Summer snapped out of her thoughts and happened to hear what Stanley said.
She looked at Jessica and then at Stanley. “What’s right and wrong?”
“She just asked if I could read people’s minds just by looking at their little gestures and facial expression.” Stanley smiled.
Summer nodded. “So, can you?”
Stanley looked at Summer for a few seconds. “Theoretically, yes.”
“Can you tell what Summer is thinking now?” Jessica was instantly interested.
An actress needed to present the character in a story in its most vivid and truest form before an audience.
A psychologist could identify a person’s thoughts by analyzing the individual’s eyes, movement, and body language.
Meanwhile, an actress needed to recreate certain eye expressions and gestures to present a character’s inner thoughts.
In a sense, they walked different paths, but their goals were the same.
A screenwriter herself, Summer was naturally interested in the subject.
Seeing how curious the two women were, Stanley put down his wineglass and studied Summer for a while. “Summer is sitting a little to the side and leaning in Mr. Emerson’s direction.”
Stanley did not elaborate and just looked at Summer with a smile.
Jessica pondered for a while and uttered a long, meaningful “ohhhh” in acknowledgment.
Summer rubbed her nose, feeling uneasy due to their stares. She shifted her body, and no longer sat sideways. It was not that she was denying Stanley’s observation. She just felt awkward. “Why don’t you talk about Jessica?” She diverted the focus of the conversation.
“She’s an outgoing person.” After Stanley said that, he looked down at Jessica’s feet.
Jessica was sitting with her legs crossed, and the toes on one of her feet were touching the floor as if she was going to stand up at any time.
“She likes merriment,” Stanley quickly added.
Jessica pulled back her legs reflexively. “Good observation. I won’t dare to randomly position my hands and legs in front of you again.”
“I’m flattered, Ms. Hicks. With the exception of treating my patients, I usually don’t make such conscious observations.” He was smiling while speaking, which made him look even more approachable.
Jessica used to be prejudiced against him, thinking that he had some ulterior motive in saving Summer. However, he had done nothing to hurt Summer even after all this time. On top of that, he dared to go up against Leonardo.
Her perception of Stanley had taken a one-eighty change.
A humorous and easy-going elite like Stanley was surely popular wherever he went.
While the atmosphere was looking up, Jessica suddenly became quiet.
“What’s wrong?” Summer was puzzled.
Jessica pointed with her chin, telling Summer to look back.
Summer did and saw Leonardo walking toward them. It did not take long, as he arrived in front of them just after a few paces.
Leonardo did not look at Summer at all. His attention was entirely on Stanley. “Mr. Bates.”
Stanley stood up and smiled at him. “You have something to discuss with me, Mr. Emerson?”
“Do you think that I have too much time on my hands? Of course, I have something to discuss with you,” Leonardo sneered. His expression was ghastly.
It never occurred to Summer that Leonardo truly wanted to talk to Stanley when he invited him to the party.
However, when she saw Leonardo’s expression, it looked more like he wanted to pick a fight with Stanley.
She even suspected that Leonardo was trying to come to blows with Stanley.
As Stanley got to his feet, Leonardo held out his hand, inviting Stanley to follow him.
So, off they went in tandem.
Summer only looked back once the two disappeared from view.
Noticing Summer’s worried face, Jessica was bewildered. “Why do you think the big boss wants to talk to Dr. Bates?”
“I don’t know.” Summer shook her head.
Leonardo had formed his opinions on Stanley a long time ago. His attitude earlier told it all. When he invited Stanley to talk, he did not just want to talk, for sure.
Despite that, Stanley did not seem like someone who would allow himself to be bullied.
…
Leonardo and Stanley left the function hall and entered a lounge that Tim had booked in advance. Leonardo walked in front, and Stanley followed closely behind.
When Stanley stepped inside, Leonardo rolled up his sleeves, his back still facing Stanley.
Stanley tilted his head slightly. “Mr. Emerson?”
Leonardo turned around and kicked Stanley in the leg. Then, he flung him over his shoulder to the floor.
Stanley had already realized earlier that Leonardo did not come in peace. However, he did not expect Leonardo to actually get physical with him.
Leonardo was using great force. His attacks were quick and furious. Even though Stanley had anticipated his reaction, it still caught him by surprise.
Stanley was now lying on the floor, eyes closed and brows furrowed. After a few seconds, he gritted his teeth and picked himself up, dusting the non-existent dirt off his body while looking nonchalantly at Leonardo. “Is this how you usually deal with things, Mr. Emerson?”
“No, I just think that you deserve a beating. So, I may as well do the honors.” Leonardo rolled his sleeves back down and sat down on the sofa.
Stanley never imagined that Leonardo would give such an excuse.
It sounded so barbaric, but Leonardo delivered it in a very matter-of-fact tone, making Stanley think that it was, in fact, reasonable.
Stanley forced out a smile. “Should I be grateful?”
“That won’t be necessary.” Leonardo took out a file and threw it before Stanley. “You’re really concerned about my wife’s health.”
It was a medical report, and Summer’s name was written in the name field.
Leonardo had brought Summer to do a medical checkup in the past. The hospital kept a copy of the record, and a few days ago, Leonardo discovered that Stanley had gotten a copy as well. It was a very detailed record, which contained the details of every health check, bodily functions, and so on.
“In case you’ve forgotten, Mr. Emerson, Summer is no longer your wife. Your fiancée is Amber if I’m not mistaken.” Stanley slowly sat down across from Leonardo, the smile on his face still present.
Leonardo narrowed his eyes as he glowered at Stanley. “You know very well what you’re up to, Stanley. Don’t ever hope to evade my eyes.”
“I’m just concerned about Summer.” Stanley’s smile had faded somewhat. “You can’t take away her right to have friends just because she’s the mother of your daughter. Being too possessive isn’t a good thing.”
Stanley gradually softened his tone, as though he was advising Leonardo.