Chapter 243 Toast
Was he reminding Sterling about the time Colin secretly took his saliva sample for a DNA test?
"Yeah, that's right," Sterling replied coolly, showing no hint of guilt or unease. He knew he had nothing to be ashamed of in this matter.
Caleb didn't seem fazed by Sterling's response. He just gave a faint smile and let it go, like he had everything under control.
Anna felt a wave of anxiety wash over her. She knew Colin always came to the restaurant on weekends, yet Caleb had chosen to sit in the main hall instead of a more private room.
This meant that if Colin showed up, their encounter would be inevitable.
An indescribable sense of awkwardness began to spread within her.
As fate would have it, Colin soon emerged from the office, striding purposefully toward their table.
Anna was so nervous she almost buried her head in her bowl, mechanically shoveling food into her mouth, her cheeks puffed out like a squirrel hoarding nuts.
At that moment, she didn't even have the courage to look up, fearing her eyes might meet Colin's.
"Sterling, dining here without giving me a heads-up?" Colin's tone was casual, his emotions barely detectable.
"It was a spur-of-the-moment decision," Sterling replied nonchalantly, setting down his utensils and dabbing his mouth with a napkin, completely at ease.
Colin's gaze swept over everyone at the table, and he seemed to have figured out a few things. A smile tugged at his lips as he said, "This meal's on me. Enjoy yourselves; I won't intrude."
Caleb suddenly stood up, grabbing a bottle of red wine and pouring Colin a glass.
"Mr. Rivera, you're Anna's boss and Sterling's close friend. Please look after Anna at the company. She's quite naive, and I hope you'll be patient with her."
Colin took the wine glass, swirling the liquid inside, his eyes lingering on Anna for a moment before he smiled and said, "Of course, I'll take good care of her."
Under the table, Anna's hand clenched the edge of her dress tightly, feeling an invisible weight pressing down on her, making it hard to muster the courage to look at Colin.
The silence stretched on, each second feeling like an eternity to her.
Finally, Colin's gaze landed on her, and he accepted the wine from Caleb with a simple, "Sure."
Even though Bella wasn't particularly sensitive to the nuances of romantic relationships, she could sense the unusual tension in the air.
She glanced at the three men, noting Sterling's usual aloofness and the subtle, unreadable undertones between Colin and Caleb.
Bella suspected that Colin's calm exterior was just a facade, hiding a storm of emotions.
Once Colin left, Anna finally breathed a sigh of relief.
Though she hadn't eaten much, she felt strangely full. She gently set down her utensils and said softly, "I'm done. You guys go ahead; I need some fresh air."
Bella stood up immediately, saying warmly, "I'm about done too. I'll join you."
Outside the restaurant, Bella couldn't hold back her curiosity any longer. "Anna, what's going on? What did Caleb mean? Are you really getting back together with him?"
Anna gave her a slightly resentful look and replied softly, "No, don't overthink it. He brought it up, but I haven't decided. I don't even know why. I just feel so suffocated, especially when I see Colin. I always feel awkward, especially when Caleb talks to him. I don't know what's wrong with me."
Bella felt a ripple of concern. She sensed that Anna's feelings toward both Colin and Caleb were complicated and hard to articulate.
She gently patted Anna's shoulder and comforted her, "Anna, have you ever thought that maybe Colin means something different to you?"
Bella's words left Anna stunned. Could Colin really be different in her heart?
She felt torn and conflicted, as if her thoughts were being pulled in two directions.
"And what about Caleb? How do you feel about him now?" Bella was worried that Anna might make a hasty decision and end up hurt.
Anna's eyes dimmed slightly as she explained softly, "Don't be silly. I haven't agreed to get back with Caleb. That's just his misunderstanding. I don't know why, but the feelings I had for him are gone. I used to give him everything, no matter what. But now, no matter how well he treats me, I can't find that same drive."
Bella sighed and said earnestly, "I don't think Caleb is the right guy for you. Didn't you always say that late love is cheap? Why are you softening toward Caleb now?"
Anna sighed, "I don't know. Maybe I'm just too sympathetic."
Bella immediately said, "Anna, you need to understand that sympathy isn't love. Don't be foolish."
Bella wasn't sure if Anna understood her hint.
Back at the table, the atmosphere had turned icy with Bella and Anna's departure.
Sterling had already figured out Caleb's intentions. He asked coolly, "You chose this place and this table so Colin would see, didn't you?"
Caleb responded candidly, "Since Colin is your friend, it would be awkward if we fought over a woman. I did this to avoid that awkwardness and to help you out. I hope you understand and support my actions."
Sterling's gaze was sharp as a knife, his voice low and firm.
"Caleb, you need to understand that you can't force feelings. If Anna has feelings for you, your tricks might work. But if she doesn't, it's all in vain. Don't use me to achieve your goals. My patience isn't limitless."
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