Chapter 138 Mr. Jacob, aren't you being overbearing?
The restaurant's menu was pretty decent. Violet didn't take long to pick; she only chose a couple of dishes before trying to hand the menu back to Arthur, who wouldn't take it, feigning concern, "Only two dishes? Order some more."
"I can't eat that much," Violet admitted, a bit embarrassed.
"How can you not? Just try a little of each dish, everything here is great," Arthur drawled casually.
Making it seem almost as if he was Violet's boyfriend.
This made Loraine Plahn poke fun at Brady Hall once more, "Big brother Brady, isn't my cousin just overly attentive?"
Brady just snorted through his nose, not offering any words in return.
"Care for some top-notch bird's nest soup? It's great for your skin, makes it all soft and dewy," Arthur Stanley went on, making his recommendation.
Violet Devereux didn't put up much of a fight. She nodded in agreement, preferring not to waste any more time.
After all, they were there to eat.
Might as well get it over with and leave sooner rather than later.
"We also have sea cucumber and shark fin on the menu, they're pretty good too," he added.
Violet Devereux thought to herself: What does he think I am, a bottomless pit?
Or does he not realize how rich these dishes are?
She found Arthur's enthusiasm overwhelming, though it matched his personality—hence his higher standing in the social circles compared to Brady Hall, who was often seen as domineering and cold.
Women found him intriguing, yet unapproachable.
But Arthur? His reputation was much warmer; women were drawn to him. He was known to be good-natured, charming, and when it came down to it, quite generous.
No wonder he was ranked second on New York's Most Eligible Bachelors list.
"You guys go ahead and order; I really can't eat that much myself," Violet said softly, looking gently at Arthur.
Brady Hall caught that look and felt a surge of possessiveness.
She was the one he had his eye on.
As Arthur continued suggesting delectable options to Violet, Brady smoothly stood up and strode over to the empty seat beside her.
He pulled out the chair with a casual grace and sat down as though claiming his territory.
As soon as he was seated, he took the menu from her hands and began looking through the options. Then, with territorial ease, he said, "Do you always take this long to choose something? Is there anything you can do quickly?"
Violet was taken aback and her expression soured.
She hid her discomfort well, though.
Brady exuded an intense aura, particularly today with the hint of sandalwood cologne that melded with his commanding presence, effortlessly flirting with Violet's senses, which made her instinctively pull away.
Arthur chuckled at the sight. "Come on, Mr. Hall, don't you think you're being a bit overbearing? Ms. Devereux was in the middle of choosing."
Her exchange with Arthur was so easy, so natural; it was part of his charm that Brady could seldom flaunt. Brady was known for being the imposing figure, which made it all the more irritating for him when he saw Violet's slightly more relaxed demeanor with Arthur. His interruption was part arrogance, part assertion – a clear signal to Arthur that he wasn't the only game in town.
Without looking up from the menu, Brady Hall spoke in a measured tone, "I'll order for both of us."
What he meant was, Violet Devereux's choices were in his hands.
Total domination.
Violet Devereux: ...
Arthur Stanley: ...
Loraine Plahn: !!!
What was happening here?
She was starting to lose track.
Wasn't her cousin into Violet Devereux?
What was Brady playing at?
Loraine Plahn's eyes were wide open as she watched the two most eligible bachelors in New York subtly vying for the same woman.
She was utterly baffled.
And the next occurrence only added to her confusion.
They had finished ordering.
When the food arrived, one dish was crawfish.
Violet intended to peel a couple just to taste them and had just put on the gloves designed for peeling, but Brady was already one step ahead. He peeled a succulent crawfish and tossed it onto her plate. Not placed. Tossed.
Violet watched Brady's abrupt movements, feeling a shiver run down her spine. The rumors were true; he was as brusque and direct as they said.
"Don't like it? Or you don't like the way I peeled it?" he asked, noticing her gaze fixed on the cleanly peeled crawfish. He casually took off his gloves, picked up his wine glass, and sipped as if nothing of note had occurred.
Violet's heart skipped a beat, puzzled by Brady's comment. But then she remembered the agreement he wanted her to re-sign.
She decided not to dwell on it.
"Thank you, Mr. Hall," she said politely.
And with that, Violet didn't say another word. In situations like these, the faster you eat, the sooner you can leave.
Just like the last dinner at Lady Hall's mansion.
Eat and get out.
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