CHAPTER 79: CHAPTER 79: PUSHING HIM INTO ANOTHER WOMAN’S ARMS

The plane landed in Syburg at dusk.

As she walked out of the airport hall, she caught sight of the sunset dipping below the horizon.

Soon, the earth was engulfed in darkness.

Serena Sinclair felt like every cell in her body relaxed.

Not just because of Wyatt Hawthorne.

Also because it was the first time in six years she had left Aethelgard alone.

For others, this was a business trip.

But for Serena, it felt more like a solo journey.

As the taxi headed to the hotel, Serena finally had the courage to reach out to Wyatt.

[Wyatt, sorry! I’m on a work trip, so you’ll have to handle dinner by yourself for the next few days. Sorry again!]

Once sent, there was no reply.

She didn’t know if Wyatt was busy and hadn’t seen it.

Or perhaps he felt deceived by her and didn’t want to pay any attention.

Until Serena got out of the car, her phone remained silent.

After checking in and returning to her room, Serena searched for the culinary delights and scenic spots of Syburg.

At nightfall, Serena leisurely strolled along the riverside streets.

A night of sweet dreams.

The alarm rang, and after freshening up, Serena went downstairs and met Engineer Grant who had already arrived at the restaurant on the second floor.

While eating and chatting, they broke down the tasks for today’s site inspection.

Downstairs, the car sent by the branch office was already waiting.

After a busy day, returning to the hotel at dusk, Serena just wanted to soak in a hot bath, eat some takeout, watch TV, and dive into a sweet slumber.

But President Jensen from the branch office was overly enthusiastic.

"To put it big, you’re the emissaries sent by headquarters. To put it small, we’re colleagues. You’ve come all the way from Aethelgard, and you should be given the welcome reception you deserve."

Unable to refuse, Serena had to agree.

She went upstairs, freshened up, changed into casual clothes, and was picked up by a car sent by President Jensen to the restaurant.

As soon as she entered, Serena froze.

The man lazily leaning against the couch talking to the branch office’s president, who else but Wyatt Hawthorne?

Dinner was a blur for Serena.

She only remembered the men happily drinking and exchanging toasts.

While the Manager Nash from the Public Relations Department, who during their daytime meeting was calling her "Serena" warmly, and said Syburg was her territory, insisting on the chance to show her hospitality and treat her well.

Yet the entire evening, Manager Nash’s eyes were glued with love and sweetness, all directed at Wyatt Hawthorne.

How could Serena not understand?

Everyone was focused on drinking, making the lavish spread of dishes all hers.

Syburg cuisine has a heavy flavor, sour and spicy, tantalizing and appetizing.

Serena took bites here and there, not neglecting her stomach at all.

Especially relished that platter of spicy and sour chicken gizzards.

Serena chewed slowly, pondering the taste, planning to recreate it herself once she returned.

In the main seat at the head, Wyatt was almost grinding his teeth to dust.

She didn’t remember at all.

And he actually thought she remembered, feeling embarrassed, thus specially dodging to Syburg.

A bit tipsy.

Wyatt wished the time could travel back to that night.

Be it on the lips.

Or on the neck.

He should have left some mark, saying something.

So she wouldn’t be so carefree and enjoy her meal like now.

"It’s getting late, let’s wrap it up..."

After all, it was a workday.

The big Boss spoke, and the group wrapped up quickly with a few words exchanged.

"President Hawthorne..."

Wyatt was stopped by Iris Nash.

After a few words about work, Wyatt turned around, only to find Serena had already disappeared.

Wyatt: ...

Serena had just returned to the hotel when her door was knocked.

Outside stood Iris Nash.

"Serena, I wanted to ask you something..."

Despite a brief work contact during the day, Iris Nash seemed to have already regarded Serena as one of her own, "Does President Hawthorne have a girlfriend?"

A pause, and Serena instantly understood.

"Sorry, I’m not sure."

Though she could have said he doesn’t.

But Iris Nash’s intentions were too obvious.

Serena inexplicably disliked her.

Her gaze passed over Serena’s cold and exquisite visage, more striking than during the day.

Iris Nash knew.

Serena and Wyatt were not the kind of relationship she thought.

A high-ranking individual entering a new environment wouldn’t randomly seek a companion from night clubs and the like.

One, there’s too much unpredictability.

Two, there’s the fear of it being unsavory.

Thus, a traveling woman colleague, especially one young and pretty, was likely his companion on the trip.

A person of Wyatt’s status, an elite of the Aethelgard pinnacle, it’s believable he’s not married, Iris would believe.

The engagement termination lingered in hot searches for days; a real marriage would certainly explode hot searches.

But claiming he has no girlfriend, Iris wouldn’t believe even if beaten.

Iris Nash didn’t care if the big Boss had a girlfriend.

But arriving in Syburg, without other women in his room, was enough for her.

Having achieved her aim, Iris Nash threw Serena a charming wink, "Serena, just arriving today, tonight’s reception was just a warm-up. Tomorrow night is the main event. If there’s nothing urgent, rest early, okay? Tomorrow night, little sister will show you something different!"

Having said that, Iris Nash turned and left, closing the door.

Serena felt amused.

After her bath, lying in bed, Serena picked up her phone, only to discover a WeChat message from Wyatt sent over 20 minutes ago.

[Sister...]

[Any good takeout nearby?]

Newly arrived, Serena was unfamiliar with Syburg.

Opening the takeout app, the restaurants within a kilometer all seemed to have manipulated ratings.

Serena abandoned her search after a few minutes.

Among locals, Serena only knew President Walsh and Iris Nash.

Being late-night, calling a male boss from out of town was pretty sensitive.

Even though she disliked Iris Nash, Serena chose to ask her.

Ring.

The phone rang and was answered immediately, "Serena, what’s up?"

"Manager Nash, are there any good takeout places near the hotel that are light and tasty?"

"You’re hungry? Change your clothes, I’ll come pick you up. There’s nothing better than eating directly at the restaurant?"

"No."

Serena denied.

On the other end, Iris Nash paused, seemingly having guessed instantly, "President Hawthorne eating?"

Almost instantly, Iris Nash’s voice revealed delight, "Oh, then you don’t have to worry. I’ll have my secretary send it over!"

Ring.

Ring ring.

The call ended, Serena replied Wyatt’s message.

[I’m unfamiliar with Syburg. I asked Manager Nash and she said she’d arrange her secretary to deliver the meal. Please wait a bit!]

In the penthouse suite, Wyatt saw the WeChat message appear on the screen.

He laughed angrily.

He offered himself, she refused.

Even pushing him into another woman’s embrace?

Perfect!

Just perfect!

Tossing aside his phone, Wyatt loosened his tie and tossed it on the sofa, turning into the bathroom.

The doorbell ding-donged for a long time, but no one came to open the door.

Outside the suite, dressed in a deep-V tight black dress, Iris Nash held her phone making calls.

Wyatt didn’t answer.

Ian Young didn’t answer either.

Calling Serena, she didn’t pick up either???

With wine in one hand and a packed box in the other.

Ear and shoulder pinching her phone, Iris Nash stood at the executive suite’s door, facing the suggestive glances from behind as people passed by, as if she were a call-in drinking companion.

She struggled to maintain her composure.

Her phone finally connected.

Serena’s voice came from the other end, "Manager Nash?"

At the same time, the door opened, and Wyatt appeared wearing a bathrobe, toweling his hair.

"President Hawthorne..."

Iris Nash hung up the call.

Her ears caught the sound of the door opening, along with Iris Nash’s delighted and charming call of "President Hawthorne."

Right after, the call ended.

In the dim room, Serena paused.