Chapter 31 No Need to Bring Up Old Matters

Yvonne didn't avoid it and smiled gracefully.

"I'm on my period now, so just bear with it."

"I'm not that thirsty." Elijah raised an eyebrow and took a step back.

Of course, Yvonne didn't believe him. Even he himself didn't believe it.

Yvonne's eyes flickered as she spoke, "Did you stop me to have a heart-to-heart talk?"

"This is an invitation card. If you're interested, give it a try." Elijah handed a palm-sized gold card to Yvonne.

Yvonne casually glanced at it and instantly became excited. "It's the 'RD' design competition!"

"RD" is the most authoritative international interior design event, held once every three years. To participate, one must acquire a gold invitation card.

Less than ten gold invitation cards are issued each year, and each one undergoes layers of screening.

Even if she didn't win an award, just the experience of participating in this competition would greatly benefit Yvonne's career.

"Whether you can pass the preliminary round depends on your abilities," Elijah hinted and didn't say anything further.

Yvonne found the registration number on the card and quickly registered on her phone. There were numerous requirements and regulations for the submitted work. She needed to study them carefully.

"I'll do my best." Yvonne smiled at Elijah. "Thank you!"

Elijah's eyes narrowed slightly as his face was mere inches away from hers.

"Tell me, what is the cost of the invitation card?" Yvonne's red lips curved, and her delicate face looked alluring.

Elijah's gaze deepened, and his finger lightly stroked Yvonne's lips. "You know what I want."

Yvonne grabbed Elijah's finger with her hand and lowered her head, chuckling softly. "Be more specific. How many times?"

"That depends on your performance." Elijah's voice carried a hint of playfulness.

Their fingers intertwined, and Elijah purposely tickled her palm, creating an indescribable intimacy.

She tried to pull her hand back, but Elijah held on tighter.

"Let's go. I'll start preparing my topic for the competition tonight," she subtly reminded Elijah to let go.

Elijah finally released her and helped her close the car door. "Remember, come to Bird Hills after work tomorrow."

Although his tone was calm, she sensed an undeniable certainty.

"Alright, I'll make sure the kitchen prepares a few more dishes." Yvonne didn't dare to make him angry just after receiving the invitation card.

On the way back to Sunshine Community, Yvonne kept humming songs.

The next day, the biggest news in Winslow was Grace and Edward's wedding.

Edward, successful in his career, got married in his forties. He married a young, beautiful, and cultured "socialite". Naturally, he was very serious about it.

The wedding was extravagant, showcasing the groom's abundant financial resources in every way.

Yvonne saw from the leaked videos online that many influential figures from the business world attended the wedding. Mary was very happy.

George, with the demeanor of a kind father, held Grace's hand and handed her over to Edward.

Edward sat in a wheelchair, his eyes shimmering with tears. Grace remained calm, not showing any emotion, like a detached spectator.

Yvonne watched all the wedding videos with a cold gaze.

After work, Yvonne drove to the White Group building.

She took Anthony's number off the blacklist and sent a message: [I'm waiting for you in the underground parking lot.]

In less than three minutes, Anthony rushed over from the top floor.

With his outstanding features and temperament, he was already attractive enough to women, but the deep blue suit and light-colored shirt emphasized his tall and gentle figure.

"Yvonne." Anthony smiled before speaking, as if he had already forgotten that slap.

With a stern expression, Yvonne handed him the bank card he had left behind. "Take it."

"There's no reason for me to take back what I've already given out." Anthony's eyes darkened, and the smile on his face froze.

"Just take it." Yvonne's eyes were resolute as she turned to leave.

The card fell to the ground again.

Anthony quickly blocked her way. "Let's have a calm and peaceful conversation."

"There's nothing for us to discuss!" Yvonne mocked. "It's been three years since it ended. No need to bring up the past."

A crisp cough came from behind them. It was Abigail.

Today, Abigail was wearing a black cashmere dress that hugged her figure, with a red shawl draped over her, exuding elegance and luxury.

Yvonne's eyes stung at the sight of her slightly protruding belly.

"Miss Brooks has come to the company." Abigail smiled wickedly as she bent down to pick up the card. "Let me guess, is this Miss Brooks's or my husband's?"

"It's the one I gave to Yvonne." Without waiting for Yvonne to speak, Anthony responded in a deep voice.

Yvonne knew that the more she explained, the more troublesome it would become.

As she found her car and opened the door, Abigail slowly approached.

"As a wife, I'm here to repay Miss Brooks the debt my husband owes her."

Yvonne found Abigail's words irritating and retorted with a smile, "Your husband doesn't owe me a single penny. He just can't stand being alone and thinks he can buy his way into my bed."

Abigail didn't expect Yvonne to be so direct, and her face turned pale.

"Mrs. White is pregnant now. Make sure to keep a close eye on your husband." Yvonne intentionally whispered in her ear, "If a man is unsatisfied during this time, he'll definitely find another woman outside."

