CHAPTER 19: CHAPTER 19: HIDDEN AGENDAS

Azure Vaughn came to distribute earphones to us. She respectfully placed the earphones on my desk and gave me a slight smile.

Then came Henry Preston, who also gave a slight smile.

What’s rare was that Henry Preston also smiled and even said, "Thank you."

This already hinted at the special significance Azure Vaughn had for him.

Azure Vaughn glanced at Henry Preston again, and a hint of amazement flashed in her eyes. Even the most faithful woman couldn’t deny the handsomeness of the face before her.

The young girl was shy; just a "thank you" made her blush.

I suddenly thought, could it be that she ignored Henry Preston earlier because she was afraid of falling for him?

This little episode soon passed, and the forum officially began, mainly discussing the joint development of City A and City C and the surrounding areas, drafting actionable plans.

City A has developed rapidly in recent years, and various markets are approaching saturation, so expansion is necessary.

I don’t really understand these things, except for listening to what my dad, Henry Preston, and my father-in-law say. The rest of the time, I can’t help but get lost in my own thoughts.

After the forum ended, my dad found me, "Zoe, why are you here too?"

"I was bored at home, so I came," I replied. My dad knows I’m not cut out for business or politics, and these occasions are utterly dull for me, so he was very surprised to see me.

"You came with Henry Preston, right?" My dad turned to look at Henry Preston not far away. He was chatting with others, exuding the demeanor of someone in a high position with every move.

Compared to other business tycoons, Henry Preston is considered very young but is already a standout among his peers.

I nodded, "Yes."

"That’s good. You’re his wife, so you should attend some occasions to solidify your status," my dad said earnestly.

At that moment, my father-in-law walked over, "In-law, it’s been a long time!"

"Oh, isn’t this Chairman Preston? We haven’t seen each other in over half a year." My dad shook the hand extended to him, and the two elderly men began to chat warmly.

I took advantage of the moment to slip away and started looking for Azure Vaughn. She should be getting her wages and preparing to leave now, right?

I searched every corner of the auditorium, and finally found Azure Vaughn at the back door. Sure enough, she had already received her pay and was waiting for a ride-sharing service.

"Miss Hathaway!" Azure Vaughn happily shouted when she saw me.

"Azure, so your part-time job as a greeter was here?" I quickly walked over and began chatting with her naturally.

"Yes, it’s my last part-time job for this summer. After this, I’m planning to celebrate with Joel Sutton with a big meal!" Azure warmly invited me, "Do you want to join us?"

Without thinking, I nodded, "Sure, but won’t I be intruding on your little couple date?"

Azure’s face turned red, "It’s not a date, just a meal together. It’s no big deal."

Men probably like women who blush easily, right? They look like an innocent pink rose, delicate and lovely.

Since Azure Vaughn didn’t mind, I shamelessly went with her. Joel Sutton was already waiting at the agreed barbecue restaurant. When he saw me, he noticeably panicked and quickly stood up, "Miss Hathaway, Azure."

"I met Miss Hathaway during my part-time job today, so I invited her to have barbecue with us. I’m treating today!" Azure linked her arm with mine, like we were good friends.

"Sorry, Sutton, I became the third wheel," I said with an embarrassed smile.

Joel Sutton shook his head fervently, "No, no, no, it’s fine, please sit!"

Azure and I sat on one side, while Joel Sutton sat across from us. After ordering some ingredients, we placed charcoal in the iron grill on the table, with a round grill pan over it. The table was filled with plates of ingredients of various sizes.

When Azure Vaughn found out I was also an alumna from University A, she got very excited and chatted non-stop with me about the university. Meanwhile, Joel Sutton busied himself grilling the pork belly, occasionally giving Azure Vaughn a doting look, while casting a complicated glance at me.

As the atmosphere became harmonious, Azure Vaughn’s phone beeped. She picked it up casually to check; it was a text message.

I glimpsed at it—a series of 8s in the number. Other than Henry Preston, I couldn’t think of anyone else.

He really made the first move.

After seeing Henry Preston’s text, Azure Vaughn’s expression changed slightly, looking puzzled and a bit surprised. She didn’t reply, just put her phone down.

"Azure, who is it?" Joel Sutton asked with a smile.

"Just a spam promotion text," Azure said, keeping her head down as she ate the grilled pork belly, her voice slightly evasive.

I looked sympathetically at Joel Sutton, this naive guy didn’t know that a wolf in sheep’s clothing was extending its claws towards his darling girlfriend.

For some reason, I got up and said, "I’m going to the restroom."

Then I went to the restroom and sent Joel Sutton a message: Don’t like the Panamera? Why didn’t you take it the other day?

Also, leaving the car keys at the front door—good thing Maplewood Gardens has excellent security, or the car might have been stolen.

After sending the message, I touched up my makeup, smoothed the stray hair near my ears, and returned to my seat.

Joel Sutton no longer dared to look at me and kept grilling the meat; my behavior was like that of a rich woman ready to keep a young man.

And Azure Vaughn started to seem a bit distracted too, as Henry Preston, seeing she didn’t reply to the message, directly called her.

She was startled, quickly dismissing the caller ID, and hurriedly replied to a text, which I couldn’t see in my peripheral vision.

"Azure, you can directly block such spam calls," I pretended not to know and kindly advised.

"Mm, I know," Azure nodded, placing the phone screen side down on the table.

I didn’t know how Azure replied, but at least Henry Preston stopped bothering her for now. However, this was just a temporary calm. Once he sets his eyes on you, even if you were the Moon Goddess Chang’e, he’d land on the moon just to drag you down.

This barbecue meal was one where everyone had their own thoughts. After the meal, Joel Sutton offered to take Azure and me home. I declined, "Sutton, you just take Azure. I’ll catch a cab back myself."

"Alright then, Miss Hathaway, take care," Joel Sutton still didn’t dare to meet my eyes.

"Don’t worry." I hailed a taxi, watching Joel Sutton and Azure get into a car before I called Lane to pick me up.

Fifteen minutes later, Lane appeared before me. Seeing his stiff yet loyal demeanor, I sighed, "Lane, if only Henry Preston were as available as you."

Lane’s gaze flickered, and after a while, he asked, "Ma’am, do you want me to contact Mr. Preston now?"

I put a hand on my forehead, "Just drive and stop talking."

Lane nodded and drove me back to Maplewood Gardens. I wondered if my in-laws were still around or if Henry Preston had returned.