Chapter 73: Chapter 73: Shameless Reluctance
Livia Sutton’s eyes were full of shock.
She... likes to eat cake?
Livia considers herself a slow person, but even she sensed the strange atmosphere.
And it was obvious that this strange atmosphere was because of that girl who seemed younger than her.
Was she... inadvertently caught up in a conflict between the two of them?
Livia shivered even more.
Cillian Xavier’s smile faded.
So much for discussing matters; they were here to stir up trouble.
But wasn’t Warren Prescott on a date with the girl he came with?
Why find fault with him and Ashley Shaw?
But regardless of what Warren Prescott planned, Cillian wasn’t afraid. He gulped and spoke, "Does your girlfriend like eating cake? I’ll have someone bring another one later; this cake won’t do."
"Why won’t it do?"
"This cake is..."
Ashley Shaw suddenly interrupted Cillian.
"It’s fine, cakes are meant to be eaten. We can’t finish it, so you can go ahead and cut it."
She could always bring another cake for Ariana.
Besides, this cake didn’t look particularly appetizing anyway.
Cillian was about to speak but stopped upon seeing Ashley’s indifferent attitude and nodded, "Then go ahead and cut it, let’s pretend I didn’t say anything."
"Thank you, then."
Warren Prescott smiled faintly and snapped his fingers, "Waiter!"
The waiter approached and asked, "Sir, is there anything I can do for you?"
"Could you please bring us a cake-cutting knife?"
"Certainly."
The waiter responded and quickly returned with a cake-cutting knife.
Warren picked up the knife and sliced between the two kissing figurines.
The two figurines were forcibly separated.
Warren handed the piece with the male figurine to Livia Sutton.
"Go ahead and eat, they’re treating you, so don’t be shy."
Livia nervously accepted it.
"Thank you..."
She was on a diet cutting out sugar, but in this situation, she didn’t dare say she didn’t want it, so she picked up a fork and started eating.
Ashley vaguely sensed something was off; was this girl really afraid of Warren?
She couldn’t help but soften her expression.
"Eat less cake, or you won’t have room when the dishes come."
Livia flashed a grateful smile.
"Okay, thank you."
Ashley returned the smile.
Warren noticed the scene, and his brows furrowed gradually.
Ashley’s reactions were completely different from what he imagined.
Had he misunderstood before? Did she not get jealous and simply didn’t care?
A raging fire burned within Warren’s heart.
But realizing they might actually be together, he felt as if he’d been struck.
Forget about getting angry, even breathing felt like an invisible hand was stifling him.
So this was the feeling of having someone you like not like you back.
Was this how Ashley felt those years she pined for him?
Warren’s eyes were intense, filled with countless complex emotions.
"Didn’t you say you had something to discuss with me?" Cillian noticed Warren staring at Ashley instead of speaking and couldn’t help but break the silence.
Only then did Warren slowly retract his gaze and look at Cillian.
"Is Leo returning early next month? Did you know?"
Cillian was taken aback, then delight filled his eyes.
He clearly hadn’t known, and asked eagerly, "Early in the month? What specific date?"
"His plane ticket isn’t booked yet. I’ll let you know once the date’s set. I was thinking of organizing a welcome back party for him when he returns. What do you think?"
"Of course, he’s been gone for two years, a welcome back party is due."
"Shall we set it at The Crestview Hotel?"
"Sure."
Warren nodded, "I’ll arrange the venue for the meal. As for the guest list, could you decide? I’m a bit busy lately and might not have time to invite everyone."
"Alright. I’ll call everyone we used to hang out with."
At this point, Cillian hesitated, glanced at Ashley, and asked, "What about Rosalind Lynch? Should we invite her?"
"Up to you."
Warren threw the problem back to Cillian with a meaningful look.
Cillian didn’t answer directly, just said, "I’ll see then, there’s still time."
"Mhm."
Just then, the dishes they ordered arrived, and Cillian seized the moment to speak, "Is there anything else? If not, we’ll head out first."
"In such a hurry, where are you off to?"
"Nowhere, just home."
Warren raised an eyebrow, "Alright, take care."
Cillian nodded and looked at Ashley.
"Shall we go?"
Ashley had been wanting to leave for a while, and upon hearing this, she immediately picked up the bag hanging on the chair and walked out before Cillian.
Warren watched their departing backs, emotions churning in his eyes.
"Um..."
Livia mustered the courage to ask, "Warren, do we keep eating?"
"Of course, thanks to you, today’s contract was smoothly signed."
Once Ashley left, Warren reverted to his usual aloof demeanor.
Livia quickly shook her head, "No, no, it’s just that my dad really believed in this project."
Warren didn’t respond, instead, he picked up the cutlery and meticulously sliced a piece of steak to eat.
He could barely taste it, it felt like chewing wax.
Meanwhile, Ashley walked to the cashier.
"You go wait in the car, I’ll handle the bill."
"Alright, thanks for treating today."
Cillian didn’t argue over the bill, taking his bag and leaving first.
However, when Ashley took out her wallet to pay, she found out the bill was already settled.
"That gentleman covered it for you," said the cashier.
Ashley looked in the direction the cashier pointed.
Right there, Warren Prescott.
Ashley widened her eyes in surprise but quickly regained composure.
She thanked the cashier, asked for the amount, then turned to leave.
Once in the car, she finally felt like she could breathe smoothly again.
Fifteen hundred and twenty dollars, she planned to transfer the amount to Warren when she got home.
Today she invited Cillian to dinner, and it made no sense to let someone else foot the bill.
Moreover, she really didn’t want too many ties with Warren anymore.
Every time she saw him, memories of her past life would flood back, bringing a needle-like pain to her heart.
She had told herself repeatedly to let go, and she had done so. But letting go of those memories from her previous life, she couldn’t achieve that.
Those memories were like nightmares, unsettling and frustrating her.
"Ashley... are you alright?"
Cillian noticed her pale face and was worried.
"I’m fine," Ashley forced a smile, "By the way, you said you had something to show me in the car, what is it?"
Cillian recalled the matter at hand and took a document out from his bag.
"Take a look at this."
Ashley nodded and took it, carefully reading through.
It was an application to a prestigious school in Vostralia and a recommendation letter.
And in the applicant’s name section, three words appeared clearly: "Ashley Shaw."
Ashley rubbed her eyes, ensuring she saw correctly.
It was indeed her name.