Chapter 396
Octavia was about to head home, and Cindy walked with her to the door. Claire spotted them and called out, “Heading out already, Octavia?” She was always the first one to say hi.
They had just devoured some durian, and the smell still clung to them. Out of habit, Octavia took a couple of steps back. “It’s pretty late. Why are you both still downstairs p>
“We just went for a walk,” Claire replied easily. “Had a snack, too p>
Octavia frowned without thinking. “Eating this late? Be careful, or you’ll get chubby.” She herself never touched food after eight, settling for just a cup of bird’s nest soup if she was hungry at all.
Claire just shrugged, grinning. “I’m young. I can handle it p>
That quick response left Octavia a little stunned. Honestly, after having two kids and hitting this age, she watched every bite she ate. When did Claire get so sassy?
“Well, I should go,” Octavia said, not in the mood to keep chatting.
She had planned to stay with Cindy for a couple of days. But after calling Latham, she found out he was out drinking again for work. So she decided to go pick him up herself.
She didn’t expect that as soon as she reached the hotel entrance, she’d see another woman helping her husband outside.
“Latham,” she called, her tone steady.
He looked up, his face changing for a split second before he quickly put some distance between himself and the woman. “Octavia, what are you doing here p>
“I thought you called the driver to pick you up,” Octavia replied with a relaxed smile. “I was nearby, so I came over p>
She glanced at the other woman. There was nothing friendly in her eyes. “You look familiar,” she said. “Latham, aren’t you going to introduce us p>
Latham gave a stiff smile. “You don’t remember? This is Fallon. She’s my junior from college. We just ran into each other at the hotel tonight guess looked a little tipsy so she decided to help me out p>
It sounded reasonable enough. But Octavia still had that photo in her phone, the one where Latham and Fallon seemed awfully close. She had no clue who sent it to her NO matter the reason it was enough make her blood boil.
“Well, thanks for your help, Fallon,” Octavia said, wrapping her arm around her husband.
She turned to Latham. “Where’s your assistant? Isn’t he supposed to stick with you p>
No sooner had she spoken than his assistant rushed out of the lobby, a scarf dangling from his hand. “Fallon, you forgot your scarf,” he said, sounding way too familiar.
But as soon as he spotted Octavia,
the words seemed to get stuck in his
throat Octavia he stammered
sounding
guilty for ho clear reason.
He looked like he wanted to smack
himself, probably realizing how obvious he seemed.
Octavia put on a polite smile. “Wheeler p>
Wheeler just shivered. He never expected to get caught in such an awkward moment.
“Wheeler, do me a favor and take Fallon home,” Latham cut in smoothly, then turned back to Fallon. “Thanks again for helping earlier p>
Fallon smiled gently. “No problem. It was my pleasure. But honestly, I’m just an English teacher now, nowhere near as glamorous as Octavia, the full-time wife p>
“Work is work. We all do what we can,” Latham replied, clearly hoping Fallon would drop it.
She took the hint. “Octavia, Latham, I’ll let you two have the evening to yourselves. Goodnight p>
Octavia smiled back, just barely. “Alright. Take care p>
Once Fallon was finally out of sight, Octavia looked at Latham, her voice laced with sarcasm. “So, you and Fallon, you’ve kept in touch all these years p>