Chapter 804
Chapter 804:
Calm, Ashton simply nodded and withdrew his hand.
Hawthorne shifted his gaze to Abrial, replacing his arrogance with a polite smile. “Hello, Miss Abrial Carter. Lucretia spoke of you often before we became a couple. We’ve just returned from overseas today, and what a surprise to run into you here. I’m pleased to meet you.”
The underlying challenge in Hawthorne’s greeting was not lost on Abrial. Her expression darkened as she responded coldly, “I’m not interested in who you are. I’d prefer it if you’d disappear and stay out of my sight.”
Hawthorne encountered an uncomfortable moment but maintained his smile. “Come now, Miss Carter. I understand you might feel bitter about Lucretia moving on with me, but it’s all for the best. You two had no lasting future. Now, you both have partners who support you. Lucretia is with me, and you have a new companion. Everyone wins! And since it’s time for dinner, perhaps you haven’t eaten? I’ve booked a table and would like to invite you both as a thank you for the care you’ve shown Lucretia. Would you join us?”
Fury boiled within Abrial, worsened by Lucretia’s betrayal and her flaunting it in front of her, not to mention Hawthorne’s bold behavior.
Her anger reaching a peak, Abrial lifted her hand, poised to strike.
Ashton intercepted her hand in the nick of time, his grin mischievous. “Let’s not lower ourselves, Abrial. He’s trying to be kind; we shouldn’t respond with rudeness.”
With that, Ashton wore an eager expression and turned to Hawthorne, asking, “We haven’t had dinner yet, and since you’re offering so generously, Mr. Miller, we’ll happily accept your invitation without any formalities.”
Lucretia’s thoughts mirrored Abrial’s; she believed Hawthorne was simply provoking Abrial. Yet Ashton, this appealing young man at Abrial’s side, seemed completely unaware of the situation and genuinely thought Hawthorne was offering a sincere dinner invitation.
With a mocking laugh, Lucretia sneered, “I never thought I’d see you in such a pathetic state, Abrial. To think you’ve chosen such a fool as your boyfriend. Then again, it makes sense; a naive young man like him is the easiest to deceive. Hawthorne was just being courteous. Despite your apparent lack of social graces, we’re known for our hospitality, so we don’t mind showing you what real luxury is like. If you’re up for it, just tag along.”
𝙇ⲁ𝓉𝖊𝓼𝓉 с𝖍ⲁρ𝓉𝗲𝓇𝓈 𝖌𝖆𝗅𝗇𝗈𝖛𝖊𝗅𝘀﹒ⅽ𝗼𝗺
With that declaration, Lucretia linked arms with Hawthorne and confidently walked out of the café.
Abrial was confused by Ashton’s acceptance of such a blatantly degrading invitation. Her expression soured, and she firmly stayed put, clearly unwilling to follow Lucretia and Hawthorne. Noticing her hesitation, Ashton quickly called out to Lucretia and Hawthorne, “Hold on a moment, please. I’ll try to convince Abrial to join you.”
He then pulled Abrial aside and whispered, “Aren’t you really upset with that gold digger who betrayed you? I plan to turn the tables on them later. I’ve already discreetly reached out to Leonardo. Just go along with it for now and follow them, alright?”
Abrial’s brow furrowed as she whispered back, “We might have some connection with Leonardo, but remember, Hawthorne is his son. If we push Leonardo too far, he’ll side with his son. The Miller family is one of the top three in town, so we must be careful not to upset them. It wouldn’t be wise to provoke them, not just for your sake but for the company’s too.”
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