Swapping a Broken Heart for a New Start novel Chapter 1217

Everyone looked up in surprise when Iris walked in.

Harden stared at her. “What are you doing here?”

Abbott, who had just been chatting with Audrey Williams earlier, jumped in. “Iris messaged me a bit ago, so I mentioned where we were.”

Harden had no words for that. Just when he thought they could enjoy a quiet meal, Iris had to show up.

Iris seemed completely oblivious to the tension in the room. She made her way to the table, smiling sweetly at Audrey. “Sorry for dropping in all of a sudden. I hope you don’t mind, Ms. Williams?”

Audrey could see right through Iris’s little games and wasn’t about to fall for something so obvious.

She just smiled back, gentle as ever. “Not at all. I just didn’t realize you were so close with everyone. Your leg’s not even healed yet and you’re already out and about. If you’re not careful, you might make it worse and end up back in the hospital.”

Everyone could hear the genuine concern in her voice.

Iris smiled, brushing it off. “Thanks for worrying about me, Audrey, but it’s really fine. The doctor said as long as I don’t fall again, I’ll be okay.”

Since Iris seemed so sure, Audrey let it go.

Abbott was extra friendly, standing up to help Iris into a seat. “There’s a spot right here, Iris. Come sit.”

“Thank you,” Iris replied with perfect politeness.

She wasn’t here for the food. Truth was, she’d heard Walter Wilson was around, and that Audrey was with him. That’s what really brought her here.

She glanced around the room, acting casual, then asked, “Where’s Walter? He’s not here yet?”

Audrey had seen right through her, but didn’t call her out. She just stayed quiet.

Iris turned to Harden, waiting for an answer.

Harden had no choice. “Walter’s got a client nearby. He’ll come by after he’s done to pick up Audrey.”

Iris felt a little sting at that. All these years, everyone at the table had been Walter’s close friends. Now, when they finally got together, Walter was just coming to pick up Audrey?

She didn’t let it show. Keeping her smile in place, she turned to Audrey. “Didn’t you mention you were talking business with The Wilson Group? How’s it going? Did everything work out? Need any help? Walter can be pretty tough when it comes to business.”

Audrey nodded. “It is, but I still think the fish at that place in Cabinda was more tender. Walter loved that restaurant. He had such a big appetite that day, finished every last bite. We even promised to go back together next time. If you ever make it out to Cabinda, Iris, you should definitely try it for yourself.”

“Sure…” Iris managed to keep her face pleasant, but under the table, her hand gripped her chopsticks so tight her knuckles turned white.

She got the message loud and clear. Walter had gone out to eat with Audrey in Cabinda. He’d invited her out again. Audrey was just letting her know how close they were.

Iris swallowed her jealousy and forced out a friendly question. “Come to think of it, I never asked how you and Walter met, Ms. Williams.”

Audrey didn’t hesitate. She smiled and said, “The first time we met, I was feeling really sick. I almost passed out. Walter happened to be there and saved me. After that, we stayed in touch and got to know each other.”

“So he’s your lifesaver?”

Audrey laughed. “Exactly. He made it seem like it was nothing, but for me, it meant a lot. I told myself, no matter what, I have to repay him.”

At that, Harden piped up, teasing, “So how are you going to do that? Don’t tell me you’re so grateful you’ll have to marry him.”

Instead of getting flustered, Audrey just grinned and gave him a thumbs-up. She didn’t say a word, but her answer was clear as day.