Chapter 65 No Time
Finished
“If you want her to go, then you should ask her. I just started my new job, and things are too hectic for me right now.” I had long given up on trying to control Yun. However she turned out would be entirely up to her. If she preferred Queena to attend her parent–teacher conference, I wouldn’t even ask why.
She was six years old–more than capable of understanding right from wrong She had even learned a thing or two about human nature.
Before I knew it, Thursday arrived. Around noon, I planned to take a few senior managers out for lunch at a restaurant near the hotel. Just as I stepped into the haway, Shawn appeared and blocked my way.
“Got any plans for lunch? Ever since our last argument, we had been giving each other the cold shoulder. But today, he took the initiative to talk to me. It seemed our silent war was coming to an end.
“Yeah, I’m taking a few hotel executives out for a meal, replied.
“Alright, I’ll come along. Shawn said casually before turning toward the elevator.
1 frowned at his retreating figure, puzzled as to why he wanted to join.
The restaurant had been booked in advance–a Caribbean cuisine restaurant with an authentic ment, I had already set a bottle of whiskey on the ten–person dining table in our private room. It was Shawn’s, something he had left at home, but I had brought it along to use as a goodwill gesture.
Sure enough, as soon as the liquor was placed on the table, the executives–especially the ones who loved a good drink stared at it, itching to have a taste.
“Mr. and Mrs. Hartwell, you seem to have such a wonderful relationship! Mrs. Hartwell, you’re so lucky.”
“That’s right! Mr. Hartwell and adores you. You’re truly fortunate.”
is young, a
I had heard these empty pleasantries more times than I could count. If Shawn and I weren’t maintaining a polished image in public, no one would have guessed that we hadn’t spoken in three days–or that we hadn’t been intimate in over a year.
Shawn carried himself with the composed authority of a man in power. His black dress shirt only made his striking features stand out even more, exuding an effortless charisma in every movement.
“Please, everyone, make yourselves at home,” Shawn said with a polite smile. “Tiffany will need all of your support moving forward. Now, let’s eat.”
With that, the toasts began.
Someone offered to pour me a glass of red wine. Just as I reached for my glass, a large hand suddenly covered the rim, blocking it. “She’s not drinking. Shawn said from beside me. “We’re trying for a baby
The moment those words left his mouth, the entire room fell into a brief but heavy silence. Then, all turned to us with knowing smiles.
I whipped my head toward Shawn, wondering if he had lost his mind.
“Mrs. Hartwell, you’re truly blessed. You and Mr. Hartwell are going to have the most adorable baby!*
1/3
Chapter 65 No Time
I had no choice but to put my glass down. But in the next second, I picked up Shawn’s whiskey instead and smiled. Let’s not get ahead of ourselves, Right now, our priority is making Apex Hotel a success. Once our careers are stable, we’ll think about baby number two.
With that, I took a sip of Shawn’s whiskey. The moment did, I noticed Shawn’s expression darken considerably,
The others, however, remained oblivious to the silent battle between is, assuming it was nothing more than playful flirting between a married couple
As the strong liquor burned down my throat, my head began to buzz. I quickly excused myself and headed to the restroom. Big mistake. I hadn’t even swallowed much, yet the effects hit me almost instantly
My head spun, and I tried desperately to make myself throw up, but to no avail. When I looked at my reflection in the mirror, my cheeks were flushed a deep red, making me look as vibrant as a flower in full bloom. My eyes shimmered with an unnatural gloss, and I couldn’t help but let out a bitter chuckle at my foolishness.
At that moment, the sound of running water came from beside me. I turned my head–Shawn was washing his hands at the sink next to me.
His gaze was colder than before. “Do you seriously not know your alcohol tolerance? That’s strong whiskey.
We don’t be so reckless.”
“I’m fine,” I said, splashing my face with cold water. “But thanks for the concern.”
My response only seemed to irritate him further. Without another word, he turned and walked out.
I took a deep breath, pulled myself together, and returned to the private dining room. Just as I sat down. Shawn’s phone rang-
I glanced at the screen out of reflex. Queena.
Shawn picked up his phone and immediately stepped out of the room.
A few minutes later, he returned and said, “Something came up at the company. I need to leave.”
Several executives stood up to see him off, but he waved them down before walking out.
The rest of the luncheon continued as usual–drinks flowed, and conversation carried on–but I noticed a shift in the way some of the women looked at me. There was sympathy in their eyes. And just a hint of schadenfreude.
I knew exactly what they were thinking. Shawn’s favoritism toward Queena was no secret anymore. As his nominal wife, I had naturally become their new topic of gossip.
Once the meal was over, I stayed in my temporary office at Apex Hotel for the rest of the afternoon.
Around four, Shawn texted me. “Has the alcohol worn dif? Can you make it to the parent–teacher conference tonight?”
I knew Yuna wanted Queena to go in my place, so I responded without hesitation. “No time and my head
still hurts.”
