Chapter 303

The lights flickered across Finley's face, casting fleeting shadows on his otherwise indifferent expression.

After what felt like an eternity of silence, Henry finally broke it, "You're not the kind to make moves without a plan."

The message was clear—he wanted to know what Finley was up to next.

A businessman's knack for politics and money never really changes.

True to form, Finley smirked. "You know me too well. I heard there's a new short video industry booming back home. Honestly, I'm pretty intrigued. This trip is all about connecting with a few companies and seeing what I can make happen."

Henry's eyes dropped slightly. It didn't clash with his own projects.

Perfect.

The last thing he wanted was a business fallout with a friend.

Mark, on the other hand, was more blunt, "Finley, you were just giving Henry a hard time about being a hopeless romantic. Aren't you the same? Bronte's been all over the internet lately. You're going back for her, aren't you? Take my advice, you've been tangled up with her for years. Now that it's finally over, don't go stirring up old drama."

Finley's smile vanished, his tone turning cold, "My plans have nothing to do with her."

Mark let out a sarcastic laugh. "Come on, we know you too well. If I didn't know you, I wouldn't say something like that!"

Finley, not interested in dragging out this tiresome topic, shot back, "I said it has nothing to do with her. Besides, what she does is none of my business. I don't even care what she does for a living."

Sometimes, people could be really stubborn.

But it wasn't just stubbornness.

Over the years, love and hate had twisted together, like threads tangled in a messy knot.

The more you tried to untangle them, the tighter they got.

They leaned on each other, surviving together.

Time hadn't smoothed out their complicated relationship; instead, it had worn down the rough edges.

They had become an essential part of each other's lives.

Even Finley wasn't sure of his own feelings anymore.

Henry looked at him with a knowing gaze. One day, Finley would wake up, just like he had, and realize how much pain and missed opportunities there had been.

He almost looked forward to that day. Spending time with Amelia had given him a bit of a mischievous streak.

"Finley, since you're back, I actually need your help with something," Henry suddenly said.

Finley was surprised. He never expected the all-capable Henry to ask for his help. This was interesting, "What is it?"

Henry didn't mince words, "It's about Amelia's family business."

Maybe it was the endless activities from the night before that had drained all of Amelia's energy.

She had just meant to lie down and scroll through her phone for a bit.

But she had drifted off to sleep without even realizing it.

Unfortunately, her nap didn't last long. Lily shook her awake, "Amelia! Wake up! I've got some juicy gossip! You don't wanna miss this! Wake up!"

Amelia groggily opened her eyes, staring blankly at Lily beside her, "Weren't you back home? How are you here?"

Lily had gone from being reserved to completely at ease here.

She plopped down on the bed, grabbed a piece of fruit, and took a bite, juice splattering everywhere, "I've been back for a while. Came straight to see you. Mark messaged us about dinner tonight. Get ready, we're heading out."

Amelia felt like a puppet as Lily coaxed her to change clothes and freshen up.

Even in the car, her mind was still foggy. She instinctively grabbed Henry's wrist, "Where are we going?"

Henry couldn't help but laugh at the white speck of dust on her nose. He gently wiped it away, "Lily said you've been wanting to try a new restaurant. Everyone's here today, so we can finally go."

Amelia's distant memory was stirred. She didn't have a particular fondness for the restaurant, but she had admired it online once, during a gathering. The ambiance and decor had captivated her.

She thought it was just a passing comment, yet they remembered and sought to grant her wish.

This feeling of being cared for was wonderful. Amelia smiled, reminiscent of a contented kitten.

But her smile didn't last long. Henry started listing all the spicy foods she couldn't have.

What was the point then?

Amelia didn't eat much spicy food, but she liked to challenge herself occasionally.

She pitifully raised her hand in protest, "But I want to try."

Henry firmly quashed her fantasy, "No, your health isn't so good. You can't eat spicy food. Listen, once you're better, you can eat as much as you want. I promise."

Her discomfort was all Henry's fault from the night before. Amelia blushed and shot him a glare, then obediently sat down, pouting at her meal.

Discussing this in front of everyone was too embarrassing.

But their whispered conversation was enough to make Lily feel envious.

She put down her utensils and sighed, "Can you two consider other people's feelings? You're so sweet, it's making me want to date again. Are you two responsible for that?"

Mark laughed, "That's not a problem. Want me to call over the guy you like? You can work on your relationship."

Mark loved to poke at people's sore spots.

He knew Lily had just been through a breakup and was afraid she'd forget.

So he reminded her.

Lily rolled her eyes, "You should worry about yourself. At least I have a crush. You have nothing but your age."

That comment struck Mark where it hurt.

Watching his friends pair off while he couldn't find a suitable girl was tough.

Especially with his family pressuring him to get married.

How could he marry without a girlfriend? Was he supposed to conjure one out of thin air?