. She wiped her mouth with a tissue calmly. “I’m aware. So?”
Her nonchalant tone gave the impression that she wasn’t concerned about Nick’s marital status. Nick, sitting across from her, couldn’t help but raise an eyebrow at her composed response.
Isabella Montgomery clenched her fist tightly; it felt like her words had landed on deaf ears. Was this woman deliberately ignoring her advances or already holding a special place in Nick’s heart?
Isabella Montgomery was irritated but didn’t want to appear inferior. She decided to shift her attention back to Nick with a warm smile. “Nick, you’ve been away for three years. You probably don’t know that the restaurant has changed chefs. The current chef recently returned from New Zealand, and there’s a dish that should suit your taste.”
She took the menu into her own hands, making herself at home. Nick remained impassive, offering no response or refusal.
Dealing with such seemingly cold yet sharp individuals could be quite challenging. Victoria couldn’t help but smile softly at the thought. “Belle’s best dish isn’t on the menu, and I had invited Mr. Andrews for a meal today. Miss, if you also wish to invite Mr. Andrews, you can arrange another appointment.”
This statement was rather blunt, and Isabella Montgomery, despite her thick skin, couldn’t stay any longer. She rose from her seat, looking at Victoria with contempt. As she left, her gaze met Victoria’s, each of them silently asserting their dominance.
Isabella and Victoria locked eyes, with no words exchanged, as if they were already in a subtle competition.
As Isabella departed, Victoria turned her attention back to Nick, still smiling. “Mr. Andrews, would you like milk or coffee in the morning?”
It was as if the earlier episode with Isabella Montgomery had never occurred. The thought of his marriage, or a lack of subtlety, seemed far from her mind.
“Coffee,” Nick replied, leaning back slightly, his arms naturally crossed in front of him.
“Mr. Andrews, don’t you have stomach issues? It’s best not to drink coffee on an empty stomach,” Victoria advised. She ordered two hot coffees and then told the waitress, “Please inform Belle that it’s the same as before.”
Nick raised an eyebrow, inquiring, “You seem to know the chef here quite well?”
Victoria’s cheeks reddened slightly, likely due to the fever, which cast heavy shadows before her eyes. She replied, “Belle’s presentation is very artistic, and I thought Mr. Andrews might appreciate it.”
Nick realized that Victoria wanted to treat him to dinner but also intended to gauge his preferred cuisine to match his design style. Business seemed to be woven into every interaction.
A subtle unease settled in Nick’s heart. He asked, “What does your husband do for a living?”
Victoria was taken aback and gazed at him, her eyes shimmering with moisture, making her look exceptionally alluring.Text © by N0ve/lDrama.Org.
Nick’s gaze deepened, and he remarked, “A good man wouldn’t let his wife work so hard.”
Victoria’s lips curled at his unexpected mention of her marriage, and she took a sip of water to mask her physical discomfort. The question about her husband left her uncertain about how to respond.