“What’s wrong?” Charles asked.
Sophia shook her head. “Nothing, I’m just looking around.”
Perhaps the pregnancy was making her overly sensitive.
“Go ahead and order first, I need to use the restroom,” Charles said as he stood up. Hesitation briefly flashed in his eyes but he did not say anything and left the table.
The instant he left, the feeling that someone was watching her resurfaced.
She glanced around but just as before, everyone was enjoying their meals and nobody was looking her way. However, the feeling did not disappear, but like a shadow, it cloaked over her completely as if it was an invisible net.
Sophia could not help but feel anxious, and so she reached for her phone and held it tightly in her hands. If anything happened, she would be able to give Charles a call right away.
Still, apart from feeling someone’s gaze on her, nothing else unusual happened.
“What coincidence seeing you here, Ms. White.”
A woman’s voice sounded and Sophia instantly stiffened. She slowly turned around.
It was Audrey.
“Do you mind if I take a seat?” Before Sophia could respond, Audrey simply sat down across her. “Ms. White, you have quite a getup going on, I almost didn’t recognize you.”
Sophia frowned. “Did you already notice me when I entered the restaurant?”
“Not exactly, I didn’t see you at first. It was my fiancé who noticed you.” There was a sneering look on her face. “After all, you’re the woman he constantly thinks about. Let’s not even talk about wearing a cap or shades to cover your face, he would still recognize you even when you turn to ashes.”
Judging from what Audrey was telling her, it made sense to assume that William was the one staring at her the entire time just now.
However, Sophia still felt that something was wrong.
It was just a gut instinct that told her William and Audrey were not the ones sizing her up.
“We just started talking and you’re already distracted. Is this how little you think of me, Ms. White, or are you doing it on purpose?” Audrey asked tentatively.
Sophia adjusted her thoughts and responded casually, “You don’t have to beat around the bush. What do you want?”
“Alright, since you asked, I’ll go straight to the point then! I’m sure you’re aware of the Jones family purchasing 25% of White Industries’ shares, right?”
Sophia nodded curtly. “So?”
What did this have to do with Audrey?
“Leah and the others are planning to sell those shares in another six days and expose whatever dirty secrets they still have of the White family so that White Industries will suffer a huge loss. I think you should talk to Mr. Harris about this and let him try to help the White family, do you understand me?”
Audrey did not bother to disguise the disgust on her face when she looked at Sophia.
Sophia looked into her eyes as well. “Why are you telling me all these?”
“If it’s not for the fact that William is scared to see you, do you think I’ll actually come and talk to you?” Audrey replied impatiently as she got up from her seat. “Anyway, just remember to tell Mr. Harris about this! I’m leaving now!”
“Wait a minute,” Sophia called out to her as she stood up as well.
Audrey looked back, clearly irritated. “What is it?”
“This is a mutually beneficial matter, you don’t have to use such a condescending tone and act like you’re doing charity work?” Sophia said.
“Alright, let’s say Leah’s plan succeeds. If Master Harris passes away, William won’t even have a quarter chance to inherit Jones Group,” Sophia continued.
She was certain that she would never make peace with Leah in this lifetime, but Audrey did not think the same. She thought that Sophia would be willing to let go of their ugly past to reap more benefits.
Audrey’s expression changed but she kept quiet.
“I think you should make a decision soon, Charles might be coming back anytime now and I don’t think he’s as friendly as I am,” Sophia suggested.
Audrey clenched her fists and replied through gritted teeth, “You better not slip up with this! What are your conditions?”
“I’m not asking much. Just tell me everything about Jones Group and what they’re doing for the next few days,” Sophia said.
Charles was already walking toward them.
“... Okay!” Audrey forced herself to respond, and with a snort, she turned on her heels and stomped away.
Charles came back to the table and draped his suit jacket over the chair. “What was Audrey doing over here?”
Sophia quickly told him everything that just happened.
“I see you’re getting better in setting up traps now,” Charles chuckled as he gently patted her head.
He was rarely physical with her in public settings so Sophia felt slightly embarrassed. She moved away from his touch with a weird look on her face. “I learned it from you.”
“Is this what they mean by a wife sings her husband’s tune?” Charles rolled up his sleeves and revealed his beautifully sculpted forearms. “Though, I haven’t heard you call me Hubby yet. Why don’t you try it now?”
He leaned forward slightly and lifted her chin with his finger.
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Atrophy of Love: Mr. Harris, Stop Fooling Around!