Christopher looked at the young man and deliberately asked Alia.
He couldn’t help it. It wasn’t that he was narrow-minded, but from the private room over there, these two had been chatting and laughing, getting along like long-lost confidants.
Although he trusted Alia’s love for him, he didn’t trust these hypocritical pretty boys from outside.
So, he casually found an excuse, left a room full of financial bigwigs, and headed straight over here.
Alia had just reached his side when she heard his question, and instinctively turned to look at Charles Smith, hesitating, "He is..."
What to do?
Should she tell the truth?
If she did, would he start a fight on the spot and demand the courtyard house back?
No matter how they argued in private, it didn’t matter. If they caused a scene in front of others, it would be embarrassing.
Besides, this Doctor Smith was really a good person and had helped her a lot!
If he ended up being innocently implicated, she would feel absolutely terrible.
In a few short seconds, she ford countless explanations in her mind, wanting to find an excuse to say he was just a friend, but she didn’t know if Doctor Smith would be on the sa page and play along.
Unexpectedly, just as she was stamring, the refined and cultured man by the table took the initiative to introduce himself: "Mr. Hart, right? Hello, we spoke on the phone this morning."
Alia: "..."
Alright, there’s no need to hesitate.
He got straight to the point.
Christopher was also taken aback, not expecting this pretty boy to have the guts to calmly and confidently introduce himself, instantly taking control of the situation.
Indeed...
That morning’s phone call had made it clear this guy wasn’t an easy target, he just had deceptive looks.
Since he had already introduced himself, Christopher couldn’t back down and spoke sowhat rudely: "So, it’s Doctor Smith. As I ntioned this morning, we’re not selling the courtyard house anymore. Besides, it’s just a business deal, why does it require my partner to dine and drink?"
My partner...
Alia muttered in her heart, they didn’t even get their marriage certificate done yesterday, and here he was, being so bold.
But then again, she also referred to Christopher as her partner when she ntioned him to Doctor Smith, equally bold.
So, the two of them really were a match for each other, thick-skinned equally.
Charles Smith gave a faint smile, exuding a refined and serene aura.
Seeing this, Christopher’s anger flared up for no reason—this pretty boy was clearly trying, consciously or unconsciously, to stir up charm and subtly flirt with won.
Fortunately, he ca just in ti!
Otherwise, a certain little fool wouldn’t know anything and would still be laughing like a flower in front of him, allowing those with ulterior motives to make a big fuss about it!
"Mr. Hart, I’m sorry, but the courtyard house is already mine. Moreover, this dinner is Miss Norton’s invitation."
The implication being: you wronged .
Alia was still daydreaming, thinking about her and Christopher’s mutual understanding and was self-satisfied—until she heard this and instantly snapped out of it, widening her eyes at Charles Smith.
This Doctor Smith...
Alright, he’s speaking the truth.
She indeed invited him for dinner.
But from his tone, it seed he was deliberately provoking Christopher, making him misunderstand on purpose?
And Christopher fell for it, turned his head, his eyes heavy, expressionlessly staring at her.
Alia felt extrely guilty, but considering the money had already been invested in the company under Benny Palr’s na on behalf of Christopher—he couldn’t take it back now—she straightened her back.
"Indeed, we transferred the property this afternoon; the courtyard house belongs to Doctor Smith now. And... this dinner is my treat because he helped a lot. Returning the favor with a dinner is only proper." Alia stood by the wheelchair, lowering her eyes to et his gaze, acknowledging everything.
Christopher suppressed his temper, not wanting to make a scene in front of outsiders, and asked in a low voice, "Didn’t you say you’d be with the kids this afternoon?"
"I was with them."
"..."
Their eyes locked in a silent standoff, and Alia saw the suppressed displeasure in his gaze, her delicate hand unconsciously clenching tighter next to her trouser leg.
Watching them, Charles Smith seed to be enjoying the scene, "Mr. Hart, since you’re here, why don’t you join us for a bite? We can talk about..."
"This is none of your business!" Christopher rudely interrupted and grabbed Alia’s hand, "Co with ."
Alia was startled, "I haven’t finished my al yet!"
"Eat when we get back!"
"But I still have things to discuss with Doctor Smith!"
"No talking!"
"Then my bag..."
She tried to reach back, and seeing her bag and phone left by the table, Christopher had no choice but to let go.
Alia quickly returned to the table to pack her things, full of apologies: "Doctor Smith, I’m really sorry, but I have to go now! But I must treat you to this al, let settle the bill now!"
She had said she’d treat him, and she couldn’t go against her word; otherwise, how would she appear in his eyes?
Charles Smith was exceedingly polite, not angry at all, still showing his refined and gentle deanor, "No need, you go accompany Mr. Hart back, we can et next ti."
He was referring to when his father returned to the country, and they’d have to et Alia again.
But Christopher took his words as a direct challenge, "There will be no next ti!"
"Christopher, don’t be like this." Alia returned with her belongings, lowered her voice, and reprimanded the man coldly.
But Mr. Hart turned a deaf ear, pulling her hand and leaving.
"How did you end up here?" Once in the corridor, Alia freed her hand, her attitude turning cooler, "Did you really send soone to follow again?"
"Do I have that much free ti?" Christopher raised his gaze coldly, with a sideways glance.
Before he could finish speaking, Benny Palr walked over briskly from the other side of the corridor: "I knew you’d end up looking for Alia! Everyone is waiting for you!"
Seeing Young Master Palr, Alia finally understood, "You were all here for a eting?"
"What else?"
Alright, she had wrongly accused him.
Since they were here on business, Alia didn’t hold it against him and urged, "You should hurry back, don’t keep everyone waiting."
"What about you?"
"As for ... With all this fuss you’ve made... forget it, I’ll just head ho."
Benny Palr observed their awkward and cold expressions, knowing that if Alia left, soone wouldn’t be in the mood for business talk tonight. He sighed and suggested, "Alia, you didn’t finish your al, right? Why not join us?"
"Huh?" Alia was surprised, shaking her hands repeatedly, "No, no, you all have official business, and what would it look like if I tagged along? I’m better off going ho—"
Before she could finish, Christopher grabbed her hand again, "Since everyone knows about us, it’s a good chance to introduce you to my business friends."
Their love and drama were known to everyone, but they had never attended an official occasion together.
Christopher thought tonight was a good opportunity, so he pulled Alia off without allowing any argunt.
"Christopher, stop this nonsense. I don’t know them, and it would be so awkward sitting there."
"Christopher, wouldn’t it be better if I went ho to accompany the kids?"
"Chris—"
Benny Palr also advised, "Don’t worry about them; just enjoy your al."
"..."
Since she couldn’t escape, she reluctantly stayed to accompany Christopher at the social gathering.
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