What started as a nice meal, with everyone enjoying good food and conversation, took an unexpected turn, leaving everyone feeling awkward.
Johnny only took a few bites before making an excuse about work and leaving early.
After he left, Rosalind spoke softly, “I don’t hold a grudge against Johnny. If Tilda is interested in being with him, I don’t really mind. But Tilda said she doesn’t like a playboy like him.”
“I understand. No need to explain.” Ulric knew Rosalind’s concerns well.
But he also knew that Johnny had fallen in love with Tilda.
He had never seen Johnny like this before!
As a longtime friend, Ulric wanted to help him, but Johnny actually set his heart on Rosalind’s friend! Ulric didn’t dare to interfere, so what could Ulric do?
After finishing the meal, Ulric called Cedric over to take the two children back to Easthaven Bay.
“You go with them. I’ll pick up Floyd and Jake’s things from Malcolm’s place before heading back.”
Rosalind watched Floyd and Jake get into the car, but she hesitated to get in herself.
“I’ll go with you.”
“Are you afraid I’ll do something to Malcolm?” Ulric’s tone was calm, but it felt more like the calm before a storm!
Originally, he just wanted to express his gratitude, but seeing how protective Rosalind was made his anger harder to control.
He hated seeing Rosalind worry about other men.
Rosalind held onto his hand and gently squeezed it. “I’m afraid there might be a conflict between the two of you.”
She understood Malcolm well. Despite his gentle and humble demeanor most of the time, he had a temper, especially when he was in a bad mood! She couldn’t guarantee that when Malcolm saw Ulric later, he wouldn’t lose his temper and end up in a physical confrontation.
So, she did her best to prevent things from escalating into an uncontrollable situation!
Moreover, Malcolm might be no match for Ulric in terms of strength.
“If we really get into a conflict, who are you more afraid of getting hurt?”
Ulric didn’t want to ask, but he couldn’t help himself.
To him, Malcolm was like a thorn-something that couldn’t be removed and was uncomfortable to touch.
“Of course it’s you! You’re already injured.”
Ulric raised an eyebrow and looked at her intently. “So, you think I can’t beat him?”
“Of course, you can!” Rosalind quickly replied. “I have no doubt about your skills. Just your height alone gives you an advantage, but you have a penetrating wound!”
“If I get hurt, will you be worried about me?”
“Of course.” Rosalind shot him a glare and linked her arm through his. “I’m going with you! It’s not just you who needs to thank him. I owe him thanks too.”
She knew that avoiding Malcolm wouldn’t solve anything, and she still had to convince Malcolm to let go and find a girlfriend.
Ulric studied her expression until he was sure there was no trace of affection for Malcolm in her eyes, and his irritation eased a bit.
“Alright, let’s go together.”
Once they got into the car Cedric had prepared for them, Rosalind called Malcolm.
“Malcolm, I’m coming to get the children’s things.”
“Okay.” Malcolm’s voice was as warm as always, without any fluctuations. “Is Tilda coming too?”
“She’s not coming. She’s already gone back to her parents’ place.”
“Oh.” There was a brief pause on Malcolm’s end before he asked, “So who are you coming with?”
Rosalind instinctively looked at Ulric, who was also staring back at her.
She was just making a phone call to Malcolm, yet she could feel the cold aura radiating from Ulric. His demeanor was nothing like someone who was about to express gratitude.
“I’m with Ulric.”