Chapter 221
The restaurant had a lovely ambiance, and the hallway was nearly empty. Eileen and Phoebe, who had been dining on the first floor, headed upstairs. A waiter approached them quickly.
“Hello, how can I assist you two?” he asked.
Phoebe smiled warmly. “We saw a friend and wanted to say hi,” she explained.
The waiter raised an eyebrow, glancing at the nearly empty hallway. It was clear their friend had to be in one of the private rooms.
“I’m sorry,” the waiter replied. “But our private rooms on the second floor are strictly reserved. We can’t let anyone in without permission. Maybe you can ask your friend to come downstairs to see you?”
Eileen tugged at Phoebe’s arm. “Let’s leave,” she whispered.
Even if Bryan was indeed up there, he was probably there for work.
“Alright, we’re leaving.” Phoebe didn’t argue and turned to go.
After a few steps, Eileen felt Phoebe’s grip on her arm loosen. Without turning around, she heard Phoebe yelp and stumble.
Phoebe had accidentally opened the door to a private room, catching herself by grabbing the door frame. Inside, smoke hung in the air as people chatted and drank. The man at the head of the table, with dark eyes and a cigarette in his hand, looked over at them.
His black shirt gave him a charming appearance. His relaxed posture tensed slightly when he made eye contact with Eileen through the open door.
Next to him, a young woman in her twenties, dressed in a light dress that gave her an innocent look, was dabbing a wet spot on his chest with a napkin. The sudden opening of the door startled her, causing the napkin to fall from her hands.
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Phoebe quickly spoke up, “Sorry, I lost my balance. Oh, isn’t this Mr. Dawson? What a pleasant surprise!”
The waiter’s mouth twitched. A pleasant surprise? Clearly, what Phoebe had done was intentional.
“Apologies, everyone; they…” The waiter hesitated, glancing uneasily at the assembled guests in the private room.
Phoebe’s mention of Bryan had made the others realize she was there for him, prompting them to subtly signal the waiter to leave.
“Do you know them, Mr. Dawson?” the young woman next to Bryan asked, withdrawing her hand cautiously.
Bryan crushed his cigarette and was ready to stand when someone else stepped in before him.
“Eileen, Phoebe, what are you doing here?” Zola rose from a corner and approached them.
Only then did Eileen notice that not only Zola, but also Denzel, Jacob, and several others were in the room.
“These are our friends, Mr. Myers,” Zola introduced Eileen and Phoebe, her words intentionally vague.
Noticing the clear business ambiance, Eileen felt frustrated by Phoebe’s impulsiveness but couldn’t shake off a twinge of discomfort at seeing the young woman beside Bryan. Still, she maintained her composure, allowing Zola to label them simply as “friends.”
“Sorry to disturb you all. We were just downstairs dining with our staff and thought we’d say hello. We’ll leave now,” Eileen said, reaching to guide Phoebe away.
But in the next moment, she was pulled into the room by Phoebe. “Look, Mr. Dawson didn’t bring his assistant today. You should stay and await his instructions. I’ll handle our staff downstairs.”
Jacob considered suggesting that Phoebe stay too, but knowing her unpredictable nature, he remained silent.
“If so, then do stay,” Zola said, pointing to a vacant seat next to her. “You can sit there.”
Eileen’s gaze was fixed on Bryan, who hadn’t said a word since her arrival. She wondered if he felt guilty. His silence made her think he probably didn’t want her there.
Just as she was about to speak, she heard Bryan address the young woman beside him in a firm tone, “Miss Myers, please make room for my girlfriend.”
His voice, clear and resonant, filled the room.
Bernard Myers turned toward Eileen, surprise etched on his face. “So you’re Mr. Dawson’s girlfriend. I apologize for the impoliteness,” he hurriedly said. “Dora, come sit over here.”
The empty seat Zola had offered Eileen was next to Bernard’s. However, Dora, who had chosen to sit beside Bryan earlier, had made her intentions clear to everyone.
Now aware of Eileen’s identity, Dora couldn’t tear her eyes away from her, reluctantly moving around the table to sit beside Bernard.
Eileen felt a gentle push from Phoebe toward Bryan’s direction. Bryan’s introduction had left her blushing, making her wonder if she had been too sensitive.
After taking her seat next to Bryan, Eileen avoided making direct eye contact.
“Everyone, please take good care of Eileen. I’ll head back downstairs now,” Phoebe announced before leaving the room.
The waiter quickly arrived with fresh cutlery for Eileen, and after a brief, polite exchange with Bernard, the table’s focus returned to their business dealings.
Denzel and Bryan, collaborating on a promising project, were keen to attract Bernard’s investment. Although Denzel had initiated the partnership, Bryan’s involvement quickly proved central, with Jacob also taking an active role.
