Swapping a Broken Heart for a New Start novel Chapter 1231

Harden looked around at the group and said, “Walter has to work tonight, so he’s not coming. Guess it’s just us celebrating.”

“Wow, he really is busy these days. He always used to come out with us,” someone said with a sigh.

Everyone understood, though. Walter was on a different level. The Wilson Group was in a league of its own, and as the only heir, Walter had way more on his plate than any of them.

“Alright, then, let’s make the most of it. Drinks are on me tonight. Nobody’s leaving sober, okay?”

People cheered, laughter bubbling up as the first bottles were opened. But Iris wasn’t in the mood to party. She tugged Harden aside, still not ready to give up. “What about tomorrow? Is Walter joining us for Christmas? You asked him, right? What did he say?”

Harden glanced at her, his tone easy. “He said he’s spending Christmas with his parents this year.” He didn’t bother saying anything more, never even bringing up Audrey Williams’s name.

But Iris didn’t buy it. She thought she’d heard something on the phone about “meeting the parents.” Had she misunderstood? What kind of relationship did it take to meet Walter’s parents? Who could it be?

Her nerves were shot, but Harden clearly wasn’t going to tell her anything else. He took the drink someone handed him and turned back to the group. “Let’s just have fun tonight. We can meet up with Walter some other time.”

“Sounds good!”

“Merry Christmas Eve! Cheers!”

The party picked up, everyone laughing and joking around. Iris followed along, but her mind kept circling back to Walter Wilson. Since Harden was closest to him, she tried again. “Do you know what Walter’s been so busy with lately? Every time I call, he’s tied up. I heard he’s working with Ms. Williams. Is that what’s taking up all his time?”

Harden took a long sip of his drink and rolled his eyes. “How would I know? I’m not part of The Wilson Group. And if it’s not public, it’s probably some kind of secret project. If Walter hasn’t mentioned it, maybe just let it go. He doesn’t like people poking around in his business.”

That was a lie. Harden knew exactly what was happening, but he saw no reason to clue Iris in. He knew how she felt about Walter, but even though they’d all been friends for years, his loyalty was with Walter, no question.

Iris was getting frustrated. Harden wasn’t giving her anything. She was almost fuming.

Just in case Audrey felt awkward, Iris added, “We do this every year. No need to be shy. Spending the holiday alone would just be sad, right?”

Audrey read the message, a little smirk on her lips. Walter had just told them he wasn’t joining the celebration, and now Iris was inviting her out of the blue. What was she trying to figure out?

Audrey didn’t bother calling her out. She just replied, “I’m working tonight, so I can’t make it, but thanks for inviting me. As for tomorrow, I already have plans.”

Iris saw the reply and got even more anxious. She quickly messaged back, “Are you spending it with family?”

Audrey answered, “No.”

She left it at that, not saying another word.