Chapter 120 Chatting Enthusiastically!
The atmosphere in the car shifted as Athena, eager to ease the tension, suggested, “Why… Why don’t you come with us to downtown for dinner first? I haven’t had dinner yet. If you don’t mind, let me treat you to dinner to thank you for helping me!”
Rose’s eyes lit up at the offer. “That’s good!” she said, then turned to Byron with a mischievous glint. “Mr. Crawford, can I come with you?”
Byron, his face set in its usual stoic expression, nodded. “Sure.”
The car ride was filled with an unusual dynamic. Jaxson, who seemed to be starving, squeezed into the front passenger seat, while Athena and Rose sat in the back, effortlessly chatting. The conversation flowed smoothly, changing topics faster than anyone could keep track. They spoke of everything from the project in Salin City to jewelry, and even infrastructure developments.
“Are you in charge of the project?” Rose asked, intrigued by the breadth of Athena’s knowledge.
“I’m just responsible for the framework of the project,” Athena replied, brushing off the compliment. “The specifics are a team effort.”
Rose nodded thoughtfully, impressed. Athena hadn’t realized it yet, but the more they talked, the more Athena saw that Rose seemed to know everything about every subject they discussed. From the nuances of jewelry design to the technicalities of large-scale infrastructure projects, Rose was well-versed in it all.
“Mr. Crawford, your secretary is very excellent!” Rose commented, her eyes flicking toward Byron. “It’s a waste for her to stay by your side. How about letting her work for me? I need such a beauty…” She paused, quickly correcting herself, “I need such a smart assistant by my side!”
Byron’s response was cool but laced with a hint of pride. “Madam Stella, to be honest, Mr. Maxwell from Maxwell Electronics also asked for Athena before. I rejected him. If I consent to your request, I will offend him.”
Rose raised an eyebrow. “Brad, that old-fashioned man?” She scoffed, “His assistants are all men to avoid making his wife jealous. Did he really ask for Athena to work for him?”
Byron shrugged, not letting the conversation get under his skin. But Athena, feeling uncomfortable with the direction of their discussion, fidgeted in her seat. Why was Byron always blocking her from making money? It was starting to grate on her nerves.
Rose didn’t press further on the topic. Athena wasn’t Byron’s to control, and if Athena wanted to work with her, she would. Instead, she shifted gears, focusing on Athena.
“Your wrist is so delicate!” Rose exclaimed, taking Athena’s hand and admiring it with genuine appreciation. “How beautiful would it be if you wore a gemstone bracelet? It would suit you perfectly!”
Athena blushed under the praise, a bit shy but grateful for the compliment. She looked down at her wrist, the softness of the moment almost making her forget the tension that had been building between herself and Byron.
By the way, Miss Newton,” Rose continued, her curiosity piqued, “Where are you from?”” Greeli City,” Athena replied, a slight sense of nostalgia in her voice as she remembered her hometown. “Greeli City?” Rose seemed surprised. “It is a land of abundance…”” Yes. Have you been there?” Athena asked, intrigued by Rose’s words. Rose shook her head. “Not yet, but I’m planning it. I have an old friend buried there.” Her cheerful demeanor shifted, and for the first time, Athena saw a hint of sadness in Rose’s eyes. “I’m planning to visit.” Athena’s expression softened in sympathy. “I’m sorry…” Rose smiled warmly, her mood shifting back to her usual upbeat self. “Silly girl, what are you sorry for? You didn’t kill him!” Athena blinked, stunned by the sudden shift in Rose’s words. The bluntness of her remark left Athena speechless for a moment. Rose quickly moved on, seemingly unfazed, but Athena couldn’t shake the strange feeling that had settled in her chest. The car continued its journey to the city, and soon they arrived at a well-known Chinese restaurant. As they stepped out of the car, Rose took Athena’s hand in hers, not letting go as they walked into the restaurant together. Jaxson followed behind, muttering something under his breath. Byron, who had been unusually quiet throughout the entire ride, followed them as well. Athena, now standing next to Rose, couldn’t help but notice how their heights differed. Rose was shorter, but Athena instinctively leaned a little closer to her as they walked, listening intently to Rose’s conversation. It was as though she was drawn to Rose’s energy, her confidence, and the mystery that surrounded her. Byron, walking a few steps behind, found his gaze lingering on the two women. As he watched Athena lean toward Rose, he felt a flash of something unfamiliar. Was it jealousy? Or was it something else entirely? He couldn’t place it. A thought echoed in his mind—” I’m pretty with a sexy body and a good personality. Isn’t it normal to attract people?” The words Athena had said earlier that day resurfaced in his mind, making him question everything for a moment. But as they entered the restaurant, the tension lingered, though no one spoke of it. The evening was just beginning, but Athena could already feel the weight of what was to come. Would her connection with Rose continue to deepen? And what was really going on with Byron and his motives?