Chapter 392 The Hypocrisy and Sinister Intent
Ava had been selecting seafood when she noticed Dalton and Mia deep in conversation from afar.
Uncertain of the topic of their discussion, she hesitated, not wanting to intrude. Instead, she chose a spot nearby to sit and wait. As she did, her mind wandered back to the promise she had made to William the previous night. She had told him she would call once she had managed to compose herself. Now, with a moment of respite, she dialed his number.
William answered promptly, his voice warm as he greeted her. "Hello, Ava."
"William, it's me," she began, her voice apologetic. "I'm sorry I left so abruptly last night."
"It's okay," he reassured her. "It was an emergency, and you didn't mean to. Are you feeling better now?"
Ava responded with a soft affirmation, "I'm much better. By the way, how did it go with Elinor last night? Did you get along well with her after I left?"
There was a pause on the other end of the line, a silence that made Ava's heart sink. "What's wrong?" she asked, her voice laced with concern. "Did you not talk to her properly? William, how do you expect to win a girl over like this? If you can't, let Vicky help you. She's quick-witted and can come up with many ideas to assist you."
William's silence lingered for a few more seconds before he finally spoke. "Ava, let's not mention Elinor anymore, okay?"
"Why?" Ava's brows furrowed in confusion. "What happened? What's going on between you and Elinor?"
"Ava, actually, I..." William's words were cut short as a bodyguard approached Ava, his voice interrupting their conversation. "Ms. Anderson, Mr. Bennett is asking for you."
William, having heard the bodyguard's voice, asked anxiously, "Ava, where are you now?"
Not wanting to worry him, Ava quickly reassured him. "William, I'm fine. Don't worry, I'll tell you after I'm done with my tasks." Her voice was steady, revealing nothing of her current situation.
"Alright," William replied, "let me know if anything comes up."
After ending the call, Ava returned to her previous seat, a strange tension hanging in the air. Something seemed off between Mia and Dalton. They didn't seem like strangers meeting for the first time.
"Ava, where did you go?" Dalton asked, his smile not quite reaching his eyes. Ava found him to be a complete hypocrite, his demeanor sinister and cruel beneath the surface. His use of her first name felt like a threat, a stark contrast to his seemingly friendly demeanor.
"I felt that you and my mom had something to discuss, so I didn't want to disturb you," Ava replied, her tone formal. Despite her distaste for him, she maintained her manners.
"It's okay," Dalton said, his voice smooth. "You can listen to whatever we have to say. Your mom and I just want to be friends, nothing more. By the way, do you mind if I call you Ava?"
Ava shook her head, "I don't mind." Even if she did, it seemed pointless to argue.
"I never expected that you were Mr. Mitchell's ex-wife. At first, I thought you were William's girlfriend." Dalton continued, his words casual.
"No, no," Ava hurriedly explained, "William and I are just friends, nothing more."
"Even if there is something, it's not a big deal," Dalton replied, feigning nonchalance. "After all, you're divorced, right? My son is also single, and I'm not an old-fashioned person, so even if there is something between you..."
"Mr. Bennett, there really is nothing between your son and me. We are just friends, please don't misunderstand," Mia interjected, lifting her glass for a sip of juice before casting a subtle glance at Ava.
