Hold My Tear, I’m Getting My Wife Back (Leanne Castillo) novel Chapter 542

In the evening, Joy slipped into a sleek black off-the-shoulder gown, reluctantly linking arms with Austin to be his date for the night.

Austin, not one to fuss over his appearance, usually sported a laid-back look with his shirt casually unbuttoned at the top. But tonight, he was all buttoned up and donned a tie, oozing a charm that was hard to ignore.

Upon their arrival at the cocktail party, Joy's gaze wandered, taking in the scene. She noticed that, although there were many stunning dates present, quite a few men were stag, without a female companion in sight.

Baffled, she leaned in and whispered, "Isn't it mandatory to bring a date? How come these guys didn't bring one?"

Austin whispered back, "I never said it was mandatory."

A wave of irritation washed over Joy as she glared at him. "If it's not mandatory, then why did you make me come with you?"

"Just because it's not a must, doesn't mean I can't bring a date," Austin retorted with a mock seriousness. "I'd feel less of myself seeing others with dates and me without one."

Joy was at a loss for words, managing only to mutter, "That’s vain."

"What was that?" Austin inquired.

With a forced smile, Joy replied, "I said that’s sane."

The business cocktail party was, as the name suggested, all about networking.

Joy, ever so sociable, could strike up a conversation with anyone and charm her way through the evening effortlessly.

Her ability to chat up a storm meant Austin barely needed to say a word; she had the entire event under her spell.

Thirsty from all the talking, Joy was about to grab a drink when suddenly, a glass appeared in her hand. She turned to Austin, who seemed to enjoy playing the role of a silent benefactor, giving her a nod to carry on.

Soon, a small crowd of women had gathered around her, discussing the culinary delights.

"You all should skip this one," Joy advised as she hoarded the mini tacos with tuna topping for herself, claiming they were too delicious to share.

Austin couldn't help but laugh, "She's quite something."

"Is she?" Frank pondered, looking from Joy back to Austin. "Heard your last blind date was a bust. I mean, you're not bad-looking, so why can't you catch a break? Maybe you should consider your employee here. She's pretty and seems interesting."

Austin took a sip of his drink, "Not interested."

Joy didn't attend the party for nothing; she indulged in the feast and left with a satisfied belly.

As for Austin, he showed a gentlemanly side, perhaps because Joy was there as his date, not as a subordinate, making the treatment a tad more special.