Chapter 70
Aaron smiled faintly and nodded. “Yes, real estate is our main business. However, the industry has hit a bottleneck in recent
years. The economic environment hasn’t been great, and things have been going downhill. It’s been tough.”
Wilson didn’t respond to his words.
He merely gave a faint acknowledgment, resting one hand against his head while scrolling through his phone with the other. Aaron was left standing awkwardly to the side, feeling an invisible pressure.
Earlier, Wilson had seemed warm and approachable when he was around Serena and the others. It had given the impression that
he was easy to get along with.
Now, Aaron realized Wilson had never been easy to approach.
In the kitchen, Serena and the others had finished preparing the barbecue. They carried out a small tabletop grill along with
plates of marinated meats, vegetables and sauces.
Since Serena was injured and couldn’t eat anything too spicy, they had prepared a mix of mild and spicy options to suit
everyone’s tastes.
Soon, the apartment filled with the sizzling sounds of meat hitting the hot grill. The aroma spread quickly, and the once–quiet
space felt lively and bustling.
Wilson felt a bit hot and took off his suit jacket, draping it over the back of his chair.
Underneath, he wore a crisp black shirt. A few buttons at the collar were undone, revealing a faint glimpse of his defined
collarbones. Rolling up his sleeves, he casually picked up a piece of potato and placed it on the grill.
Just then, he noticed a pair of intense, wolf–like eyes watching him.
Lauren was staring at him with great interest.
“Mr. Quade, can I ask you something?” she said with a sly grin.
Wilson glanced up briefly. “Go ahead.”
Lauren leaned forward and asked, “You must work out a lot. How many abs do you have?”
Serena gave her a warning look, silently telling her to stop spouting nonsense.
Lauren waved her off. “Don’t look at me like that, Rina. Don’t tell me you’re not curious?”
Serena choked on her drink, coughing awkwardly. Perhaps she was a little curious.
Wilson reached over and handed her a tissue.
“Thanks,” she murmured, dabbing at her mouth.
+25 Bonus
“Eight,” Wilson said.
Serena blinked, realizing he was answering Lauren’s question.
Lauren beamed. “I knew i
Serena couldn’t help sneaking a glance at Wilson’s waist.
Was that for real? His slim, powerful build certainly made it believable.
Lauren sighed dramatically. “Ah, if I didn’t already have a boyfriend, I’d definitely want to check for myself. Rina, why don’t you do it for me?”
Serena immediately flailed in protest. “Don’t talk nonsense! I won’t do it. I’m not that kind of person.”
Lauren popped a piece of beef into her mouth. “Relax. I was just joking. I know you wouldn’t dare.”
Willow nudged Lauren with her elbow. “Serena’s not scared; she’s just reserved. I still don’t understand how she became best friends with someone as shameless as you.”
Lauren raised an eyebrow. “Don’t act all high and mighty. You’re no saint, either. I know you’ve got a weakness for good–looking guys.”
Willow was speechless. Lauren’s sharp tongue often hit too close to home.
Meanwhile, Wilson turned to Serena.
With his sharp features and deep–set eyes, he gazed at her through the faint steam rising from the grill. There was an intensity in his expression that made Serena’s heart skip a beat.
Feeling flustered, she quickly looked away.
Wilson smirked faintly. “Lauren’s right. You’re too timid. You should work on that.”
Serena blurted out,““How should I work on it?”
Wilson’s smile deepened, but he didn’t answer. Instead, he leaned back and gave her a look that felt both teasing and serious.
The sudden shift in the atmosphere made the air around them feel warmer.
Their subtl
Their subtle interaction didn’t go unnoticed by the others at the table.
Lauren immediately pointed an accusing finger at them. “Mr. Quade! What are you and Rina whispering about? We’re all friends here. What’s so secretive?”
birk. “It’s a sec
Wilson leaned back with a smirk. “It’s a secret,” he said.
“What kind of secret?” Lauren pressed eagerly.
Wilson calmly replied, “A secret between Ms. Judd and me.”
Shooter to
Lauren froze for a few seconds, then let out a dramatic squeal like a prairie dog.
