Chapter 94
"Anyone else catch that smell? We should probably crack open a window and get the AC going. No way we can enjoy seafood with that strong perfume stench; it's making me queasy."
Molly was kind of overreacting. Sure, Juniper wore a lot of perfume, but it wasn't that bad.
Henry just wasn't a fan, while the other guys at the table didn't seem bothered at all.
But Molly's comment got everyone chuckling, especially the women. They knew exactly why Juniper was all perfumed up.
Juniper looked a bit uncomfortable. If she didn't care about her image in front of Henry, she would've snapped at Molly.
Peter finally chimed in, "Molly, if you don't like seafood, just leave."
Peter's message was clear—he was backing Juniper. Molly, not wanting to push her luck, kept her head down and stayed quiet.
The vibe at the table got a little weird. Henry frowned, clearly annoyed.
After a bit, when things had calmed down, Juniper raised her glass and toasted Henry. "Mr. Windsor, it's great to see you. This one's for you."
She said it in a flirty tone, totally ignoring Zoey sitting next to her.
Before Henry could even lift his glass, Juniper had already downed her drink.
She then gave Henry a playful smile. "Mr. Windsor, I finished mine."
Henry glanced at Zoey, who was happily munching on lobster. Her content face made him feel a bit helpless.
He thought, 'Can't she see someone's trying to seduce her boyfriend?'
Zoey finally caught Henry's look. She smiled and offered him a piece of lobster with her fork. "It's really good, try it."
Henry took a bite and smiled warmly at Zoey. "You're right."
But honestly, he was more interested in tasting her.
Juniper watched, feeling a wave of jealousy as Henry's attention stayed on Zoey.
She tried again, her voice a bit sharper this time, "Mr. Windsor, you still haven't had your drink."
The tension in the room spiked.
Henry's smile vanished. Without even glancing at Juniper, he turned to Peter with cold eyes. "Peter, get her out of here now, or Zoey and I are done with these gatherings."
As soon as Henry spoke, the room felt like it dropped a few degrees.
Juniper's smile faded, her face going pale with fear.
Henry's pressure was too much for Peter, let alone anyone else at the table.
Everyone quietly set down their forks, their faces showing fear.
Peter knew if Juniper stayed any longer, it would drag him down too.
So, he quickly stood up, grabbed Juniper's arm, and repeatedly apologized to Henry, "Mr. Windsor, I'm really sorry. I didn't expect her to be so thoughtless. She's just straightforward. I'll take her out now."
Without waiting for Juniper to react, he dragged her out.
"Peter, you're just gonna throw me out like that?"
Outside the room, Juniper's eyes reddened, almost crying.
Peter, frustrated, poked her forehead. "You ticked off Mr. Windsor. I already gave you an out. Otherwise, you might've been blacklisted by him."
If Juniper wasn't the most stunning actress he knew, he wouldn't have spoken up for her before leaving.
Juniper felt hurt, knowing she had been too hasty. If she had been more restrained and approached Henry slowly, she might not have been kicked out.
"What should I do? Does Mr. Windsor hate me now? Do I still have a chance?"
Peter told her, "The crew wraps up next week. By then, Mr. Windsor will have forgotten about tonight. Just get ready and remember not to use that perfume again. Mr. Windsor clearly doesn't like it."
He continued, "Also, you saw how Ms. Cavendish looked. Try to emulate her style. At least for now, Mr. Windsor likes Ms. Cavendish's look."
Peter didn't give up on Juniper. After all, she was his person.
He's got no sway over Zoey. After this shoot, it was uncertain if they could stay in touch. If Zoey cut ties, Henry wouldn't invest in his future projects.
But if Juniper became Henry's woman, it would be different.
Hearing Peter's words, Juniper stopped crying.
"Peter, rest assured. Next time, I'll be ready and make sure Mr. Windsor likes me."
Peter nodded and let Juniper go home.
Without Juniper, Henry's mood improved a bit, but he still didn't talk to Peter, occasionally chatting with Beckett.
Peter didn't dare say anything more.
After another half hour, Zoey was full.
Everyone else had almost finished eating, so they left the private room.
Seeing Henry and Zoey get into the car, Peter mustered the courage to approach and forced a smile. "Mr. Windsor, please come to the wrap party next week. Ms. Cavendish said she would come."
Henry gave him a brief glance, without any response, and had the driver roll up the window.
Even though Henry ignored him, Peter didn't dare complain and shouted at Zoey inside. "Ms. Cavendish, you'll come with Mr. Windsor, right?"
Zoey smiled at Henry, then nodded to Peter, who finally felt relieved.
As the window rolled up and the car drove away, Peter waved vigorously.
When the car disappeared down the street, Beckett came to Peter's side. "You can put your hand down now. Mr. Windsor's car is out of sight. Do you think he can still see you waving?"
Peter finally lowered his hand, his smile vanishing instantly.