Steven's handsome face remained calm. He said nothing, but his dark, terrifying eyes, like pools of ink, were locked on me, fixed on my hand intertwined with Horace's. The corner of his mouth curled into a colder, more mocking arc.
Worried I was upset, Horace wanted to kick Steven out, but Mrs. Spencer stopped him. There was no need to make an enemy, especially since Steven was Hugh's guest.
Besides, Steven had barely said a word the entire time. He was composed and graceful, even after his ex-wife had become someone else's girlfriend right in front of him. He maintained his dignity and composure perfectly in front of his business partner. To throw him out now would seem excessive and classless.
I had no idea what was going through Steven's mind, but he didn't leave either. We all ate in silence. The food was excellent, but the tension made it hard to swallow.
After the painfully awkward meal, Hugh couldn't wait to leave. He hastily said his goodbyes to Horace and left with Steven to discuss their business deal.
This time, they spoke in French, which I didn't understand, but I could see Hugh gesturing animatedly while Steven remained impassive.
As his assistant, Rachel had to go too. Before she left, she patted my shoulder firmly. “Just you watch, I'm going to deal with Steven. After how devoted you were to him, he dares to slander you? I'm so mad! I'll sabotage this deal to get back at him for you, you'll see!”
There was no way Steven's deal could be sabotaged. I shook my head. “Don't worry about me. Just focus on your work. If you can squeeze some extra money out of him for me, I'll be grateful enough.”
She grinned and tossed her long hair. “Alright, I'll see what I can do. You and Horace... talk things out.”
After Rachel left, Mrs. Spencer departed as well. I stayed with Horace for a little while longer before deciding to leave too.
After today's drama, I doubted Steven would give me that jade chess set. I still had so many gifts to buy for people, and my apprenticeship was starting soon. I needed to get things done, or I'd run out of time.
I decided I'd have Ryan take me to the materials market today.
Horace's eyes were fixed on me. He held my hand, his thin lips pressed together in a line of anxiety.
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