Chapter 136

Nathaniel returned to the tea room and lingered for a while longer.

Vincent kept rambling about his new movie script. The entire time, he'd been talking to himself since the other four were engrossed in their own conversation. Not once did any of them actually pay attention to him.

'Guess I'm not getting any investors today,' Vincent thought bitterly.

He checked his watch helplessly. Keeping them any longer might just annoy them further. With no other choice, he stood up, made some polite excuses, and left the room with Cassandra.

Once they were alone, Dominic smirked. "So Nathaniel, where's that lovely wife of yours?"

Christopher raised an eyebrow. "Yes, Nathaniel. Where's Evelyn?"

'Evelyn? Since when is Christopher on first-name basis with her?' Nathaniel thought.

He arched a brow at the man. "Do you need something from her?"

Dominic grinned. "Just curious why she's working as a celebrity assistant. Come on, man. She's your wife. Shouldn't you be spoiling her rotten?"

Nathaniel took a slow sip of tea. "She enjoys experiencing different lifestyles. I won't interfere with her choices."

Dominic feigned shock. "Damn, Nathaniel! Never knew you could be so... accommodating!"

Nathaniel shot him a icy glare. "Go to hell."

Christopher chuckled. "I was just joking with Evelyn earlier. Didn't expect her to take me seriously and drink with me. You're not upset, are you?"

Nathaniel studied Christopher for a long moment before giving a tight smile. "Not at all. She's young and impulsive. I understand completely."

Christopher's smile faltered. 'Is he calling me childish?'

The atmosphere turned tense. Dominic and Harrison exchanged glances, sensing the sudden friction between the two childhood friends.

Dominic quickly intervened. "Hey Christopher, since it's your first official day taking over the family business, why don't you treat us to drinks?"

Christopher forced a laugh. "Sure. Pick the place."

Dominic nudged Nathaniel. "So, where should we go?"

Nathaniel set down his teacup. "You guys go ahead. I have other plans."

Dominic frowned. "Come on, man! It's been ages since all four of us hung out together."

"Next time," Nathaniel said firmly, slipping on his jacket. He gave them a casual wave without turning around. "Later."

Dominic sighed dramatically. "Marriage changes a man!"

Christopher watched Nathaniel leave with a tight smile. "He must be busy."

Harrison stood up. "Let's go. I've got some premium whiskey at Twilight."

Christopher protested, "I said I'm paying tonight!"

Dominic laughed. "I don't care who pays as long as the drinks keep coming!"

In the car...

"I asked you to arrange a job for her. This is what you came up with?" Nathaniel's voice was deceptively calm, but the edge in his tone was unmistakable.