Throughout the conversation, Bernard primarily engaged with Bryan, his voice tinged with respect and admiration. Initially, Bernard had admired Bryan for being part of the Dawson family, but as their discussion unfolded, it became clear that Bryan was not merely riding on his family’s influence. In fact, it was Bryan who had elevated the Dawson family’s reputation.
During their conversation, Bryan made sure to keep Eileen’s plate filled with her favorite food. Noticing this, Bernard smiled warmly. “Mr. Dawson, you’re indeed exceptional. You’re not only proficient in your career but also a considerate man. Miss Curtis is very fortunate to have you.”
“I’m flattered,” Bryan responded, giving a modest nod before turning his attention back to Eileen.
Since her arrival, Eileen had not spoken to him; her gaze seldom met his, occasionally drifting over to Dora. A thought flickered across Bryan’s mind, and a subtle smile appeared on his face.
“Miss Curtis, what do you do for a living?” Dora suddenly asked.
“I’m a tutor, providing lessons to students at home,” Eileen replied politely.
Dora paused for a moment, then laughed lightly. “Oh, you’re a tutor? I thought you came from a wealthy family.”
After her remark, she leaned closer to Bernard and added, “Dad, we should invest in Mr. Dawson’s project. He seems very promising.” Her voice was loud enough for everyone in the room to hear.
“Dora, you’re quite good at joking,” Denzel chuckled, attempting to diffuse the slight tension. “Bernard’s decision to invest will hinge on the project’s merits, not just the people involved.”
Undeterred, Dora replied, “I tend to make judgments based on the person, and my father values my opinion.”
“That’s not exactly correct,” Jacob interjected, trying to lighten the mood. “Dora, you’re still young, and your father needs to be cautious about making decisions for you. You never know when you might encounter someone deceitful.”
Bernard’s gaze settled on Eileen, who sat calmly beside Bryan. She seemed unbothered by Dora’s clear interest in Bryan.
“My daughter has a keen eye for people. I value her insights,” Bernard said, casting a meaningful look at Eileen.
Beneath the table, Eileen suddenly felt warmth envelop her hand; Bryan was holding it. His strong, defined fingers gently played with her slender ones while his steady gaze remained focused on Bernard.
“Mr. Myers, your devotion to your family is admirable,” Bryan remarked. “I value Eileen’s insights in a similar way.”
A warmth spread through Eileen’s heart, and she noticed Dora’s expression souring.
“I see,” Bernard nodded, his expression inscrutable. “The food is getting cold. Let’s eat.”
As the meal continued, the conversation dwindled. When the clock struck just past ten, Bernard stood to leave, echoing his promise to consider the project.
“Despite the rumors of discord within the Dawson family, I’m optimistic about this project,” Bernard stated. “Your standing in the business world will remain strong, regardless of your family dynamics, Mr. Dawson.”
“You’re flattering me,” Bryan replied, offering a brief wave before he and Eileen made their way to the parking lot.
As Bernard’s car pulled away, Zola glanced back just in time to see Bryan and Eileen reaching their car. She was about to walk toward them when Jacob swiftly stopped her. “Where are you going?” he asked.
“Bryan brought me here. Obviously, I’m taking his car back,” Zola replied, struggling to free herself from Jacob’s grasp, but he tightened his grip.
Jacob chuckled and shook his head, exchanging a glance with Denzel. “Ever seen someone so clueless? Why interrupt a couple’s private moment? Didn’t you notice the jealousy in Eileen’s eyes? Bryan will need to comfort her. How’s he supposed to do that with you hovering around?”
Denzel laughed in agreement. “You’ve got a point. Miss Murray, if you’re okay with it, I can give you a ride.”
“I’m heading in the same direction as well,” Jacob added with a grin.
Zola managed to wriggle out of Jacob’s grip. “I’m not a stranger. Why can’t Bryan console Eileen in my presence? And even if I don’t need a ride from him, I should at least let him know.”
“Comforting a lover doesn’t require words, but action. This isn’t something you can grasp easily, considering your limited romantic experience,” Jacob said, opening his car door. “Come on, hop in. I’ll take you home.”
As the night grew darker, a hint of sadness crossed Zola’s face, though it remained hidden in the dim light. Noticing her hesitation, Jacob stepped closer, taking her by the arm. “Come on.”
With a firm grip, Jacob guided Zola into his car, bidding Denzel farewell before driving off.
As they passed the parking lot, Bryan’s car remained in its spot. Eileen and Bryan must have already gotten into the car but hadn’t departed yet.
“After all that drinking tonight, I bet Bryan’s nestled in Eileen’s embrace, pouring out his heart,” Jacob laughed at the thought.
Zola, her expression stern, replied, “He wouldn’t do that. He’s not the type for those kinds of gestures!”
As soon as Zola finished her words, Jacob abruptly slammed on the brakes, executing a swift U-turn on the deserted road and speeding back, as if afraid of missing something.
“You don’t believe me? Let’s go back and take a look. I’m curious about what they’re up to in the darkness,” Jacob said.