Mrs. Brown saw her blushing and didn’t continue to ask.
They later left the concert venue.
Outside the door, James supported Mrs. Brown with one hand and held his phone with the other, instructing the driver to bring the car over.
However, the driver’s car hadn’t arrived yet. A silver Audi A4 slowly stopped in front of them. The window rolled down, revealing an ordinary face with a friendly smile.
“Auntie, James, what a coincidence,” said the woman.
“Zoey?” Mrs. Brown was momentarily surprised, then immediately smiled.
“Auntie, would you like me to give you a ride?” Zoey asked.
“No need.” James almost instinctively refused. He looked across the street to the parking lot, where the driver had just brought the car out and was now parking it at the entrance to pay for parking.
“We drove here, so we won’t trouble you. Let’s make plans to meet another time.” James politely explained.
“Okay then.” Zoey smiled and didn’t insist.
Mrs. Brown stood aside, frowning slightly. Their interaction was cold and distant, lacking in warmth, and didn’t seem like that of an engaged couple.
James’s car stopped behind Zoey’s car, and James walked over, opened the door, and helped Mrs. Brown into the car.
Mrs. Brown got into the car but didn’t let him get in. “You don’t have any social engagements tonight, do you? Go spend time with Zoey.”
After saying that, she instructed the driver to drive.
James was left on the roadside, while Zoey’s car remained there.
“Get in the car.” Zoey leaned over and pushed open the passenger door.
James silently got into the car, his face expressionless.
Zoey pursed her lips into a thin line, also remaining silent. She turned the steering wheel, and the car slowly entered the lane.
There was silence throughout the journey, and the atmosphere in the car was too heavy. James subconsciously lowered one side of the window, and the wind rushed in from outside, somewhat intense.
He coughed lightly, his face devoid of any expression as he asked indifferently, “How did you end up here?”
“Of course, I came to see the concert. It’s been making such a buzz lately, so I came to join in the excitement,” Zoey said casually.
James glanced at her, his gaze heavy. “I remember you saying that you don’t like crowds.”
“You don’t strike me as someone who enjoys crowds either, yet here you are,” Zoey replied with a smile.
“I came with my mother,” James answered, his tone flat.
“Okay.” Zoey replied casually, then said, “I’m just curious. I heard that Isabella was your former fiancee.”
Before she could finish her sentence, James turned his head and looked at her, his gaze darkening.
Zoey smiled casually, “I’m not so bored as to investigate your past. But these things have been widely circulated in our circle. It’s hard not to know.”
James’s expression grew increasingly gloomy, his voice becoming colder. “What’s the point of saying these things? Are you mocking me?”
“I didn’t mean it that way.” Zoey held the steering wheel with both hands, glancing at him casually. “We’re getting married soon, and I think it’s better to clarify some things before marriage to avoid trouble later.”
“Please, go on,” James said, sarcasm curling his lips. They had already done the prenuptial agreement the day before. His mother was insightful, and Zoey was indeed a savvy businesswoman, sorting everything out clearly.
Zoey drove steadily, her tone neither hurried nor slow.
“I have no interest in your past romantic history. However, Isabella is Andrew’s woman, as everyone knows. I advise you to put away any inappropriate thoughts and try to keep your distance. We can’t afford Andrew’s wrath,” she said.
“You’re overthinking it. I only see her as a sister now,” James explained instinctively.
Zoey let out a soft snort, thinking that it might be better if he didn’t explain himself further. The more he rushed to explain, the more his guilt was exposed. “I hope so.”
The car reached a crossroads and stopped at a red light. Zoey continued speaking.
“Our marriage isn’t based on love. I’m very aware that you don’t love me. After we’re married, all I need from you is for you to fulfill your duties as a husband, give me the respect and freedom I deserve. If you find me boring, you’re welcome to have a mistress, but it mustn’t become public knowledge. If it becomes a scandal, it won’t be good for either of our families. Also, the woman must be healthy. I don’t want to be infected with any diseases.
As for me, you know my situation. I’m the eldest daughter, with a younger brother. My father favors sons over daughters, so even if I excel, I can’t inherit the family business. Your family, however, provides me with a platform to showcase my abilities. Auntie values my capabilities, and I value the development opportunities in the Brown family. So, don’t expect me to love you. Love between us is a luxury.”
James’s face darkened. “If you keep a man, I hope you keep it away from my ears.”
“You can rest assured on that. I don’t have the energy for extramarital affairs. My focus is on work, and I don’t have time for men,” Zoey replied with a smile.
James’s expression didn’t improve despite Zoey’s assurance that she wouldn’t cuckold him.
Such a marriage of convenience was no different from a business deal.
But James had no right to complain. Once, he had a pure relationship, one he failed to cherish. The current situation was his own doing.
“Oh, and do you have any plans for children? Before thirty-five, I plan to focus on my career. Raising children takes up too much time. After thirty-five, if my health permits, I might consider it.”
“Suit yourself,” James replied sarcastically.
The car then stopped in front of a Western restaurant.
Zoey turned to him, her smile unchanged, and asked casually, “Are you still in the mood to have dinner with me now?”
James got out of the car without a word and walked into the restaurant with his head down.
Zoey shrugged, seemingly unconcerned about his mood. She answered her phone, gave instructions for work, and locked the car.
For her, making money was her interest. Dealing with men was definitely a waste of time.