At the table, Elisa deliberately avoided looking at Andrew. She feared revealing her feelings and dreaded seeing him look at other girls. The dinner was sumptuous, hosted by Spencer, with a menu that included all the signature dishes.
The conversation initially revolved around the success of the show. Everyone wore smiles, but their true thoughts were hidden. Andrew liked Agnes, Elisa liked Andrew, and Summer and Spencer wanted to matchmake.
“Andrew, do you cook at home?” Summer asked on behalf of her friend. “How do you usually handle dinner after work?”
“I cook,” Andrew replied proudly. “And I’m pretty good at it.”
Agnes felt uneasy, wondering if her sister was trying to set her up. She focused on her meal, staying silent and avoiding eye contact with her sister.
Summer continued the conversation, glancing happily at Elisa. “Young people today have great health habits. Our Elisa also enjoys experimenting with cooking after work.”
Elisa sensed Summer’s matchmaking efforts and felt a bit embarrassed, worried about being exposed. But she also knew that Andrew’s heart wasn’t with her.
Agnes found the situation awkward when her phone rang. She checked the caller ID and said, “Excuse me, I need to take this call.” Smiling apologetically, she stepped aside to answer.
After the call, she returned and apologized to everyone. “I’m sorry, something urgent came up at work. I need to head back to the office. Please enjoy the dinner without me.”
She bowed slightly and quickly left. Andrew watched her leave, his smile fading. He wanted to ask if something was wrong but she left too quickly for him to react. He kept his concern to himself.
Spencer, observing as a man might, seemed thoughtful about what he noticed. Summer continued chatting with Andrew and Elisa, mainly asking questions to help them get to know each other better.
Elisa knew from the moment she saw Andrew that this dinner was orchestrated by Summer.
Agnes didn’t return to the office after leaving the dinner. She wandered along the street alone, enjoying the gentle evening breeze and fresh air. Her thoughts drifted to her cat… neither Ansel nor Andrew interested her; she only loved her cat and cherished that unique feeling.
That night, a Volvo drove down the road at a moderate speed. Tom Fritz had just left his father’s company and was driving while talking on a Bluetooth headset. His well-fitted suit and mature demeanor were typical of him; his handsomeness radiated from within.
“Mr. Fritz, it’s like they can predict our moves; they’ve started selling off some stocks,” said the person on the other end of the call.
“Check the holding party first,” Tom Fritz replied in his magnetic voice while driving, his brow slightly furrowed.
“Understood.”
Ending the call, Tom Fritz removed his headset and looked ahead just in time to see someone walking along the roadside. She didn’t seem in a hurry; her hands were in her jacket pockets as she walked aimlessly with no expression on her face.
Agnes was lost in thoughts of her cat until the Volvo stopped beside her and its window rolled down. She instinctively paused and turned to look at the car.