Chapter 379 An Awkward Dinner
Colin opened the back door of the car with a polite gesture, motioning for Gia to get in. She didn't say much, just gave him a quick glance before sliding into the seat.
The taxi started moving slowly, weaving through the streets under the night sky. Inside the car, the three of them were lost in their own thoughts, creating a somewhat stifling atmosphere.
Gia's words broke the silence like a hammer. She turned to Colin, her tone serious and tinged with dissatisfaction. "Did you finish the company's project? That's a hundred-million-dollar deal. Don't screw it up. You always seem so unserious, just goofing off all the time."
Colin had been lounging comfortably in his seat, but Gia's question wiped the smile off his face. He sighed, a bit exasperated, and looked at Gia with a mix of frustration and protest.
"Mom, can you stop saying that? I came out here to relax. It's my rare vacation, and I don't want work to ruin it. Besides, I made sure everything at the company was handled before I left. Stop treating me like a kid, okay? You never used to be this strict with me."
Though Gia's words were directed at Colin, her sharp eyes kept flicking to Anna through the rearview mirror. It was clear her intentions went beyond just reminding Colin.
When she mentioned, "You running off here all the time isn't good for business," her tone carried a hint of reproach. And when she said, "You better be careful with the Rivera family's business," it sounded more like a warning to Anna.
Anna listened, feeling a mix of emotions. She lowered her head, her long lashes trembling slightly, trying to hide the turmoil inside.
Gia's words were clearly blaming her for distracting Colin, even hinting that she might be a hindrance to the Rivera family's business. This misunderstanding and accusation made Anna feel both wronged and helpless.
Colin understood Gia's personality and intentions well. He knew why she was saying these things. Colin had his own plans and didn't want Gia to interfere too much.
So, he sighed softly, his tone a mix of resignation and compromise.
"Alright, Mom, I'll handle this myself. Don't worry about it. After dinner, get a good night's rest. I've already booked your flight for tomorrow morning. You should head back. Otherwise, your dog will miss you so much it might stop eating, and then you'll be heartbroken."
This was Colin's way of both reassuring Gia and protecting Anna. He knew he couldn't directly contradict Gia, as that would only make things more awkward and tense. So, he chose a gentler, more humorous approach.
Gia, though still somewhat displeased, didn't press further. She understood that Colin had grown up and had his own thoughts and judgments.
And from his tone, she sensed a firm resolve, knowing that arguing further would be pointless.
She sighed lightly and nodded. "Alright, since you say so, I'll go back. But remember, the Rivera family's business is your responsibility. Don't let personal feelings get in the way of important matters."
During dinner, Gia's gaze was like an invisible spotlight, constantly scrutinizing Anna, as if trying to see through her.
Anna felt extremely uncomfortable under Gia's gaze, as if she were being stripped bare for everyone to see. Her cheeks flushed slightly, her eyes darting around, trying to mask her unease with a smile. However, this subtle change in emotion only drew more of Gia's attention.
Sitting between the two women, Colin was in a tough spot. He had to deal with Gia's questioning and scrutiny while also trying to soothe Anna's nerves.
Whenever Gia's gaze became too direct or sharp, Colin could feel Anna's subtle pinches on his thigh under the table.
He had to endure the pain, maintaining a polite smile, and tried to use humor to ease the awkward atmosphere.
Finally, dinner ended, and Anna, seizing the opportunity, quickly found an excuse to return to the shop, hastily leaving the restaurant.
Colin wanted to call her back, but it was too late. He could only watch as she disappeared through the restaurant door.
Inside, only Colin and Gia remained. Gia dropped her earlier facade, her expression turning serious and displeased. "Spent the whole afternoon at the hotel?"
Colin responded sullenly, "What else? You know me well enough, Mom. Anna's stubborn. Don't scare her; she'll take it seriously."
Gia's brows furrowed slightly, a complex look flashing in her eyes. She knew Colin and Anna had spent the afternoon at the hotel, but she was more concerned about Colin's attitude and feelings towards Anna.
She knew Colin was stubborn, and once he made up his mind, it was hard to change. And Anna had clearly become his "chosen one."
Gia couldn't help but laugh softly, a mix of playfulness and helplessness in her voice. "All this effort, just to help you solve this problem. You people, always so deep in thought. Who knows if you're all just trying to trick me again? I've been fooled by you so many times, thinking you were sincere, only to be disappointed in the end."
She paused, her eyes gleaming with mischief, and continued, "But seriously, if she really doesn't want to go back to Harborvale, you need to come up with a plan. The most straightforward and effective way is to get her pregnant."
"Once a woman has a child, her focus naturally shifts to the family and the baby. Even if she doesn't want to go back, she'll have to think of the child and follow you. Once the baby is born, you can leave it with me. You young people can go wherever you want, do whatever you want. I won't bother you."
Gia laughed again after saying this.
Anna returned to the shop, looking drained, as if all her energy had been sapped.
It wasn't particularly busy during dinner time, so the shop wasn't too hectic.
Bella, noticing Anna's state and having nothing much to do, approached her with concern. "What's up with you? Didn't Colin feed you enough? Why do you look so out of it?"
Anna couldn't help but smile mischievously at Bella's words, her eyes twinkling with a bit of mischief. "Oh, I'm full, alright. More than you can imagine."
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