Chapter 1038 Exaggerated Performance
Hellen and Vincent sat at the head of the table, with Bernard and Christina on one side, facing their guest, Virginia.
Hellen picked up her fork, signaling for everyone to start eating. Christina then got up to serve Hellen a bowl of fish soup.
"Grandma, have some more soup. I watched the maid make it, and there are no bones left, it's perfect for you."
"Thank you, Christina. You should eat too." Hellen happily accepted the bowl, took a small sip, and nodded in satisfaction. "Hmm, this soup is indeed well-cooked. The fresh taste of the fish is very soothing for my stomach."
Christina nodded while naturally picking up the shrimp that Bernard had peeled and placed in her bowl.
She loved eating shrimp but was terrible at peeling them, always ending up with greasy hands and little shrimp meat. Bernard took over this task today to play the loving couple, and she was happy to enjoy this rare treat!
"Drinking more fish soup is good for your health. You should have some later too!" Christina reminded Bernard, looking up.
Bernard paused his shrimp-peeling and responded indifferently, "Okay."
He placed another peeled shrimp into the small dish next to her plate.
Christina handed him a napkin out of gratitude.
Their actions were so natural, as if they were second nature, requiring no words.
Hellen watched their interaction at the table with great satisfaction, enjoying her meal.
But Virginia, sitting at the table, clearly couldn't keep her composure.
"Bernard, this asparagus is crisp and sweet, would you like some?"
Virginia tried to maintain a gracious smile. She had never seen Bernard peel shrimp for another woman before. Why did Christina deserve this kind of attention?
Her arm grew tired from holding the dish before Bernard and Christina exchanged a glance, and then Christina took the dish meant for Bernard and thanked her.
"Thanks, but Bernard doesn't like asparagus, so I'll have some instead!"
Virginia frowned, "Christina, what are you doing? I just wanted Bernard to try it, nothing more! After all, Bernard and I have been friends for many years, it's perfectly normal for me to serve him some food."
Christina felt her eyelid twitch. Virginia was a natural actress, but could she at least understand the situation before playing the victim?
Now, Christina was a bit unhappy. She was just trying to help Bernard avoid food he didn't like.
"I really don't eat asparagus. Christina didn't mean anything by it, she was just accepting the guest's kindness on my behalf to avoid any awkwardness."
Hearing Bernard refer to her as a guest, Virginia's smile became strained, her face turning ashen.
The interaction between Bernard and Christina today deeply hurt Virginia.
"I want some meat, help me get some." Christina was eating peacefully when Bernard suddenly nudged her, asking her to serve him some food.
Christina frowned and glared at him, "The meat is closer to you, get it yourself!"
His arms were long enough, weren't they?
Bernard lowered his head and whispered in her ear, "Can you be more professional? Did you forget we're still acting?"
Christina's ears tingled from his warm breath, and her heartbeat quickened.
"Honey, you work so hard, you should eat more meat!" Christina reluctantly served him, forcing a smile. She looked up quickly, almost bumping into his nose. "Bernard, is that enough?"
She deliberately spoke in a sickly sweet tone, overacting a bit.
"That's enough, honey." Bernard's smile carried a hint of mischief.
Bernard's words made Christina's heart race. They were so close, she worried he might hear her erratic heartbeat.
Virginia lost her appetite during the meal.
After the main course, everyone was served a dessert. Virginia stiffly scooped hers, finding it tasteless.
Hellen was in a good mood, feeling that her goal for the day had been achieved.
Any woman with eyes and common sense would give up after witnessing the interaction between Bernard and Christina!
"Ms. Pearl, you don't seem to have much of an appetite. Is the dessert not to your liking?" Hellen asked with a smile.
Virginia snapped out of her thoughts and quickly took a big spoonful, "No, it's delicious! Ouch!"
Looking up, Virginia's eyes were teary, and she stuck out her tongue, looking pitiful. "Bernard, it hurts!"
At this point, Hellen had already sent someone to get ice.
"If it really hurts, just close your mouth and talk less."
Christina sincerely suggested, though her tone was indifferent. She could tell Virginia was exaggerating but couldn't be bothered to expose her.
Bernard stood beside Christina, watching her indifferently.
Virginia felt even more aggrieved, tears streaming down her face.
"It hurts."
"Alright, stop talking, the ice will help with the pain." Before Virginia could continue her act, Hellen had someone put ice in her mouth.
Now, Virginia really couldn't speak!
"Ms. Pearl is still too careless, getting her tongue burned by dessert."
Virginia was very upset.
But, with ice in her mouth, she had to force a grateful smile, feeling awkward and ridiculous.
Bernard and Christina exchanged glances, and Christina shrugged, asking, "Do you want to take Ms. Pearl to the hospital?"
Bernard's eyes darkened, and he ignored her.
Christina huffed. This meal was giving her a stomachache, but she noticed that Hellen didn't seem to like Virginia as much as she claimed.
"Bernard, if you're done eating, take Christina to rest. I'll take care of Ms. Pearl, she'll be fine. I'll have someone send her home later." Hellen said, then looked at Virginia. "Ms. Pearl, are you feeling better? If so, accompany me for a walk in the garden."
Virginia couldn't refuse Hellen's invitation, still with half-melted ice in her mouth. Hellen didn't even wait for her and started walking out!
She had to hurry to catch up.
Virginia thought that perhaps Hellen was also worried about Bernard and had deliberately taken her away to keep her from him.
Thinking this, Virginia felt even more determined. She believed that if she had another chance to be alone with Bernard, she could win his heart back from Christina.
In the garden, Hellen's expression completely changed, losing the kind and friendly demeanor she had shown in front of Christina.
Virginia politely asked, "Mrs. Mitchell, did you call me over for something?"
Virginia maintained her polite demeanor in front of Hellen, but only she knew what she was really thinking!
Hellen smiled slightly, her presence far more commanding than Virginia's.
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