Chapter 1209: Unexpected Encounter

Chapter 1209: Unexpected Encounter

Camille burst into laughter, “Yeah, we're role-playing divorced ex-

husband and ex-wife. Can you believe it? It's actually quite thrilling.

Look at how well we're bonding. Life can be so dull sometimes, it needs

a little spice."

Camille said it with such conviction that even Sienna couldn't help but

widen her eyes. "Are you serious?" she asked.

"Do I look like I'm lying to you?" Camille retorted.

Sienna grinned mischievously, "So, tell me, how exciting was it?"

Before Camille could respond, they heard Yessica's voice coming from

outside, "Mr. Simpson, why don't you come in?"

Camille and Sienna turned their heads towards the door, realizing that

they hadn't noticed Ayan opening the door and standing there,

observing them for a brief moment. Camille froze in her tracks, while

Sienna felt a touch of embarrassment. After all, their conversation had

taken a slightly risqué turn.

Ayan, however, acted as if it was of no consequence. "I was just about

to come in," he casually remarked.

Yessica thanked him once again for the coffee and then left to find

Kian.

Sienna followed suit and stood up, gently pulling on Camille's arm and

whispering, "I'll go out first."

Sienna felt as if she could float on air at that moment.

Approaching Ayan with a somewhat forced smile, she greeted him

politely, "Hello."

Normally, she wouldn't be so formal, but Ayan nodded in response,

motioning towards the coffee in her hand. "Afternoon tea, please."

Sienna handed it to him, not forgetting to express her gratitude, before

she left Camille's office.

Ayan followed suit, stepping inside and closing the door behind him. He

took a few steps towards Camille, thoughtfully opening her coffee and

offering it to her. "Just the way you like it."

Camille reached out to take it, subconsciously bringing it to her lips for

a sip. Then she asked softly, "What brings you here?"

“I came to see what you were up to," Ayan replied. He sat down next to

Camille, facing her with a slight smile in his eyes. "Turns out I didn't

expect you to share our little exciting game.”

Camille instinctively reached out to cover his mouth, not wanting him to

continue, but Ayan obediently lifted his hand and clasped it around

hers. He chuckled, "So, it seems you turned down my proposal for

remarriage because you found this kind of role-playing more thrilling?

Camille, I never knew you had a taste for such excitement. You should

have told me earlier. Perhaps we could have explored some of these

thrilling scenarios together."

Camille's cheeks flushed, and she tightly pursed her lips as she

whispered, "You're not allowed to say that again, or I'll make it even

more exciting for you. Believe me or not?"

"Oh, please,” Ayan replied, his lips curling into a smile.

Camille felt completely groundless. How did he hear it? He rarely said

such things, and it took a lot of effort for her to say it just once, and now

she was caught.

Not knowing what else to say, Camille quickly changed the topic and

asked Ayan, "You haven't told me why you're here."

Ayan, deciding not to tease Camille any further, redirected the

conversation to the reason for his visit. “There's a dinner party tonight,

and I want you to come with me!"

Camille froze. It was rare for Ayan to ask her to accompany him to a

dinner party, unless Sienna was also attending. Sienna's aversion to

socializing made it an obvious choice for Ayan not to bring her along.

Camille was surprised and taken aback by the request. She looked at

Ayan and asked, "What kind of dinner party is it? Is it something

important?"

“It's not that important. Have you heard about the Nores Group land?

The Nores family isn't officially involved in the project, but they're

expected to be part of it once the construction begins under Mario's

supervision. I thought it would be a good opportunity to have a dinner

together before the project kicks off,” Ayan explained briefly, leaving the

decision up to Camille. He then asked, "Would you like to come with

me?"

Camille tilted her head, contemplating the invitation, and then said

nonchalantly, "Are you asking me to come with you because you're

worried Alicia will be there too, and you're afraid I might get the wrong

idea?"

After all, Alicia had been lingering around, not just once but several

times. Camille had encountered her at Simpson Group, then again

recently in South City. It didn't take much thought for Camille to realize

what Ayan had in mind.

Deep down, Camille felt a sense of happiness. Ayan was doing this to

protect her and to ensure that no rumors or gossip reached her ears.

She smiled and said, “You're so sincere in inviting me. It would be

disrespectful if I refused, wouldn't it?"

Ayan looked at her and said, "Why do I feel a hint of reluctance?"

Camille hurriedly clarified, “There's no reluctance. I'm more than willing

to go. Really, I am!"

Ayan seemed satisfied with her response.

Camille playfully tossed the coffee in her hand towards Ayan, offering it

to him as well. She followed up by asking, "Do you need me to change

into something more formal then?"

Today, she had opted for a simple grey shirt paired with matching wide-

legged trousers-a comfortable outfit that exuded a laid-back vibe.

Despite its simplicity, the attire accentuated her tall figure. Camille was

the kind of person who looked good in anything, as long as it suited her.

Without hesitation, Ayan responded, "No need at all. It's just a meal,

nothing that requires much effort or formality."

"Alright, but don't blame me if I embarrass you!" Camille chuckled.

Ayan remarked, “That would be a blow to my pride."

Camille gently placed her hand on Ayan's cheek as she laughed, "Well

then, thank you for inviting me to dinner tonight.”

Ayan tenderly clasped her hand in his palm. There was still some time

before dinner, so Camille could continue with her tasks for a while

longer.

"Why don't you stay here for a while? I'll work, and we can leave later,"

Camille suggested.

Leaning back against the sofa cushions, Ayan's gaze fell warmly upon

Camille. "Weren't you just chatting with Sienna to pass the time? Why

should you work when I'm here?"

Camille blushed slightly, pursing her lips. "I guess I want to impress

you. The new project is about to start, and we'll be recruiting architects.

I want to show you my serious and dedicated side."

"Oh!" Ayan nodded, appearing cooperative. He added, "So, you're

asking for a shortcut after I witness your performance?"

Camille nodded eagerly. "Exactly! Will you grant me that opportunity?"

“I actually have a better idea that would be more beneficial than rushing

through your performance right now. Would you like to hear it?" Ayan

proposed.

Camille's expression turned serious as she asked, "What's your idea?"

"Wouldn't it be better if you stayed with me and supported me? Forget

about just getting the project from Simpson Group-what if you blew me

away entirely?" Ayan suggested mischievously.

Camille couldn't resist pinching his nose and teasingly said, “If Grandpa

heard you say that, he might come out of the hospital and give you a

beating, don't you think?"

Ayan chuckled, "I think Grandpa would be overjoyed. You know how

much he spoils you."

After some contemplation, Camille responded, "You make a valid point.

But since you mentioned how Grandpa dotes on me, wouldn't it be

faster for me to go directly to him and ask for the project? I'd still have

to make you happy, but all it would take is one word to Grandpa, and

he wouldn't hesitate to put pressure on you!"

The more Camille thought about it, the more she liked the idea.

However, Ayan felt like he had inadvertently stepped on a landmine. He

lifted his hand to his forehead, expressing his frustration. "You're taking

it a bit too far, don't you think?"