Chapter 19
Bonnie was in charge of distributing headphones for translation to us. She placed them politely on my desk with a smile.
Then there was Neil, who also got a nod and a smile. Neil, surprisingly, returned the smile and said, “Thanks.”
That signaled something special between Bonnie and him.
Bonnie gave Neil another look, with surprise in her eyes. Even the most loyal woman couldn’t deny Neil’s good looks. Bonnie was a young girl, blushing at his simple “thanks“. It got me thinking, was she deliberately ignoring Neil because she was afraid that she might fall for him?
The brief episode was soon over, and the meeting officially began. It was mainly about the joint development of Rosemont and Springvale, and the surrounding developments. Rosemont had been booming in recent years, with every market nearly saturated, so it needed to expand into new areas.
I wasn’t too familiar with these topics, so I spent most of my time lost in my own thoughts, apart from when I heard my dad, Neil, and Ryan discussing them. After the meeting, my dad found me. “Rena, what brought you here?”
“I was bored at home, so I came,” I replied. My dad knew I wasn’t a fan of business and politics, so he was surprised to see me in such a situation.
“Did you come with Neil?” My dad looked over at Neil, who was chatting casually with someone else. Despite his youth, he already stood out among the business moguls.
“Yeah,” I nodded.
“Well, that’s good. As his wife, you should attend some of these events to establish your position,” my dad said seriously.
Just then, Ryan came over. “Long time no see!”
“Ah, if it isn’t Mr. Whitmore, we haven’t seen each other in nearly half a year,” my dad shook his extended hand, and the two old men started chatting enthusiastically.
I took the opportunity to slip away and look for Bonnie. She should be collecting her wages and preparing to leave, right?
I searched all comers of the hall, finally spotting Bonnie at the back door. She had already collected her wages and was waiting for a taxi.
“Irene!” She called out happily when she saw me.
“Bonnie is this the place where you work as part–time?” I hurried over and naturally started chatting with her.
“Yes, it’s my last part–time job for the summer. I’m planning to celebrate with a big meal with Oscar later!” Bonnie eagerly invited me to join them.
Without hesitation, I agreed. “Sure, but I wouldn’t be intruding on your date, would I?”
Bonnie blushed. “What date? Just a meal together, you won’t be in the way.”
Guys must love girls who blush, right? She looked like a pure pink rose, delicate and adorable.
Since Bonnie didn’t mind, I joined her. Oscar was already waiting at the grill restaurant. He was surprised when he saw me with quickly standing up. “Irene, Bonnie.”
“I ran into Irene at work today and invited her to join us for a barbecue. I’m treating you today!” Bonnie and I were arm in arm, like good friends.
“Sorry, Oscar, for being the third wheel,” I chuckled.
Oscar quickly shook his head. “No, no, no, not at all. Please, have a seat!”
Bonnie and I sat on one side, with Oscar across from us. We ordered some food, and a grill was set up on the table with various ingredients..
When Bonnie found out I was also from Rosemont College, she was ecstatic and we chatted about many things related to Rosemont. Oscar grilled the meat for us, occasionally glancing at Bonnie tenderly, and at me with some complexity thoughts.
Just as we were enjoying our conversation, Bonnie’s phone buzzed. She casually picked it up, it was a text. I glanced over. It was from Neil. He took the initiative to contact her.
Seeing Neil’s message, Bonnie looked a bit nervous, surprised and confused. She didn’t reply, just put the phone back down.
“Bonnie, who was it?” Oscar asked with a smile.
“Oh, just a marketing message,” Bonnie mumbled, with her eyes on her grilled pork belly, sounding a bit guilty.
I gave Oscar a sympathetic look. Poor boy, who was still happily grilling meat and completely not aware the fact that another man was trying to get close to his girlfriend.
For some reason, I decided to give Oscar a hint. “I’m off to the restroom, I announced.
Once in the restroom, I texted Oscar. “Didn’t you like the Panamera? Why didn’t you take it the other day?
You left the key at the door. Luckily the Sterling Estates has top security equipment. Otherwise, the car might have been stolen.”
After freshening up, I returned to the table. Oscar didn’t dare to look at me, just kept grilling. I was acting like a wealthy woman trying to keep a handsome young man. Bonnie, on the other hand, started to get distracted. Neil, seeing she didn’t reply, called her directly.
She jumped, hurriedly rejecting the call, and quickly sent a text. I didn’t catch what she wrote.
Bonnie, you can just block those spam calls.” I suggested, pretending to be clueless.
“Uh–huh, I know,” Bonnie muttered, placing her phone screen–down on the table.
I don’t know what Bonnie replied, but Neil finally stopped bothering her. But this was only a temporary peace. Once Neil set his sights on something, he wouldn’t stop until he got it.
The barbecue was a mix of heavy emotions. After we finished, Oscar offered to drive Bonnie and me home. I declined, “Oscar, you just need to take Bonnie home. I’ll
take a cab.”
“All right, be safe, Irene,” Oscar looked at me awkwardly.
“Don’t sweat it.” I stopped a taxi and waited until Oscar and Bonnie hopped in another car. Then I called Bailey to pick me up.
About fifteen minutes later, Bailey showed up. Seeing his serious yet loyal face, I sighed, “Bailey, if only Neil could be at my service and arrive every time I call you.” Bailey’s expression shifted slightly. After a moment, he asked, “Madam, do you want me to get in touch with Mr. Whitmore right now?”
I rubbed my forehead, “Just focus on the road, and don’t talk.”
Bailey nodded and drove me directly to Sterling Estates. I was wondering that were my parents–in–law still at home. Did Neil go home yet?
