Chapter 4 Mrs. Jenkins
When Colin didn’t get a response, he asked, “Don’t want to come?”
Cynthia was cautious around him. Though they hadn’t interacted much, she’d heard the rumors—most of them painted him as a bad person.
“Speak,” Colin said impatiently. He wasn’t going to sit around while she stayed silent.
To be honest, Cynthia was a little afraid of him. “Okay.”
Colin frowned.
Okay? It was almost as if she was forced to speak. Where was that wild, reckless energy from last night when she had pounced on him, biting and clawing?
Cynthia had assumed Colin would take her to some flashy entertainment venue, thinking he needed a companion and she just happened to be the unlucky one nearby.
The entire way there, Cynthia cursed him in her mind. He was ungrateful and heartless—Loid’s funeral had barely ended, and he was already throwing a party.
But instead of the extravagant venue she expected, they arrived at a restaurant full of ancient charm. In the courtyard, towering trees reached toward the sky, and the ground was spotless with not a trace of snow. A gentle stream flowed nearby, and the faint scent of sandalwood lingered in the air.
The owner of the restaurant, who was a friend of Colin’s, came out to greet them. He was also eager to see the woman Colin had brought. When he saw Cynthia, his gleaming eyes that were filled with curiosity and gossip instantly dimmed.
The owner’s failed attempt at hiding his surprise didn’t go unnoticed. He still hadn’t recovered from his shock after a few seconds, while Cynthia kept staring at him. Her lips stiffened slightly as she wondered if she should say hello first.
Colin, however, was indifferent to her discomfort. He yanked the owner forward and led him into the private room.
Cynthia overheard the owner’s weak voice. “Isn’t your taste… a bit… unconventional?”
Cynthia was rendered speechless. Once inside the private room, she noticed that everyone was paired up.
All the women were dressed up—not in a provocative way, but they exuded a subtle charm. Most wore simple styles, while some wore dresses with slits up to their thighs, revealing their snow-white skin. Their beauty was distinct and captivating.
In comparison, Cynthia looked plain. She was wearing a long-sleeved black turtleneck dress, keeping even the winter draft at bay.
She glanced at Colin, who naturally sat at the head of the table. He pulled out the chair next to him and gave her a look, signaling her to sit there.
She took the hint and sat down.
Colin, also dressed in black, made her feel less out of place. She didn’t feel awkward anymore and decided to treat the dinner like just another meal.
The dishes looked impressive. In fact, it was top-notch, almost on par with dishes at a state dinner in both taste and presentation.
As conversation flowed around the table, Cynthia kept silent. She listened to the laughter around her but remained detached, focused only on eating.
“Are you very hungry?” Colin finally spoke, a cigarette between his fingers. He hadn’t touched his food yet and mostly drank.
Cynthia nodded. She couldn’t just sit there and do nothing.
As she reached for the black truffle lobster spaghetti that had just been served, a graceful hand reached across the table and took it away.
The man smiled, revealing a set of white teeth. “Ah, this is Mr. Jenkins’ favorite. Do you like it, too, Mrs. Jenkins?”
Cynthia was caught off guard and let out a soft burp.
Mrs. Jenkins? What was that about?
She turned to look at Colin, who was calmly smoking and didn’t seem bothered by the misunderstanding.
The silence stretched on for a few seconds before Colin casually broke it. “Kyle Underwood.”
Kyle, being addressed by his full name, rolled his eyes and shifted his gaze back to Cynthia.
Cynthia, unsure how to explain, quickly took a sip of water.
Feeling ignored, Kyle asked in a slightly offended tone, “Aren’t you going to introduce me, Mr. Jenkins?”
Colin leaned forward and extinguished his cigarette. He gestured at the dish in front of him. “Put it down.”
Kyle sighed but placed the dish back down.
Just then, there was a knock on the door. A soft voice from outside said, “Mr. Underwood, Mr. Shears said he’d like to join you for a drink.”
Kyle glanced at Colin first, muttering, “He caught up so quickly?”
Colin picked up his fork and began eating.
Kyle raised his voice, saying, “I’m sorry…”
Before he could finish, the door to the private room was flung open. Brian, standing tall and imposing, swept his gaze across the room.
Every face was familiar except for the ladies accompanying the men. These men were the ones plotting to sideline him.
Cynthia, used to seeing Brian’s gentle side, was taken aback by the cold expression on his face. His presence carried an air of aggression and bloodthirst.
Before she could hide, Brian had already recognized her among the crowd.
