Chapter 19 Hidden Thoughts

Lauren came to distribute the earphones to us. She respectfully placed the earphones on my desk and gave me a slight smile.

Next was Charlie, who also smiled slightly.

Charlie rarely smiled, so this already indicated a different meaning.

Lauren glanced at Charlie again, a flash of surprise passing through her eyes. Even the most loyal woman couldn't deny the handsomeness of the face before her.

Just a simple "thank you" made the young girl blush.

Suddenly, I thought, "Could it be that she ignored Charlie earlier because she was afraid of her own attraction?"

This small episode quickly passed, and the forum officially began. The main focus was on the joint development between New York and Chicago, as well as the surrounding areas. They discussed and formulated feasible plans.

I didn't understand much about these matters. Aside from hearing my dad or Charlie talk about them, I couldn't help but immerse myself in my own thoughts most of the time.

After the forum ended, my dad found me. "Rose, why did you come here too?"

"I was bored at home, so I came," I replied. My dad knew that I wasn't cut out for business or politics. These kinds of events were especially boring to me, so he was very surprised to see me here.

"You came with Charlie, right?" My dad turned his head to look at Charlie. He was chatting with someone, carrying himself with the posture of one in power.

Compared to other businessmen, Charlie could be considered very young, but he had already made great achievements.

I nodded. "Yes."

"Well, as his wife, you should attend some events to show your identity," my father said with great solemnity.

At that moment, my father-in-law walked over. "Long time no see!"

"Hello, we haven't seen each other in nearly half a year," my father said as he shook the outstretched hand, and the two men engaged in a warm conversation.

Taking this opportunity, I left and began searching for Lauren's figure everywhere. She should be done settling her wages and getting ready to leave now, right?

I searched every corner of the hall and finally found Lauren by the back door. Indeed, she had already received her wages and was waiting for a ride-sharing car.

"Mrs. Harrison!" When she saw me, Lauren happily called out.

"Lauren, you said you were working as a greeter here?" I quickly walked over and naturally started chatting with her.

"Yes, this is my last part-time job for the summer. I'll have a fancy dinner with Jason later to celebrate!" Lauren warmly invited me. "Would you like to join us?"

Without hesitation, I nodded. "Sure, but will it disturb your romantic dinner?"

Lauren blushed a little. "What romantic dinner? We're just going out to eat together, it's no big deal."

Don't all men like women who blush shyly like this? She looked just like an innocent, pink rose, delicate and lovely.

Since Lauren didn't mind, I shamelessly went along with her. Jason was already waiting at the agreed BBQ restaurant, and when he saw me, he seemed a little flustered. He quickly stood up. "Mrs. Harrison, Lauren."

"Today, I bumped into Mrs. Harrison while working part-time, so I invited her to have BBQ with us. I'm treating today!" Lauren linked her arm with mine, just like good friends.

"Sorry, Jason, I'm being a third wheel here," I said apologetically with a smile.

Jason shook his head vigorously. "No, no, it's fine. Please have a seat!"

Lauren and I sat on one side, while Jason sat across from us. After ordering some ingredients, a charcoal fire was lit in the iron stove on the table, with a circular grill plate on top. The table was filled with plates of various sizes, all filled with ingredients.

After learning that I was also an alumna of New York University, Lauren became excited and talked to me about many things related to NYU. Meanwhile, Jason helped us grill the pork belly, occasionally giving loving glances to Lauren and looking at me with a hint of complexity.

During the harmonious atmosphere, Lauren's phone buzzed. She casually picked it up and glanced at a text message.

I took a quick glance as well, and it was a series of 8's. Besides Charlie, I couldn't think of anyone else.

As expected, he made the first move.

After seeing Charlie's message, Lauren's expression changed, seemingly puzzled and surprised. She didn't reply and just placed her phone down.

"Lauren, who was it?" Jason asked with a smile.

"A random sales text," Lauren replied, her voice sounding somewhat hollow as she ate her grilled pork belly with her head down.

I sympathetically glanced at Jason. This silly boy was happily grilling meat, completely unaware that a demon had set his eyes on his girlfriend.

For some reason, I stood up and said, "I'll go to the restroom."

Afterward, I went to the restroom and sent Jason a message: "Did you not like the car that day? You even left the car keys at the front gate. Good thing Maple Villa has excellent security. Otherwise, the car could have been stolen."

After sending the message, I touched up my makeup and smoothed my hair behind my ear before returning to my seat.

Jason dared not look at me and continued grilling the meat. My demeanor and actions were strikingly similar to that of a wealthy woman wanting to keep a young boy.

Lauren also seemed distracted now, as Charlie had called her directly upon seeing that she hadn't responded to his message.

She was startled but quickly hung up after seeing the caller ID. Then she hastily replied to a message, which I couldn't quite make out.

"Lauren, you can blacklist these harassing calls." I pretended not to know and advised her politely.

"Yeah, I know." Lauren placed her phone face down, nodding.

I didn't know what Lauren had replied, but at least Charlie didn't bother her anymore. However, this was just temporary peace. Once he had set his sights on someone, even if you were an angel, he would drag you down from heaven.

During the barbecue, everyone had their own thoughts. After finishing the meal, Jason suggested driving me and Lauren back. I refused, saying, "Jason, just take Lauren. I'll call a taxi for myself."

"Alright then, Mrs. Harrison, please take care." Jason still couldn't look into my eyes.

"Don't worry." I hailed a taxi and watched as Jason and Lauren got in before calling Tim to pick me up.

Fifteen minutes later, Tim appeared before me. Looking at his blank and loyal expression, I sighed, "Tim, if only Charlie would respond as readily as you do."

Tim's eyes flickered and after a moment, he asked me, "Madam, should I contact Mr. Bennett now?"

I rubbed my forehead. "Just drive, don't say anything."

Tim nodded and drove me back to Maple Villa. I didn't know if my parents-in-law were still there or if Charlie had returned.