Chapter 21 Everywhere Is Business
Selena was sipping her lemon water when the news reached her ears, causing her to nearly choke. Of course she knew that, but she couldn't be the mistress of the man she married. She casually dabbed the corner of her mouth with a tissue. "I know, and?" Her tone was indifferent as if Raymond's marriage was of no concern to her.
Selena's nonchalance prompted Raymond to raise his eyes slightly.
Lisa clenched her fist with force, feeling as if she were talking to a brick wall. 'How could this woman be so calm? Doesn't she feel awkward now that she knows she's with a married man? Is it because she's shameless or she has Raymond's love to back her up?'
Lisa's heart was unsettled, but she couldn't allow herself to appear too impatient. She turned to Raymond, her face regaining its previous gentleness. "Raymond, it's been three years since you've been back. You might not know that this restaurant has a new head chef. He's a New Zealand returnee and I think you'll enjoy his special."
Without permission, she seized the menu, acting as if the place was her domain. Raymond's expression remained unmoved; he was indifferent, offering neither refusal nor response.
Some people may appear cold, but they are actually sharp-edged, making interactions challenging. Reflecting on this, Selena let out a light chuckle. "Bell's special isn't on the menu yet. Today, I've invited Mr. Montague to enjoy this meal. If you want to extend an invitation as well, perhaps another time would be more suitable."
Her words were brusque, a tone even someone like Lisa could no longer tolerate. As she rose, she cast a deep look at Selena's smiling face. Their eyes met. No words were necessary. It seemed they had already engaged in a silent contest. Lisa clutched her bag tightly, nearly crushing the crocodile skin. This small interior designer yet dared to be so audacious. She made a mental note of this woman. "I was presumptuous just now, Raymond. Let's reschedule when you're available."
Raymond raised an eyebrow. Lisa had always been a tough nut to crack in the past, and he hadn't expected her to depart so swiftly today. A slight curve formed at the corners of his mouth as he responded, "Hmm."
After Lisa's departure, Selena looked up at him and smiled, "Mr. Montague, would you prefer milk or coffee for breakfast?" As if the recent episode had never occurred.
Raymond pondered whether it was her magnanimity or her indifference to his marital status. "Coffee," he said, leaning back slightly and naturally crossing his hands before him.
"Mr. Montague, you have a sensitive stomach, so it's best not to drink on an empty one," Selena remarked casually as she ordered two cups of hot coffee, then looked up at the waiter and placed her order, "Hello, please inform Bell that we'd like the same as last time." The waiter turned and went to relay the message to the chef, his mind clouded with doubt.
Raymond raised an eyebrow as he observed the scene, inquiring, "Are you acquainted with the chef here?"
Selena's cheeks flushed slightly, a side effect of her fever, and now she even had double vision, yet she responded patiently, "Bell's signature dishes are quite artistic. I believe you would appreciate them, Mr. Montague."
Raymond immediately grasped that while her invitation to dinner was sincere, she was also keen to discern his culinary preferences to gauge his interests. It seemed that business was indeed omnipresent. A hint of dissatisfaction flickered within him, but he kept it concealed. "Penny, you're quite diligent. I'm curious, what does your husband do for a living?" he probed.
Selena was caught off guard by the abrupt question and peered at him through misty, vapor-filled eyes, which only enhanced her allure.
Raymond's gaze grew more intense as he spoke with significance, "A good man wouldn't allow his wife to work so tirelessly."
Upon hearing this allusion to their marriage, Selena's lips tightened. She took a sip of water, attempting to quell the discomfort rising within her. What should she say in response?This belongs to NôvelDrama.Org: ©.