“Brother, don’t worry! Kurima is not a dangerous place. I’ll be fine!” Ranita paused and smiled, saying, “By the way, I have a friend whose family is celebrating their elder’s birthday. I’ll take the opportunity to meet up with old friends!”
“But… Kurima is the Stuart family’s stronghold. What if they give her a hard time? Being so far away, I won’t be able to help,” Jedidiah still worried.
“Brother, don’t worry! I’m a grown-up now, and I can take care of myself!” Ranita assured him. Reluctantly, Jedidiah agreed but asked her to avoid encounters with the Stuart family as much as possible.
Ranita readily agreed.
Kurima might not necessarily bring her into contact with the Stuart family, and with Brendon at Steland Hospital and Shannon also being there, it would be good for her to go to Kurima.
Ranita got busy and lost track of time. When she came to her senses, it was already dark. She took a moment to call Ayaan. Little Ayaan was well-behaved and currently playing with Benedict, assuring her that she didn’t need to worry. Ranita felt guilty but relieved.
After spending another half hour dealing with remaining tasks, Ranita was ready to go home when her phone suddenly rang. It was Augustus calling, and she remembered that she had made plans to meet a friend.
“Augustus, I’m sorry, I was so busy today that I forgot about our meeting!”
“It’s okay! Have you eaten? How about having dinner together? I’ll ask my friend to bring the painting along so we don’t have to make an extra trip.” Augustus kindly suggested.
Ranita agreed without hesitation.
Augustus had booked a private room at Bulgari Hotel’s restaurant. When Ranita arrived, Augustus was already there. His friend was a middle-aged man in his forties, also surnamed John. Augustus called him Christopher.
Christopher was dressed in a robe and had a somewhat villainous appearance, which made Ranita frown involuntarily.
Augustus introduced him to her and whispered, “Don’t worry, Christopher is easy to get along with! Despite his appearance, he deals in legitimate antique business.”
Feeling a bit embarrassed, Ranita said, “I’m fine.”
Christopher had brought a plum blossom painting for her. Although Ranita didn’t understand antiques, she could tell at first glance that the painting had a grandeur and sharp strokes, truly a rare and exceptional piece of art.
Ranita readily paid for it.
The dinner went smoothly, but in the middle of it, Ranita received a call from Brendon. “What’s up?”
“Ranita, it’s already dark, aren’t you coming to the hospital?” Brendon asked with a heavy tone, his ears picking up a male voice in the background. He asked, “Who are you having dinner with?”
Ranita smiled and replied, “Do I need to report to you?”
“And, when did I promise to go to the hospital to take care of you?”
“Ranita … are you saying you don’t keep your promises?” Brendon’s voice sounded somewhat resentful. Ranita had a sip of wine, her cheeks flushed, and her mood slightly floating. “When did I break my promise?”
“You said that if I went back to the hospital, you would reward me!”
Ranita momentarily forgot about this matter. “I have something to do, maybe next time!”
Ranita hung up the phone.
They continued eating and drinking.
Brendon was frustrated. Ranita seemed completely indifferent to him, going out with others to eat, drink, and have fun!
He was angry!
Brendon could only vent his bad mood through work. After an unknown period of time, Shannon and Holly knocked on the door and entered. Shannon’s face was pale, and she rushed towards him, her eyes red as she said, “Brendon.”