CHAPTER 31: ATTENDING THE BANQUET

Involuntarily, the image of the young girl appeared in his mind: bright eyes, gently parted lips, shallow breaths, and strands of hair possibly sticking to her face from sweat.

A few seconds later, Mia Sutton heard Jensen Sterling say, "Don’t overwork yourself, make sure to eat and rest well."

"Mr. Sterling, is there something you need?" Mia thought for a moment and asked, knowing that Jensen was so busy, he wouldn’t just call to ask what she was doing.

"Hmm, there’s a banquet to attend tomorrow."

The other side was silent for a moment, seemingly pondering something. Before he could speak, Mia said, "Do you want me to go too?"

"Hmm." The voice on the other end replied and then continued, "If you don’t have the time, you don’t have to go."

Mia knew that Jensen probably said that because he heard about her upcoming performance. This was the gentlemanly conduct of a mature man, he wouldn’t make a woman feel uncomfortable.

However, Mia was very clear about her own position. Although it seemed at the time she agreed to marry him because of his looks, she understood that aligning with him was the most secure strategy when she wasn’t strong enough. After all, this was the world in a book, some plotlines were hard to resist, and she did not want to get caught up again in any ridiculous storyline.

And since Jensen happened to appear at the right time, it was mutually beneficial. Why not?

She was definitely treating this job with diligence.

"I happen to have time to rest tomorrow, so please have Leo pick me up then, Mr. Sterling."

"Hmm, alright, it’s late, do get some rest." Jensen responded softly.

"You too, Mr. Sterling, don’t overwork. Goodnight."

After exchanging goodnights, Mia hung up the phone.

The sound of the young girl’s soft goodnight still echoed in Jensen Sterling’s ear.

The next day!

The time Jensen mentioned wasn’t very early, so Mia slept in and took her time getting up. After getting ready, her phone rang soon after.

It was Leo, and Mia picked up: "Miss Sutton, I’m here, same location as last time."

Mia picked up a mask from the table: "Okay, I know."

In the underground garage, as she entered, she saw a car flash its lights. This time, the car was low-key, the kind that was hard to spot on the street, perfect for traveling without being easily noticed by paparazzi.

But it was modified inside, with excellent performance.

Mia opened the car door: "Mr. Sterling? Why are you here?"

Mia thought only Leo was coming this time, unlike last time when they met her parents.

Jensen Sterling said, "Come in and I’ll explain."

"Oh, okay." Mia quickly climbed into the car.

Jensen glanced at the young girl, then said, "I happened to have free time, so I came by. This banquet will have many people, just bringing you to meet some folks."

Mia watched the car drive off and asked, "Are we going now?"

"No, we’ll first take you to get styled."

As the car drove along, Mia watched its direction, then asked in confusion, "Isn’t this the way back home?"

Jensen said, "Hmm, the stylists are already at the house."

Mia: ...

Sorry, she spoke too soon.

After arriving home, Jensen helped Mia out of the car, subtly placing his hand over the top of the car door. After getting out, they returned to the house.

Inside his home was his styling team, who paused for several seconds upon seeing Mia, struck by one thought: Mr. Sterling really is married.