âYouâre being ridiculous,â the person continued. âThose assets belong to our family. How can an illegitimate daughter possibly covet them?â
Josie had grown tired of the ongoing disputes among wealthy families.
She said to Charles, âIâm not going back because of all the constant bickering. Itâs exhausting and draining. I have no desire to live the high society life either. Could you please pass a message to the Olsen family for me? I have no plans of returning, so they need not worry. They should focus on their health.â
After much hesitation, Charles finally nodded in agreement. He glanced back at the waiter standing behind him.
The waiter grew impatient under Malloryâs intense gaze. With a lift of his head, he gave her a warning look, as if to say that if she kept staring, he would harm her.
Mallory was shocked, and her hand holding the fork trembled involuntarily. In that moment, it seemed as if she had figured out who this person was.
Malloryâs eyes widened, turning slightly bloodshot.
Meanwhile, as the conversation became lively, Charles informed Josie, âThat restaurant is owned by my friend. The taste is very authentic. You can try it out sometime in the future.â
Upon hearing this, Mallory glanced at the nearby waiter and spoke teasingly, âMr. Zimmerman, isnât this wrong? Sacrificing your own friends for the sake of the Olsen family?â
This remark was harsh, and Josie tugged at Malloryâs clothes in response.
Charlesâ face turned somewhat awkward.
Josie quickly smoothed things over. âIâll definitely visit more often in the future, although I might not be in Wavery as frequently.â
This remark made all three people look up simultaneously.
âWhat do you mean?â
The waiter setting the table had a fiery gaze.
âI found a job in Rivodia, and I might settle down there.â
âSettle down?â Mallory choked on her food, raising her hand resolutely. âWaiter, bring me a glass of water, quickly!â
After she finished speaking, the waiter, who was always ready, made no move.
The atmosphere quickly became tense.
Mallory impatiently lifted her head, meeting the waiterâs gaze. His eyes, seemingly capable of speech, seemed to ask her if she really wanted the water.
She gasped, swiftly retracting her hand and hanging her head again. âI donât need it anymore!â
Josie watched in bewilderment, a thought suddenly popping into her mind. Even Mallory canât order them around. This restaurantâs waitstaff truly has an attitude to contend with.
In the end, Mallory couldnât withstand the intense gazes and left for the restroom.
When she returned, Josie checked the time and saw that it was getting late. She then bid farewell to Charles and left.
When they called over the waiter to settle the bill, the waiter responded with a puzzled expression, âThe bill for this private room has already been paid by someone else.â
Charles and Josie exchanged glances, while Mallory clearly knew what was going on. She couldnât help but chuckle softly to herself. Looking up, she saw that the âwaiterâ had already disappeared without a trace, just as she expected.
âCould there have been a mistake?â Josie asked, regretfully. âCould you please tell me the name of the person who paid the bill?â
The waiter lowered his head awkwardly. âIâm afraid⦠thatâs not possible.â
Mallory came over just in time to smooth over the situation. âLetâs just forget it. Arenât we supposed to be happy when a debtor pays us back? Letâs go. Itâs time to head home.â
Charles said, âIâll have the driver take you all home.â
Josie politely declined, âNo need, we have a car.â
At that moment, Malloryâs gaze unexpectedly met with a group of people emerging from the elevator.
Upon seeing who it was, she was stunned on the spot.
Not hearing Malloryâs voice, Josie looked over in surprise and was somewhat taken aback upon seeing the person Mallory was staring atâCalvin.