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Theodore turned, scanning Audrey mockingly. Then, he looked at her delicate collarbone. Her red strapless dress emphasized her flawless skin, making her look even more alluring.
Theodore had known Audrey for five years.
In the first three years, Theodore only knew that Audrey was a friend of Ava and Landen’s sister. They didn’t meet often, and because of a past incident, he didn’t think much of her. Later, Theodore saw her more often when she and Nicholas used the Ainsworth family’s gratitude to force him into marriage, which only increased his disgust for her. In two years of marriage, he had never truly looked at her.
In Theodore’s memory, Audrey’s style had always been simple. At a few family gatherings, she would wear long dresses, her hair elegantly pinned, with barely any makeup.
Yet now, at a glance, red suited Audrey surprisingly well. Her makeup wasn’t heavy, but her eyes shimmered, exuding a sensual charm that stirred something primal.
A wave of irritation surged within Theodore, and his expression darkened.
Theodore said, “If you’re having second thoughts, you can leave
now.”
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Audrey watched Theodore exit the elevator and quickly
followed. They walked one after the other until they reached the
door of a private room. The
through the heavy door.
I of lively conversation carried.
Audrey glanced sideways at him. “Theodore, we had an agreement. I close this deal, and you’ll spare Beaumont Group.”
Theodore sneered. His cool hand slid from her cheek to her chin, gripping it tightly. “Mrs. Ainsworth, instead of worrying about whether I’ll go back on my word, maybe you should focus on how you plan to close this deal.”
The waiter opened the door to the private room.
Theodore released Audrey and stepped inside.
The once lively room immediately fell silent, and the dozen or so people seated around the table turned to look at Theodore in unison.
“Theodore,” Ava called out gently as she stood up and quickly approached him.
“Ava, what are you doing here?” Theodore didn’t expect to see Ava at this dinner. The coldness in his expression softened noticeably.
“Tomorrow is the groundbreaking ceremony for Carol Tower. My father and I were visiting the General Secretary at the Chamber of Commerce, and when he heard I knew you, he invited me to join the dinner,” Ava explained gently. She then
Chapter 23 Calculating
glanced at Audrey. “Ms. Beaumont, I didn’t expect to see you here.”
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Audrey’s lashes fluttered slighty as she responded calmly, “Ms. Rosewood.”
Ava smiled, “Theodore, let’s not just stand here. Come, let’s sit.” Then, she naturally linked her arm with Theodore’s.
Theodore’s eyes darkened as his gaze fell on Ava’s hand hooked around his arm. He gently pulled her hand away.
“Theodore?” Ava was stunned.
Theodore took off his jacket and draped it over Ava’s shoulders. His voice was cold, but there was a hint of concern beneath it. “The air conditioning is set low in the private room. You’re not alone now, be careful not to catch a chill.”
Ava tugged the jacket lightly, offering a small smile. Her gaze flicked briefly toward Audrey, who was standing behind them, a subtle glint flashing in her eyes.
Once they were seated, a middle–aged man at the head of the table stood up with a drink in hand and approached them. “Mr. Ainsworth, Ms. Rosewood, I’d like to propose a toast.”
“Mr. Miller, I should be the one to toast you,” Ava replied, flattered. She stood up, pausing before bypassing the juice and reaching for a glass of wine instead.
But just as Ava picked it up, her wrist was pressed down.
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In the next second, Theodore took the glass from her. “Aval shouldn’t be drinking, Mr. Miller. I’ll drink on her behalf.” Then, he smoothly downed the wir
ne gulp.
Ava looked at Theodore, a faint, calculating smile playing at the corners of her lips.
Gareth laughed. “Earlier at the Chamber of Commerce, Ms. Rosewood mentioned she was friends with Mr. Ainsworth. I wasn’t entirely convinced, but now it seems Ms. Rosewood was just being modest. It looks like the two of you are quite close. Maybe something more is on the horizon?”
