Ryan’s sharp tongue showed no mercy. Scarlett’s face turned a few shades darker with anger. Knowing her place, she stood up from the sofa. “Since you have other matters to attend to, I’ll take my leave.”
Andrew nodded slightly, not rising from his seat, but instructed his secretary to see her out.
After Scarlett left, Ryan took her previous seat, casually crossing his legs and scoffing, “Why do you even bother with her? After all those disgraceful things she did, even her own father was so ashamed that he kicked her out of the house.”
Andrew’s eyes returned to the computer screen, unwilling to continue the topic of Scarlett.
“Ryan, make sure to compile the bidding materials quickly. This project officially starts next month, and time is tight,” Andrew instructed.
“Don’t worry, I know what I’m doing,” Ryan replied.
“Let’s hope so,” Andrew responded evenly. He closed his laptop, picked up his coat, and headed out of the office.
“Boss, where are you going?” Ryan asked, puzzled.
“I have no other plans during lunch break. I’m going home to have lunch with Isabella,” Andrew replied casually.
“I need to pick up a document from LC Company, so I’ll just catch a ride with you,” Ryan said, following Andrew out of the office and into the elevator.
“You don’t have a car?”
“My driver is on leave today. I had a couple of drinks this morning, and I’m still a bit tipsy. Getting caught for DUI would be a hassle,” Ryan replied nonchalantly.
The elevator took them directly to the underground parking lot. Andrew’s car was waiting at the elevator entrance. Andrew and Ryan got in, and the car slowly drove out of the parking lot.
It was raining outside, though not heavily. Raindrops pattered against the windows, partially obscuring the view. As the car passed the company’s main entrance, Ryan’s sharp eyes spotted Scarlett trying to hail a cab by the roadside.
It looked like her assistant had driven off earlier, leaving Scarlett to hail a cab in the rain. Ithaca town was notorious for its difficulty in getting a cab on rainy days. Scarlett held a black-and-blue umbrella with the Turner family conglomerate’s logo, likely borrowed from the company’s front desk.
Scarlett leaned out, desperately waving at the passing cars, but none of the cabs were available. Traffic flowed steadily, and a car sped by, splashing muddy water onto Scarlett’s skirt. She fumbled with her umbrella, trying to wipe the dirty water off her skirt with tissues, looking utterly bedraggled.
“Who would have thought the Taylor family’s daughter would end up like this?” Ryan remarked, then looked at Andrew with a smirk. “Andrew, aren’t you going to offer her a ride? A little kindness in the rain, and Scarlett would be forever grateful to you.”
Andrew glanced at him coolly and instructed the driver, “Stop the car.”
The car pulled over, and Ryan, taken aback, heard Andrew say, “Ryan, get out.”
“Why?”
“You talk too much, and it’s annoying,” Andrew replied bluntly.
“Andrew, you’re ruthless!” Ryan said angrily before opening the door and stepping out.
It was still raining outside, but Ryan didn’t get wet. Being at the company’s main entrance, the security guards wouldn’t be so blind as to let the executive vice president get soaked.
A security guard hurried over, holding a large umbrella over Ryan’s head.
Ryan stood under the umbrella, hands in his pockets, maintaining his nonchalant demeanor. His eyes playfully glanced towards Scarlett at the other end.
Scarlett also looked at him, the light in her eyes slowly fading away. She noticed Andrew’s car parked by the roadside and naturally assumed he was going to give her a ride. However, it was Ryan who stepped out of the car.
“Miss Scarlett, are you disappointed to see me?” Ryan teased.
“I don’t understand what you’re talking about, Mr. Ryan. We’re not familiar with each other,” Scarlett replied coldly, holding her umbrella as she walked across the street.
Ryan watched her slender figure walk away and snorted, “She brought this on herself.”
“Mr. Ryan, do you need a car? Should I inform the logistics department?” the security guard asked respectfully.
“No need. I don’t want to go anywhere,” Ryan said as he walked back into the office building. He made a call on his phone, “Have someone from the secretary’s office fetch the document from LC Company. And also, reserve a luxurious lunch for me. ”
After hanging up, Ryan thought to himself, so what if Andrew has a wife and child? He could still enjoy good food and drink on his own.
Meanwhile, Andrew’s car had already arrived at the apartment building.
Andrew got out, umbrella in hand, and instructed the driver to pick him up in two hours.
As soon as Andrew walked in, he was greeted by cheerful laughter.
Asher ran over on his short legs, jumping straight into Andrew’s arms. “Daddy’s back! Mommy, Daddy’s back!”
Isabella came out of the kitchen, an apron around her waist and a spatula in her hand. She paused for a moment when she saw Andrew, then her eyes crinkled with a smile.
“Andrew, why are you back?”
“To have lunch with you and Asher,” Andrew said, already changing into his slippers.
Isabella walked up to him, smiling, “You’re in for a treat. I cooked today.”
“What did you make?” Andrew asked with a smile.
“Spaghetti Carbonara, Risotto alla Milanese, and Ossobuco,” Isabella said proudly.
Andrew: “…”
“Don’t you like it?” Isabella asked, blinking.
“No, I’m not picky,” Andrew replied warmly, reaching out to rub her head. “You’re so virtuous, are you planning to become a perfect housewife?”
“I’ll try to balance work and family,” Isabella said with a smile, taking his suit jacket and hanging it on the coat rack.
“Go wash up, it’s time to eat,” Isabella said, then called to Asher, “Asher, wash your hands for dinner.”
Asher obediently followed his mother to the bathroom. He stepped on a cartoon step stool to reach the sink, putting his chubby hands under the water.
Isabella handed him some children’s soap. Asher grabbed the soap with both hands, creating bubbles, then washed off the soap before running to the dining room on his short legs.
“Asher, why didn’t you dry your hands?” Andrew lifted him into the high chair and wiped his hands with a towel.
Isabella had already set the table. “Try the food,” she said, handing him a knife and fork.
“Well, it’s pretty good,” Andrew nodded. Compared to the last time she made braised pork ribs, these three dishes were a noticeable improvement.