"No need for your concern." Abigail tried hard to maintain her composure.

"Abigail, let's go home," Anthony said, wanting to take Abigail away as soon as possible.

Yvonne glanced disdainfully at Anthony and Abigail.

She then got into the car and started the engine.

Abigail glared hatefully at Yvonne's car, gradually becoming distant.

"Let's go." Anthony's patience had disappeared, his tone turning cold.

Abigail calmed down. She was still graceful and composed. "Don't you want to explain?"

"Yvonne and I are innocent, there's nothing to explain," Anthony replied, a bit annoyed.

Despite being furious, Abigail raised the bank card and said softly, "If you really owe her something, a financial compensation would suffice. At least, you should have told me."

"There won't be a next time." Anthony frowned, turning and walking toward his own car.

Abigail chased after him.

Yvonne drove to Bird Hills.

Elijah finished work early today and took Joseph for a stroll in the neighborhood before starting a game of chess.

When Yvonne arrived at his doorstep, Elijah's eyes held a hint of a smile.

"Miss Brooks finished work early today," he greeted her proactively.

Yvonne responded jokingly, "Can't afford to be late for Mr. Harper's dinner."

"That excuse barely justifies tonight's meal." Elijah was in a good mood and asked, "How's the preparation for RD's event going?"

"We've tentatively narrowed it down to two essay topics, but it’s still quite challenging. If all else fails, we'll just decide randomly," Yvonne replied, gently touching her forehead.

Elijah was surprised. "You're being too casual about such an important decision. Send me the details, and I'll take a look tonight."

"Sure, I'll trouble you with that," Yvonne complied.

Yvonne brought a box of cherries for Joseph, but his aunt was a bit angry. She said she would be happy as long as Yvonne came to see Joseph, and asked Yvonne not to spend any more money in the future.

Yvonne could only nod in agreement.

Having interacted with his aunt several times, Yvonne quite liked this calm and steady woman.

She accidentally heard the nanny mention that his aunt had a brief marriage when she was young. Perhaps she had been deeply hurt in her relationships, which is why she remained alone until now.

Dinner was harmonious.

Elijah said a few things that were a bit harsh, but Yvonne endured it for the sake of the invitation from RD.

Both of them left Bird Hills at the same time.

One person, one car, one in front, one behind.

Elijah's car followed at a distance of about ten meters.

Even when they crossed three streets, Elijah continued to follow.

Yvonne occasionally glanced at the rearview mirror and was surprised to see Elijah's car enter Sunshine Community as well.

Things were becoming more and more interesting.

Five minutes later, Elijah's car stopped near Yvonne's car.

Yvonne tidied her disheveled hair, staring at Elijah who had just gotten out of the car.

"Elijah.” Her smile deepened. “Mr. Harper, would you like to come up and have a cup of tea?”

“You invited me, so there's no reason to decline,” replied Elijah, taking the opportunity to gesture toward Yvonne.

Once they entered the house, Yvonne took off her coat and lay down on the sofa.

“The tea and instant coffee are on the sideboard in the dining room. Help yourself to whatever you want.”

“You just invited me for tea, but now that I'm here, you don't care anymore.” Elijah stood in the living room, scanning the small apartment.

It was smaller than their two bedrooms combined, but neat and organized.

Especially the floor, it was immaculate.

“It’s been a long day. Let me rest for a while.” Yvonne kicked off her high heels and propped her long legs up on the coffee table.

“Weren't you going to help me choose a topic? Please go to the bedroom and bring me my laptop. The information on there is more detailed than on my phone.”

Elijah stared at Yvonne, a smile playing on his lips. “I came here for tea, not to be a babysitter.”

“It's just a small favor. Why do you, a grown man, have so many complaints?”

Yvonne shifted her body, getting into a more comfortable position. “I don't feel like moving during my period. I had to bite the bullet to see Joseph today.”

Elijah pursed his lips and went to the bedroom to get the laptop.

“Mr. Harper, you’re such a good boy,” Yvonne said, taking the laptop and gently patting Elijah's face.

Elijah turned his head away, showing his disdain.

Yvonne chose two topics, and Elijah carefully read through them, providing many suggestions.

They went from discussing interior design to the recent style changes in RD's designs, and as they talked, Yvonne realized Elijah wasn't as difficult to get along with as she had thought.

Despite being a lawyer, he had a profound understanding of architectural design, even more so than her, a professional designer.

Throughout the conversation, Elijah's attitude was gentle, and he even smiled occasionally.

Suddenly, Yvonne noticed he wasn’t as annoying as before.

It was already dawn now.

“If there's anything I don't understand, I'll call you tomorrow,” Yvonne said.

Elijah stood up and stretched his arms. “It's too late. I'll just make do here for the night.”

“What do you mean by making do?” Yvonne had a bad feeling about this.

“You're pretending not to understand.” Elijah suddenly leaned down, trapping her under his gaze.