CHAPTER 129: DATING

Mary looked at Mona in disbelief and asked, "Mona, is this true?"

Mona tried to remain calm, knowing that everyone was looking at her now. She said loudly, "This isn’t true! It must be some immoral people spreading rumors on the internet!"

As she said that, she grabbed Mary. "Mary, someone must be trying to frame me so that we can’t succeed. Let me investigate this when I get back. I promise I’ll give you a satisfactory answer!"

With that, she hurriedly left. Mary quickly followed with her family.

"Mona, wait for me!"

Cecilia watched their hurried departure and smiled. At least Steven did something good this time.

She turned around. "Great-aunt, let’s go back too."

Elena nodded. Grace quickly stepped forward, saying, "Miss Morrison, Mrs. Mitchell, I’m sorry about earlier..."

Cecilia saw the genuine apology on her face, thinking for a moment before she asked, "You said your company deals with the internet. Are you knowledgeable about model innovation and online business in construction materials?"

Grace nodded.

"Then prepare a partnership proposal. Combine your company’s strengths with my great-aunt’s company, write it up, and send it to her email. If it’s suitable, there might be a chance for collaboration."

Grace was visibly thrilled and a bit flustered. "Okay! I’ll definitely give you a satisfactory plan!"

After that, Cecilia nodded and left the party with Elena. She first sent Elena home and asked in the car, "Great-aunt, are you upset that I decided on the collaboration with Grace on my own?"

Elena shook her head. "Nothing gets past you—you realized I’ve come seeking partnerships as well. This Grace’s company looks promising, so I have reason to say you’ve got a good eye."

After dropping Elena off, Cecilia returned to the hotel. Alex was already asleep by the time she arrived home. As she was about to go to bed after washing up, a message popped up on her phone.

It was a friend request from Steven.

She chuckled and accepted it. [I didn’t see your friend request last time.]

Just in case he was petty and held grudges, she thought it would be better to explain things to him. Otherwise, it would be more difficult for her to get Alex back.

Steven was typing, and after a while, a message appeared. [Got it.]

Based on his response, Cecilia knew he was indeed petty. She smiled helplessly, ready to sleep, when he sent her another message.

[As an apology, let’s have dinner together tomorrow.]

She frowned—this man was really relentless. She thought she was already being accommodating enough by giving him an explanation.

Seeing no response from her, he grew anxious and added, [It’s the weekend, so I can bring Alex.]

Cecilia, looking at Alex sleeping peacefully in her arms, scoffed lightly.

After sending the message, he realized his error. In his haste, he had forgotten that Emma and Alex had swapped places, and the latter was now with Cecilia.

As he scrambled for another excuse, Cecilia’s message arrived. [Okay, but let’s not bring the kids. I have other things to ask you.]

Steven was delighted. [Sure. What do you want to ask?]

He wanted to know the questions in advance so that he could give a better answer later on.

Cecilia thought for a moment and sent her question to him. [Why do you hate Alex’s mom so much?]

Seeing the message, he smirked a bit.’ So she did care after all,’ he thought.

[Alright, I’ll tell you by then. So, Miss Morrison, what do you want to eat tomorrow?]

Feeling too sleepy to think anymore, she replied, [Anything.]

Steven was speechless.

It was a widely known fact that "anything" was the hardest choice to deal with.

[French cuisine?]

[Takes too long.]

[Steak?]

[Too greasy.]

[Chinese food?]

[...Let’s go to Love Life, like last time.]

She was very fond of the decor and ambiance there.

[OK.]

The next noon, Steven was the first to arrive at the restaurant’s private room, having booked out the entire place like usual.

Cecilia walked through the restaurant’s lobby, nodding in approval of the surroundings. Everything looked really nice...

All of a sudden, a deep voice sounded near the piano. "Miss Morrison, I heard you’ve been looking for me?"