Chapter 433 I Will Send You
Bella felt uneasy under Sterling's intense gaze, her cheeks burning with embarrassment. She quickly changed the subject to ease the awkwardness. "Anna, how long are you guys planning to stay? When are you heading back?"
Anna replied honestly, "I'm only planning to stay for two days since I haven't found a job yet. As for Colin, I'm not sure how long he can stay."
Just as Colin was about to speak, trying to steer the conversation back to Sterling and Bella, Bella cut him off. "Anna, if you can't find a suitable job here in Harborvale, you can always come back to the bakery. There will always be a place for you there."
Colin's words were abruptly choked back. He had intended to lighten the mood and focus on the subtle relationship between Sterling and Bella. But Bella seemed to have seen through his intentions and responded preemptively. This left him feeling frustrated. Was this a threat? If Anna really returned to the bakery, how could he keep her in Harborvale?
The atmosphere at the table became delicate again. Sterling's gaze remained fixed on Bella, while Colin looked a bit annoyed and helpless.
Anna, sitting under the soft restaurant lighting, smiled brightly at Bella, not thinking deeply about her words, assuming it was a joke. "Sure, that sounds great. I really miss you guys."
Opposite her, Sterling, in a perfectly tailored suit, looked even more striking. His every move exuded an indescribable elegance and nobility. He slowly lowered his gaze, picked up the exquisite water glass in front of him, and took a sip. The action was so graceful it seemed like an art form.
This scene drew the attention of nearby diners, with some whispering about the extraordinary man.
Sterling seemed accustomed to such attention and didn't mind. He gently adjusted his gold-rimmed glasses, his slender finger gliding over the frame. In that moment, his gaze seemed to pierce through the crowd, carrying a profound and mysterious aura.
At that moment, a young woman at the neighboring table, clearly captivated by Sterling's charm, accidentally knocked over her water glass, causing a splash and a bit of chaos.
Her male companion's face darkened instantly, his tone filled with displeasure and jealousy. "If you want to stare, go ahead and stare all you want! Can't control your eyes, huh? Should I go over and ask for his number for you?"
His words carried a hint of provocation and threat, clearly upset by her open admiration of another man.
The woman looked embarrassed, quickly apologizing. Her cheeks turned a rosy hue, like a light blush from the setting sun. She lowered her head, her long hair falling to cover most of her face, leaving only her delicate nose and trembling lips visible.
Her hands fidgeted nervously, fingers rubbing together, occasionally sneaking glances at Sterling and quickly looking away, feeling extremely awkward.
The man glared at Sterling with hostility and resentment, as if Sterling had committed an unforgivable act. Even Colin, sitting next to Sterling, wasn't spared from the man's angry glances, becoming an innocent target of his misplaced anger.
Colin felt the sudden animosity and touched his nose in confusion. What was this unexpected trouble? He turned to look at Sterling.
But Sterling seemed completely unfazed or maybe just used to it. He merely glanced lightly, saying nothing, as if everything around him was irrelevant.
Anna watched them, a playful smile curling her lips, her eyes forming little crescents. "You two sure know how to draw a crowd. Even having a meal can cause drama. Guess I’ll have to keep my distance from you guys from now on."
Colin heard this and let out a helpless chuckle, not responding. In this four-person setup, they undoubtedly looked like two couples to outsiders. Their good looks and presence made them impossible to ignore; it was no wonder people stared.
But Colin was currently seated with Sterling. He thought to himself, if he had a choice, who would want to sit next to Sterling?
However, Colin knew he couldn't "rebel." If Bella really asked Anna to go back to the bakery, Anna would definitely agree without hesitation. Then he'd be left alone in Harborvale, a thought that made him feel miserable.
Thinking about this, Colin glanced at Anna. She was happily chatting with Bella, her face radiating joy. He felt relieved that Anna wouldn't be upset or jealous because of his and Sterling's "attention-grabbing" presence.
The food was soon served, looking and smelling delicious, making mouths water.
But the dining atmosphere wasn't lively. Only Anna occasionally chatted with Bella, making the mood a bit dull.
Sterling remained quiet and composed, as if everything around him was irrelevant.
He elegantly ate a few bites, occasionally looking out the window, his gaze deep and distant.
Colin felt a bit restrained, afraid to speak freely, worried that he might inadvertently offend Sterling or Bella, making the meal even more awkward.
Finally, after the meal, Bella broke the silence first. "I have to go back to the shop; there's work to be done." Her voice was calm and firm, as if she had already made up her mind.
Colin felt a sense of relief. He glanced at Sterling, then at Anna.
Then, with a determined look, he grabbed Anna's arm and headed towards the door. "I'll take a cab with Anna. It's too hot out; Sterling can drive you home."
Anna stumbled slightly as Colin pulled her along. She looked back at Sterling and Bella, hesitating. "But..."
Before she could finish, Colin interrupted. "No buts, let's go before we melt!" With that, he pulled Anna out of the restaurant, leaving Sterling and Bella behind.
Sterling watched Colin and Anna leave, a faint smile playing on his lips. He turned to Bella and said, "I'll drive you home." His voice was warm and strong, carrying a hint of irresistible charm.
Bella was momentarily stunned, her thoughts in disarray, wishing she could drag Colin back for a scolding.
She composed herself and replied, "No need, I'll take a cab."
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