Chapter 408
Chapter 408:
“Would you like a drink, Mrs. Ramirez?” Stephen approached with a glass. “Sometimes, when a problem can’t be solved right away, stepping back may reveal a different way forward.”
“Is there really another way?” Leonie shook her head, letting out a rueful laugh.
Wendy exchanged a glance with Stephen, who nodded and reached for Leonie’s hand.
Leonie recoiled, startled, as if shocked, but Stephen’s gaze was magnetic. That one look softened her, and before she knew it, her hand was in his once more.
“Let me escort you outside for some fresh air,” Stephen offered.
“Alright.”
As she watched them leave, Wendy cast a quick glance toward Nina.
What a scene, indeed.
She was fully aware that she didn’t yet have the power to join the battle, but this was just a matter of time. Soon enough, she would not only be part of it but also hold sway over everyone involved.
Kenneth’s arrival charged the air, heightening the tension. Nina appeared to be sipping her coffee, yet her eyes discreetly followed Kenneth, intrigued by how he planned to charm Janice.
Kenneth, for his part, stayed composed. He first brewed coffee for his mother, handling the task with meticulous care.
This scene gave Janice some insight into why Lesly had developed her distinct personality. It seemed she was pampered by her family, shielded from the cutthroat social maneuvers often necessary in high society circles. In such environments, where scheming was a requisite skill, Lesly’s lack of experience had relegated her to the margins, where she avoided conflicts.
“Janice, have some coffee,” Kenneth said, extending a cup with a disarmingly warm smile.
But Nina was visibly irked. She cleared her throat and shot Kenneth a sharp look. “Kenneth, isn’t this inappropriate?”
Kenneth turned to Nina, puzzled. “Mrs. Green, what do you mean?”
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“Shouldn’t you give me the coffee first?”
Kenneth glanced innocently at the coffee in Nina’s hand. “I thought you were already set with your coffee and might not need another from me. But if you’d like, I can certainly give you this one.”
“Ahem!” Nina coughed awkwardly, placing her cup down and averting her eyes to mask her embarrassment. She hadn’t anticipated Kenneth noticing her using her coffee as a pretext to watch him. Yet, she felt compelled to maintain her dignity.
Recomposing herself with poised elegance, Nina replied coolly, “That would be acceptable.”
“Then please, have this one,” Kenneth said, offering the freshly made coffee to Nina.
Graciously, Nina accepted the drink and was about to sip when Kenneth offered another to Janice.
“I prefer the one in your hand,” Nina quickly said, setting down her original cup and taking the one meant for Janice instead.
Janice’s hand paused mid-air, a flicker of frustration crossing her face. She was quite parched after sitting and chatting for so long.
“Mrs. Green, I can make more.” Kenneth remained composed and unruffled, maintaining his friendly demeanor throughout. His attitude was one of calm persistence, regardless of the provocation.
This left Nina feeling frustrated. She had hoped Kenneth would react angrily, giving her a reason to criticize him. However, his unflappable good nature left her at a loss as to how to proceed.
Kenneth refilled Nina’s cup, inviting her to drink with a polite gesture.
.
.
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