Chapter 170 A Matter of Taste
Their vehicle came to a halt before a picturesque farmstead, which also served as a quaint country inn. The yard was adorned with trees, their branches twinkling with the soft glow of multicolored string lights, lending a charming ambiance to the surroundings.Both the driver and Myles exited the car, and as Eula followed suit, she felt a shiver run down her spine. She snuggled deeper into her coat, grateful for the warmth it provided. She silently thanked Judson for his foresight in providing her with suitable clothing; without it, she would have been left to the mercy of the biting countryside chill.Judson was waiting for her, a few steps away. She quickened her pace to reach him, and he immediately drew her close, saying, "This should warm you up a bit." His voice was as cool as the evening air, yet it brought a comforting warmth to Eula.She felt an urge to pull away, but his embrace was indeed shielding her from the chill. Deciding not to overthink, she allowed him to hold her as they moved towards the inn.Upon entering the restaurant, they found it occupied solely by their party. Elbert Hicks and Hugo were gathered by the fireplace, while a few tables away, their drivers and crew were seated. The warmth of the room enveloped them, and Eula stepped away from Judson, who spoke in a soft voice, "Sit with us."
He gently nudged her as she hesitated, contemplating joining Myles at another table. Left with no choice but to comply with her boss's wishes, Eula joined him, Hugo, and the others.Hugo, who had already skimmed through the menu, was discussing the evening's specialty. "Tonight, we can enjoy roast venison. They caught it today; it's very fresh," he announced.
Elbert Hicks, meanwhile, poured tea and set a cup before Eula, saying, "Miss Lowe, have some hot tea to warm up." He noticed her flushed face, especially her red nose - a testament to her delicate constitution. Her fair skin turned a rosy hue at the slightest hint of cold.Eula offered him a grateful smile. "Thank you!" she said. The mention of Elbert Hicks stirred thoughts of Darcy in her mind. Cradling the warm teacup, she took a gentle sip, feeling the warmth spreading through her."Elbert Hicks, I have good news for you. Estelle found a new bone marrow donor, so you can stop feeling guilty now," she announced. Elbert Hicks nearly choked on his drink, surprise flickering in his eyes. "Really?" he asked. Darcy was not just a fleeting fling with a one-month stint to fulfill a deal—her daughter's bone marrow donation in exchange for satisfaction. The days he had spent with her had been, quite frankly, exhilarating. If she were to back out now, he wouldn't take it lying down.Elbert Hicks's mood darkened suddenly, his mind seemingly elsewhere. Judson, noticing this, commented casually, "Well, that works out. Since Yu can't donate, she's got another chance." Eula nodded in agreement, "Right. Otherwise, Estelle would be so unfortunate."Hugo, holding a painting of a beautiful woman, gestured to the others, "Check out my lady. Isn't she stunning?" Eula squinted at the painting and murmured, "She's a bit on the plumper side." She chuckled at her own comment, acknowledging that historical beauty standards favored the well-rounded.Hugo, with his sharp ears, caught her remark and pressed, "Eula, what did you just say?" Every encounter he had with her ended poorly for him. He hoped today wouldn't bring any unpleasant surprises—he couldn't handle much more.Eula shook her head, "I said it's a lovely piece." Hugo perked up at that, suddenly standing. "See! Eula's got better taste than you guys. You say she's fat but back then, she would have been considered a beauty. Plus, there's a legend that she visits you in your dreams, and I plan to meet the beauty of antiquity tonight."
As he spoke, a mischievous smirk glided across his face, daydreaming about how he would greet the lady. Would he start with a "hi" or a more classical "my respects to you"?Suddenly, Eula let out a shriek, "Hugo, the painting... your painting..." The man, lost in his fantasy, hadn't noticed that his painting had caught fire.
