Chapter 159 Hunter's Scheme
By the time Patricia arrived at Sofiat Restaurant, she was a full half-hour late.
She had thought Hunter would've left, but to her surprise, he was still there waiting, albeit with a frosty expression.
"I gave you half an hour, not an extra half hour to show up."
Patricia kept bowing in apology: "I'm sorry, I really didn't mean to be late. I was with Martin earlier, about to head over when he injured his hand. I took him to the hospital—that's why I was delayed."
Hunter still looked at her expressionlessly, unmoved.
Patricia handed over the menu: "To show my apologies, please order anything you like, eat as much as you want; don't hold back on my account."
Hunter watched her silently, a deep and well-concealed chill in his eyes.
She had never seen Hunter like this before. Patricia felt a chill down her spine, her skin crawling, suddenly finding the Hunter before her unfamiliar, different from the one in her memories, giving her a sense of dread.
Was it an illusion, or...?
Before Patricia could sort out her thoughts, Hunter suddenly laughed. Like sunshine after rain, it was very comforting.
"...??"
A smile gradually built up on Hunter's face, the gloomy expression melting away into a warm smile.
"Did I scare you with my behavior just now? I did it on purpose. If I don't lose my temper, you won't learn your lesson and you're bound to stand me up again."
The strange feeling that had been wending its way through Patricia's heart dissipated like smoke, replaced by a sense of guilt.
"I'm really sorry, I've had a lot on my plate since returning to the country. Things should get better once I finish up what I'm working on!" After saying this, she changed the subject and asked, "How is your company doing? Last time you mentioned coming here to consider opening a branch office, what was the outcome?"
Hunter nodded, "Not too bad. Ivara City is the capital of Z country and its economy is developing at lightning speed. If you want to break into Z country, Ivara City is the best choice. Only thing is, Ivara City has already been divided up by the four great families. It's a bit difficult for a newcomer to find a solid foothold."
Patricia pondered thoughtfully, "That's true! The big enterprises here have been built up from generations past, and it's challenging for a new company to make its mark."
Hunter gazed at her with concern, his eyes sparkling, "What? Are you worried about me?"
Patricia responded, "Of course I'm worried about you. You and Jade are my only friends."
Seizing the moment, Hunter took hold of her hand resting on the tabletop.
Patricia found his action overly intimate and instinctively tried to withdraw her hand.
But Hunter held on tightly, preventing her from pulling away.
"However, I don't want to just be friends with you."
Patricia was struck as if by lightning, as if she had heard something unimaginable; her brain went boom and she was completely stupefied.
Hunter smiled, "What? Did my words scare you?"
Patricia was completely flustered, stammering, "Are... are you joking with me? It's not April Fool's Day today, and this joke isn't funny at all."
Hunter was earnest, "I'm not joking. I'm serious! If I didn't like you, why would I keep trying to meet you despite your repeated cancellations? If I didn't like you, why would I wait here for you for hours? Patricia, I've liked you since we were kids. My greatest dream has been to marry you."
Patricia stared unwaveringly at him, looking for any trace of jest on his face.
Unfortunately for her, Hunter's gaze was focused, his clear pupils reflecting two tiny versions of her.
Only her, unique in every way.
Patricia's heart felt as if it had been struck hard by a weight as she rapidly withdrew her hand from his firm grip.
Hunter's eyes darkened as he spoke in a hoarse voice, "I understand that this has all happened so suddenly, and you might need some time to come to terms with it. But please, could you give me a chance? Think it over and give me an opportunity once you're home."
Patricia struggled to calm her emotions, "You know, I'm divorced, with two kids. You come from a notable family and have a successful career. A man of your status should find someone better, someone more suited to you."
With a self-deprecating laugh, Hunter replied, "Do you really see me as that superficial?"
Realizing her blunder, Patricia hurriedly added, "That's not what I meant. I meant that I'm not worthy of you…"
Hunter cut her off, "In my eyes, it's not about being worthy or not. It's about whether I like you or not! I like you, and that's why I think you're the only woman who is truly worthy of me."
Patricia fell silent, her lips parting slightly, but no words came out.
Hunter asked, "Do you know why I wanted to expand my business to Ivara City?"
Patricia didn't follow up on his question. Deep down, she seemed to sense the answer and instinctively wanted to avoid it, not wanting to hear it.
Seeing that she wouldn't ask, Hunter continued without pressing her, "I know you guessed it." He paused before confessing, "The first time we met, when you told me you had children, I was disappointed. But upon learning of your divorce, I was genuinely happy, happier than closing any big deal. Can you understand how I felt then?"
Patricia shook her head blankly.
She didn't understand, nor did she want to.
Hunter looked at her with deep affection and pleaded, "These past four years, as a single mother, you've faced many hardships raising two children. I know it's been tough. Would you let me take care of you and your children? Let me give you all a complete family. I swear I will love them as if they were my own."
"I've always seen you as a brother, nothing more," Patricia said, rejecting him.
She didn't like him and couldn't give him false hope.
Hunter knew what she was trying to say and once again interrupted her, "Don't rush to refuse me. Please, think it over carefully, okay?"
His voice was tinged with a plea.
Patricia's heart clenched sharply, and with his pleading and sincere gaze, the words of rejection she had were stuck in her throat.
Seeing the mood getting heavier, Hunter smiled and broke the tension, "Alright, no matter what the outcome, it shouldn't affect our relationship. I've been waiting for you and haven't eaten anything. Let's order some food!"
The topic finally came to an end.
Patricia let out a slight breath of relief, managing a smile, "Okay, eat whatever you like, it's on me."
"I won't hold back then." True to his word, Hunter wasn't shy and ordered a lot.
The atmosphere during the meal was quite pleasant.
The two chatted about work as they dined.
Patricia was talking about patients, while Hunter discussed opening a branch office.
After dinner, Hunter suggested, "Would you go shopping with me for clothes? I've been running around so much lately, I haven't had time to buy new ones. Winter is coming, and if I don't buy them soon, I'll freeze to death."
It was just like a confession followed immediately by a private shopping trip.
Patricia felt internally resistant and subconsciously wanted to decline.
Seeing her intention, Hunter quickly blocked her escape route: "You can't refuse, last time you promised me."
"...??" Patricia forcibly swallowed her words of refusal and gave a sheepish smile before nodding in agreement.
Unbeknownst to her, because of her words, Martin waited for her all night in Ellenstein Villa District—
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