Dear Ex-wife, Marry Me novel Chapter 21

Maja sipped her lemonade, barely hiding her surprise at the news. She quickly realized she couldn't let herself be caught off guard. She casually wiped the corner of her mouth with a napkin in hand.

"Got it. And then?"

Her lack of interest in Ian's marriage caught his attention. Intrigued by her response, he raised his eyes slightly from across the table.

Sandy had exhausted all her efforts, but it felt like hitting a brick wall. And then? What more was there to say? Wasn't her hint obvious enough? This woman was skilled at maintaining her composure. Should Sandy describe her as a patient, or has she already won Ian's favor and become arrogant?

Sandy felt annoyed but couldn't let her impatience show and risk losing her advantage. She looked at Ian, her face returning to its previous gentleness.

"Ian, you haven't been back for three years. You might not know that this restaurant has changed chefs. The current one is from New Zealand. There's a dish that should be right up your alley."

She took the initiative to pick up the menu as if she owned the place.

Ian remained calm, his expression unchanged. He appeared indifferent and didn't refuse or respond to Sandy's suggestion.

Some people may seem aloof but are actually wise. Dealing with such individuals is challenging. Is helping a client fend off suitors’ part of her job description?

With these thoughts in mind, Maja smiled faintly, "Bel's specialty isn't listed on the menu, and since I'm treating Mr. Raymond to lunch today, if you also want to treat Mr. Raymond, you can choose another time."

Her words were direct, making it difficult for someone like Sandy with thick skin to persist.

As Sandy got up, she looked at Maja's smiling face. The two women locked eyes. No words are needed. It was as if a silent contest had already taken place.

Sandy tightly gripped her bag, almost damaging the crocodile's skin. An ordinary interior designer was daring to be so arrogant—she mentally made a note of this person.

"I was presumptuous just now. Ian, let's catch up some other time when you're free."

Ian raised an eyebrow. Sandy used to be difficult to shake off, but today she left so quickly. His lips curved slightly as he responded calmly.

After Sandy left, Maja raised her eyes, a smile still lingering in them. "Mr. Raymond, do you prefer milk or coffee in the morning?" It was as if the previous incident hadn't happened. Was it that she genuinely didn't care, or didn't she mind his marital status?

"Coffee."

Ian leaned back slightly, his hands naturally crossed in front of him.

"Do you have any stomach issues, Mr. Raymond? It's not advisable to drink coffee on an empty stomach."

Maja mentioned this casually. After ordering two cups of hot coffee, she looked up and called the waiter, "Excuse me, could you inform Bel that we'd like the usual?"

The waiter turned to relay the message to the chef, a bit perplexed, but he did the task as instructed.

Ian observed this scene, raising an eyebrow slightly. "Are you acquainted with the chef here?"

Maja felt her cheeks grow slightly warm, perhaps from a slight fever. Her vision started to blur. "Bel's specialty dishes have an artistic touch to them. I believe Mr. Raymond will appreciate them."

Ian understood her intentions immediately—she genuinely wanted to invite him for a meal but also aimed to discern his tastes to better understand his preferences. Business opportunities indeed were everywhere. He felt a hint of displeasure.

"Ms. Penny, you're working so diligently. What does your husband do?"

Maja was caught off guard by the question. She looked up at Ian, finding him particularly alluring.

Ian's gaze deepened. "A good man wouldn't let his wife work so hard."

She hadn't anticipated Ian bringing up her marriage. Maja's lips tightened, and she took a sip of water to suppress her discomfort. How should she respond?