Chapter 127
Chapter 127
Lewis was signing some documents when he glanced at Ivan’s name on his caller ID,
He handed the paperwork to his secretary, Lydia Quinn, before picking up the phone at a leisurely pace. “What’s up?”
“Lola came by my office today,” Ivan said, leaning against his desk with one leg, stretched out, “She brought me coffee and pastries… and told me she’s trying to pursue me
“Having a beautiful woman chasing after you–isn’t that good?” Lewis let out a deep laugh from his chest. “Are you showing off in front of me? Don’t forget, I have a wife.”
“What would I even be showing off for?” Ivan gave a bitter smile. “I told Lola that I already like someone.”
“So you turned her down just like that?” Lewis leaned back into the leather chair. “You really didn’t consider it at all?”
“I told her we could be friends, but she said she wouldn’t give up that easily. I really don’t want to hurt her, though. She’s your wife’s best friend. Even if I don’t consider her, I have to at least consider Doris.”
“I just want you to talk to Doris and ask her to convince Lola not to waste her time on me. She’s beautiful and outstanding- she deserves someone better who truly loves her.” Ivan was already being gentle with Lola. If it had been anyone else, he would have said something much harsher.
“Alright,” Lewis agreed.
They both knew that feelings couldn’t be forced.
“Lewis, thanks.”
“Just remember you owe me one.”
After ending the call with Ivan, Lewis sent Doris a message: [Can you come home early today? Let’s have dinner together.]
Ever since Loris Cafe opened, Doris had been incredibly busy–busier than Lewis himself, the president of Hartman Group.
It had been a while since they’d had a proper dinner together.
Doris had promised to make it up to him once things settled down.
[Okay.] Doris replied quickly. [What do you want to eat? I’ll buy it on my way home.]
[As long as it’s made by you.] Lewis thought for a few seconds before adding, [I’m not picky.]
Doris stared at the words “I’m not picky” with wide eyes.
She thought, ‘Am I seeing things, or does he have zero self–awareness? He has a long list of things he won’t eat, doesn’t he? How can he even claim he’s not picky? He’s the pickiest eater I know!‘
[Mr. Hartman, are you sure you’re talking about yourself?]
[Yes.]
Doris could only smile politely and let it go.
After chatting for a bit, Doris went back to work, trying to finish early so she could leave on time.
Not long after, Lola came back and dragged Doris into the break room.
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Chapter 127
“Doris, you have to help me this time,” Lola clung to Doris‘ arm, acting cute.
“Help you?” Doris looked at Lola, who was pressing her face against her shoulder.
“I told Ivan I’m going to pursue him.” Lola’s eyes were firm with determination.
“And what did he say?” Doris asked.
“He said he already likes someone.” At that, Lola’s bright expression dimmed a little.
“Then why are you still chasing him?” Doris didn’t approve.
75%
“Even if he likes someone, he’s still single. If he’s single, I can pursue him,” Lola said. Her one rule was never becoming the other woman.
“Lola, if his heart is already set on someone, it’s like he’s blind–he won’t even see you.” Doris tried to keep her from getting too deep into this.
“I get what you’re saying, but understanding is one thing.” Lola sighed, “But he’s not in a relationship yet, is he?”
“I just want to try. Maybe there’s a small chance.”
“If he ends
up
with the person he likes, you won’t even have to tell me I’ll give up on my own.”
Lola tried to look on the bright side. “He did say we could be friends first. Isn’t that a good start?”
Doris looked at Lola and could see the seriousness in her eyes–something she hadn’t shown for anyone else before. “You really like him that much? What do you like about him?”
“Obviously, he’s handsome, has a great body, and he’s a top lawyer who makes good money. He was probably a genius in school too–his IQ must be crazy high. He just checks all my boxes. It’s like he was made for me.
“I’ve always been the one getting chased, but this time, I want to take the initiative. Doris, Mr. Hartman and Ivan are such close friends–can’t you help me out?”
Lola tugged on Doris‘ apron, rocking back and forth like a spoiled child, making it hard to refuse her.
“How do you want me to help you?” Doris sighed, her resolve softening.
She knew Lola had her limits and wouldn’t cross the line.
“I won’t make things difficult for you. Just ask Mr. Hartman about Ivan’s hobbies, interests, and family. I want to know more about him. You have to know your enemy to win the battle, right?” Lola wanted some basic personal information.
“It just so happens that Mr. Hartman asked me to go home early today for dinner, so-”
Before she could finish, Lola pushed her toward the door. “Great! Go home then–I’ll handle things here!”
Doris saw how eager Lola was and sighed, “I haven’t even grabbed my bag yet.”
“Oh.” Lola quickly shoved Doris‘ bag into her hands and winked. “Go home and make Mr. Hartman a feast. If necessary, use your charm as a secret weapon.”
Doris was speechless. Did Lola really just suggest she seduce her own husband? “Lola, what kind of friend does that?”
Lola just giggled in response.
13:24 Wed, 12 Mar Maj
Chapter 127
On her way home, Doris stopped by the market to buy some groceries before heading back to cook.
She planned to make steamed fish, one of the dishes Lewis never fussed about.
As soon as Lewis walked in, he caught a whiff of the fragrant aroma.
པཊཱི,,75%–
After changing his shoes, he stepped forward and saw that the dining table was already set with two dishes and a soup.
Doris said, “You’re back.”
“Yeah. I’m gonna go change.” Lewis went to the bedroom, changed into loungewear, washed his hands, grabbed a napkin, and sat down while drying them.
“Everything looks pretty light today.” He glanced at the loofah egg soup beside him, where a few red berries floated on the surface, making for a perfect contrast of colors. It smelled amazing.
“No excuses to be picky now.” Doris ladled some soup into his bowl.
“Everything here is my favorite.” Lewis nodded in satisfaction. “Mrs. Hartman, you’ve worked hard.”
“Not at all. Now, eat up.” Doris picked out a piece of fish belly, carefully removing any extra bones before placing it in his bowl.
Lewis just looked at her without saying anything, but there was a hint of amusement deep in his eyes.
After dinner, Lewis called Biscuit over and said to Doris, “Let’s go for a walk.”
“Sounds good,” Doris agreed readily.
The moment Biscuit stepped outside, he got ridiculously excited.
They wandered around for over half an hour before heading back. In the kitchen, Doris washed an apple, cut it into small pieces, and gave some to Biscuit.
She used a fruit pick to skewer a piece and handed it to Lewis.
Lewis took it, his deep eyes locking onto her. “Something you wanna say?”
“How’d you know?” Doris was surprised.
“It’s written all over your face.” Lewis pointed it out bluntly.
He’d noticed right away–she’d been holding something in all night.
“Is it that obvious?” Doris touched her own face.
“Extremely.” Lewis twisted the knife a little more before adding, “What do you want to ask?”
“I just want to know what Mr. Mitchell likes to eat and drink, what fruits he prefers, what he doesn’t like. What colors he likes and hates. What kind of flowers he likes. Does he work out? What sports does he enjoy?
“What’s his catchphrase? And his family and close friends… Basically, I want everything about him.” Doris rattled off her questions in one breath.
Lewis crossed his arms, leaned back in his chair, and raised an eyebrow. “You’re that interested in Ivan?”
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Chapter 128
