Tanya looked at the message and was silent for a moment.
She seemed to no longer recognize those words.
In her memory, whether before or after their marriage, Vincent almost never took the initiative to ask her out. Every date was planned by her, carefully coordinating with his schedule.
If it were before, receiving such a message would have made her overly happy. She would have eagerly prepared to meet up and perhaps felt sweetly content for days.
But now, she was tired and didn’t want to have dinner with him anymore.
Tanya was about to reply saying she had plans with Serena at noon, but Vincent’s call came in directly.
She was typing and accidentally answered it too quickly.
"Tanya." Vincent’s familiar, gentle voice reached her ears.
She picked up immediately, still waiting for his call after all.
Vincent was in his office at the time, his expression relaxed considerably. Before Tanya could speak, he said, "I’ve already booked a restaurant. The place is quite nice."
"Tanya, let’s meet downstairs in ten minutes."
Vincent finished speaking and then hung up.
She looked at the ended call and pressed her temples with her hand.
Forget it, he’s already ordered the three-billion-worth equipment. Just treat this meal as one with a client.
Meanwhile, in the general manager’s office.
Rhys Lucas was sitting on the sofa in front of Vincent Hawthorne. He came to discuss some business and, incidentally, share what he had found out.
About the second young master of the Pierce Family, who was willing to spend three billion three hundred million for Tanya last night.
It turns out that The Dissonance managed to establish itself in Aris and rise rapidly, attracting the entire upper society, simply because its owner is from the Pierce Family!
Which member of the Pierce Family is not clear, but the over three billion spent by Second Young Master Pierce last night, seemingly to support Tanya, was just money moving from one hand to the other.
Maybe last night, it was just Second Young Master Pierce creating a scene for entertainment and some hype.
Vincent realized his suspicions about Tanya the previous night were a bit excessive after hearing this, prompting him to invite her to lunch today. Chapters first released on NoveI(F)ire.net
Rhys Lucas leaned back on the sofa, observing Vincent hang up the phone, having noticed Tanya immediately answering the call.
He laughed with unclear meaning, "Tanya has really changed after waking up this time."
Vincent looked up at him.
Rhys Lucas stood up, casually extinguishing a half-smoked cigarette in the ashtray, curling his lips with a faint smile full of mockery.
"She used to be like an adhesive plaster, couldn’t shake her off. Now she’s learning how to entice by retreating. But unfortunately," Rhys Lucas mocked, "she can’t even pretend well. You called, and her eagerness was immediately revealed."
The words were unpleasant, but Vincent was used to it and didn’t argue.
After all, Rhys always looked down on Tanya, and it wasn’t just for a day or two.
Vincent thought of Tanya’s odd behavior lately and suddenly became insightful, feeling Rhys had a point.
Since last night, the block of frustration in his chest had dissipated significantly.
It seemed Tanya’s recent strangeness, including her coldness toward him, was merely a new tactic to draw his attention.
Vincent narrowed his eyes slightly, a hint of savor in them.
This current version of Tanya, with a bit of temper and like a thorny rose, indeed was more interesting than before...
As long as Tanya didn’t go too far, he was somewhat interested in continuing this little game with her.
Tanya went downstairs and waited at the company entrance for a while before Vincent’s car arrived.
He didn’t have his driver, and Tanya hesitated for two seconds before getting into the front seat.
Sitting in the back would be impolite, like treating him as a chauffeur.
"Is the project going smoothly?" Vincent asked while driving.
"It’s going well." Tanya replied indifferently, "I’ve called Westgard Pharmaceuticals and arranged a meeting on Saturday morning. I’ll take the proposal and discuss the cooperation with President Pierce."
Vincent glanced at Tanya’s somewhat pale face. Her complexion was fair, she wasn’t wearing makeup today, and her dark circles were prominent, a result of staying up for work these days.
For his sake, nonetheless.
At the red light, Vincent’s car stopped behind the zebra crossing. He freed a hand to try to hold Tanya’s hand resting on her thigh, but she pulled away indifferently.
Her sleeve rolled up slightly, exposing the bruised circle on her wrist from last night.
Vincent’s gaze darkened a bit, and he asked in a low voice, "Does it still hurt?"
Tanya lowered her eyes, pulled down her sleeve to cover the marks.
Vincent’s actions last night were just a step away from domestic violence.
If it weren’t for the two children and the timing, she would have definitely reported it to the police!
Tanya turned to look out the window, lowering it a bit to let the wind blow in.
She closed her eyes gently against the wind.
The chill penetrated her skin, reaching deep into her heart.
Tanya gently stroked her wrist through her clothes, where it still faintly ached.
Her heart grew colder.
Twenty minutes later, the car arrived at an elegant and tranquil Suthern restaurant.
The manager warmly welcomed them.
"Mr. Hawthorne, your usual spot has been reserved," his gaze landed on Tanya getting out of the car, his familiar smile pausing for half a second before returning to normal, "This lady is?"
"My wife," Vincent introduced.
The manager piled on the compliments, "Mrs. Hawthorne is truly beautiful, a perfect match with Mr. Hawthorne."
Tanya gave a perfunctory smile.
Midway, Vincent took a work call, leaving the manager to escort Tanya to her seat.
Under the manager’s guidance, Tanya reached a spot by the terrace and floor-to-ceiling window on the second floor, overlooking a sea of bamboo and flowers.
A seat for two, clearly the perfect spot for a romantic rendezvous.
Tanya stopped the departing manager, "Does Mr. Hawthorne often come here for meals?"
"Yes, he frequents it over the past two years. This spot is specifically reserved for Mr. Hawthorne," the manager answered with a smiling face.
Tanya regarded the napkins folded into roses on the table corner, and asked with a half-smile, "And who does Mr. Hawthorne come with?"
"..." The manager’s smile slightly stiffened, pondering how to respond.
At that moment, a waitress walked over from behind, impatient to show off, she said, "Ms. Lynn, you’ve finally arrived. I found the earring you lost here last week!"