Chapter 28 28 Quentin Arrives
Everyone brightened up when they saw Lauren, "Amelia, we are all basking in your glow today. Mr. Martin rarely takes us out for a group dinner," a sales associate remarked.
Feeling a bit shy, Lauren offered a bashful grin, "Oh, it's nothing. Mr. Martin probably sees how hard everyone has been working lately and took this chance to treat us all."
Linda put her hand on Lauren's shoulder, laughing, "Amelia, don't be modest. Mr. Martin made it clear that tonight you're the star and the rest of us are just here for the free meal, haha."
"Yeah, Linda's right. We're going to live up to our reputation as freeloaders tonight and make sure Mr. Martin's wallet feels it," joked the group.
"Who's planning on thinning out my wallet?" A hearty male voice came from behind. They all turned to see Noah standing at the doorway... with Quentin.
At the sight of Quentin, Lauren's heart raced. Words could be deceptive, but hearts, especially her own, couldn't lie.
Lauren's expression was awkward; she avoided Quentin's piercing gaze and tried not to think about why he would appear out of the blue.
Linda was thrilled, "Wow, Quentin actually came! Amelia, your charm is truly remarkable."
While speaking, Linda gently shook Lauren's arm. Lauren responded with a nervous smile, unsure of what to say.
Noah and Quentin walked in, instantly becoming the center of attention as the group converged around the two strikingly handsome men.
"Hey Quentin! Hello Mr. Martin!"
"How do you like that? I even managed to persuade the toughest guy, Quentin, to join us. Do I get to be your hero now?" Noah boasted, earning an amused roll of the eyes from Quentin.
"Ignore him," Quentin dismissed Noah without saving his face.
Everyone erupted into laughter. Once Quentin and Noah took their seats, the rest followed.
Lauren attempted to take a seat as far from Quentin as possible, but Linda stopped her.
"Amelia, you're the guest of honor tonight. You should sit at the head of the table, come on," urged Linda.
Linda's comment drew everyone's attention, including Quentin's.
"No... it's fine, Linda. It doesn't matter where I sit. Let's not make a big deal about who's the guest of honor; we're all equals here," Lauren said, her face flushed. She certainly didn't want to sit next to Quentin. Being next to him would make her restless, let alone eat.
Noah spoke up, "Amelia, Linda's right, come take a seat."
Lauren sneaked a glance at Quentin, noticing no change in his expression. She wondered if moving next to him would seem intentional, or if staying put would come across as playing hard to get.
Life's tough, but being around Quentin was tougher still.
It seemed that no matter what she chose, she'd be wrong in Quentin's eyes.
Noah observed Lauren standing motionless, her gaze fixed on Quentin. Breaking the awkward silence, he said, "Are you intimidated by Quentin? Don't worry about it; his face is always that stern. Just ignore him and come sit down."
Reluctantly, not wanting to hold everyone up, Lauren went over and sat beside Quentin.
Once everyone was seated, the server came over with menus to take their orders.
The staff from Sales Department Four didn't hold back, ordering the most expensive and tastiest items, leaving Noah all smiles despite their playful teasing and his mock stern look.
"You little rascals, daring to mess with me like this. Just wait and see how I'll get you back—expect a month of extra shifts!" Noah declared in jest.
The group pleaded jokingly, "No way, Mr. Martin, don't be so cruel!"
Amidst the light-hearted banter, the soup was served unnoticed.
Lauren sat beside Quentin trying to make herself as small as possible, her hands on her knees, hoping not to make him uncomfortable.
Quentin felt vexed seeing Lauren's cautious demeanor. He wasn't a monster or a man-eater; was there any need for her to fear him like that?
"So, Amelia, how are you finding your time at our company?" Noah tried to make casual conversation with Lauren.
Lauren replied with a smile, "I'm adjusting well. The Robinson Conglomerate truly is the largest in the city, I've learned a lot and seen so much."
Noah, slightly embarrassed, scratched his head, "It's not as impressive as all that. If you have any questions or need anything, feel free to come to me."
"Thank you, Mr. Martin, I appreciate it."
To Quentin, Lauren's smile at Noah was particularly grating. Why could she laugh and be open with others, yet remain distant and reserved with him?
If she claimed to love and like him, why couldn't he feel her affection?
She must really think she can push me around, Quentin thought bitterly. Seduced me with her tricks, found her way into my bed, and now she has the guts to ask for a divorce. He saw himself as the victim, oblivious to the fact that Lauren's actions were a direct result of the devastation he, the so-called ‘"victim,’" had wrought.
"Don't forget the collaboration, you were brought into the company to learn, not to frolic," Quentin interjected, unable to contain himself.
His icy tone shifted the atmosphere to awkwardness, and everyone else, thinking Quentin had grown angry, became tense, halting their forkfuls and staring at the trio of Quentin, Lauren, and Noah in anticipation.
Noah was taken aback by Quentin's sudden sharpness and tried to smooth things over with a smile. "Don't take it to heart. Quentin is just very straightforward. What he means is to take the collaboration seriously and come up with a sensible proposal for the company as soon as possible."
Lauren sent Noah a grateful look, "Yeah, I get it. I'll get on it right away."
Quentin fell silent after that, finding his soup tasteless all of a sudden, his expression growing even more stern.
Noah was puzzled. No one had provoked the domineering CEO today, right? Quentin insisted on coming himself, and now he was giving attitude. What got his wires crossed today?
Thankfully, with Noah there to defuse the situation, the tension evaporated under his skillful management, and everyone soon put the discomfort behind them.
The group carried on with their merry eating, drinking, and playing, while Lauren forced herself to focus on her playful colleagues across from her, not noticing Quentin's gaze landing on her several times.
"Hey, hey, since we're all having such a good time, why don't we play a game?" Linda suggested with high spirits.
"A game? What kind?" The group's interest was piqued.
"How about playing 'The Game'?" she offered.
"Oh, that's so played out," someone retorted.
"I think it's fun, and besides, Quentin and Mr. Martin are here. Don't you all want to know their secrets?" Linda persuaded them enticingly.
Linda's words worked like a charm, and the naysayers were quickly convinced.
