Chapter 116 Only Eating Food Shared by His Wife
Olivia, a well-known designer at the Jewel Summit Group, had overheard her colleagues this morning talking about an invitation from the White Group. Everyone had assumed it meant a potential collaboration.
She had been thrilled. At last night's event, she had tried to get close to Gregory, but he was always occupied with other CEOs or with Abigail. She never had a chance to approach him.
Today seemed like the perfect opportunity. So, she had told Rex that she and Gregory were childhood friends. Rex, pleased, had decided to bring her along.
But Gregory ignored her completely.
As Gregory and Rex wrapped up their conversation, Olivia seized the moment. "Gregory, it's almost noon. How about lunch together?"
Rex chimed in, "Yes, Mr. White, we'd be honored to have lunch with you. We can discuss your design needs in detail."
Gregory thought for a moment and nodded. "Sure, I'll have Leo book a private room at a nearby restaurant."
Rex was thrilled and almost shouted, grinning widely. "Why don't we treat you instead?"
Gregory, seeing through him, replied coldly, "The private rooms there need a membership reservation. Just one dessert costs over a thousand dollars. Are you sure?"
Rex quickly shut up, thinking, 'A thousand dollars for dessert? That's crazy. Is this how the rich live?'
He knew if he paid for that meal, he'd be out of a job tomorrow.
Seeing Rex's reaction, Olivia stepped in. "Gregory, our company can't match the White Group's finances. Please don't joke with him."
Gregory said nothing and walked out.
Watching him leave, Olivia felt hurt. Couldn't he at least pretend to be friendly in front of Rex? Why treat her this way?
Rex noticed and asked quietly, "Olivia, do you really know Mr. White? Why is he so cold to you?"
Olivia's face tightened, but she forced a smile. "We had a little misunderstanding recently, and he's still mad. Of course, we know each other. Otherwise, he wouldn't let me call him by his name."
Rex nodded. "Makes sense. You should apologize to him soon. This collaboration is crucial for us."
Olivia nodded. "I understand."
...
In the private room, the Jewel Summit Group team was in awe. It was their first time at such a fancy restaurant.
Rex, flattered, repeatedly thanked Gregory and promised that the Jewel Summit Group would deliver top-notch designs to satisfy the White Group.
Gregory didn't eat much, partly because he wasn't hungry and partly because he hated discussing business over meals.
Olivia, sitting next to him, misunderstood and thought he was too preoccupied with talking to eat. She offered him some tapas. "Gregory, you should eat more. It's important to eat on time to avoid stomach problems."
Everyone at the table turned to look at her, especially her colleagues, who exchanged knowing glances.
Olivia's cheeks turned red under their scrutiny.
Then Gregory's cold voice cut through the air. "Ms. Parker, I don't like eating food shared by others at the table."
Olivia was stunned, her face turning bright red, this time from anger.
Gregory continued, "Except for my wife, I don't eat shared food."
Everyone was shocked. 'What? Gregory is married? When did this happen? Why hadn't we heard any news about it?'
The room was filled with different thoughts, and Olivia's colleagues looked at her with disdain and scorn.
If Olivia really knew Gregory well, she would know he was married. Sharing food with a married man and calling him so intimately—what was she trying to do? Be a secret lover?
Olivia didn't expect Gregory to say that and felt humiliated under so many judgmental looks.
Gregory ignored her and picked out the food she had placed on his plate. Since she had intended to use him to secure her position, she should have first determined whether he was willing to be used.
Olivia's plan failed.
Rex tried to lighten the mood, laughing. "It's a misunderstanding, definitely a misunderstanding. Olivia is usually careless and didn't expect to make such a mistake. I'll make sure to teach her a lesson when we get back."
Gregory didn’t respond. After taking a few more bites, he got up to leave and said, "I have a meeting this afternoon. You all continue eating. I've already paid the bill."
He left the private room in big strides.
Once the door closed, Rex's face changed.
"Olivia, what are you doing? I asked you to get along with Mr. White, not to humiliate yourself!" Rex demanded.
Olivia felt utterly humiliated. She didn't say anything, stood up, and ran out of the private room.
Gregory walked out of the restaurant and stood at the entrance, waiting for Leo to bring the car around.
Before the car arrived, Olivia caught up. "Gregory!"
Gregory turned around, his eyes cold. "I recall asking you not to address me so familiarly to prevent any unnecessary misunderstandings. Did you forget, or is there an issue with your hearing? I suggest you go to the hospital."
Olivia felt very hurt. Her eyes turned red, and tears fell as she choked out, "Gregory... Gregory, I won't address you so familiarly anymore. Please forgive me, okay?"
Seeing her approach, Gregory took a step back, his eyes wary. "Please stay away from me. My wife will get angry if she sees me too close to another woman."
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