Chapter 32 Accompany for a Meal
After hearing what I said, Knox's hand paused, and he looked a bit uncomfortable. "Why bring up outsiders out of nowhere?"
"No reason."
I said slowly, "It's just about what Natasha said last time about returning my things. It's been several days now without any movement. I wonder if Natasha is avoiding me—she hasn't even been answering my calls these past few days."
I deliberately said this for Knox to hear. You want me to help you with things? Fine, but first return what belongs to me.
Knox said casually, "Who knows? I actually don't contact Natasha privately either."
I sneered inwardly. What do you mean you don't contact her? You two sleep together every day.
But whatever, why should I care what you two do? It has nothing to do with me. If Knox still wants me to help him connect with Joseph, he'd better obediently return my things.
The meal ended quickly. After dropping me off at the company, Knox left in a hurry.
Looking at his rushed appearance, needless to say, he must be going to find Natasha to discuss countermeasures.
I sneered coldly. Discuss whatever you want, but my things must be returned no matter what!
I had barely sat down in my office when I heard Lyndon's loud voice: "Ms. Lockwood, Mr. Lancaster is here and specifically asked for you to accompany him to look around the workshop."
Why is he here again?
Seeing me slowly getting up, Lyndon was sweating anxiously but didn't dare rush me.
I walked out of the office and saw Atlas's annoying face, but thinking about the hundred-million-dollar order he brought to the company, all my displeasure instantly vanished.
"Mr. Lancaster has so much free time, inspecting the company again?"
Atlas looked at me with a faint smile at the corner of his mouth. "Yes, and I'll be coming more often from now on, so someone can't sneak out to eat without me knowing."
His words startled me, and I blurted out, "How did you know I went out to eat? Were you at the restaurant too?"
As soon as the words left my mouth, I regretted them. Wasn't this a confession?
Seeing my annoyed expression, Atlas chuckled softly. "Alright, don't let it happen again."
He turned and walked outside. "It's work time now. Please accompany me to check on the production situation in the workshop, Ms. Lockwood."
I followed behind him, somewhat annoyed, heading toward the workshop.
The workshop manager had been on high alert. When an important client comes to inspect, it naturally requires attention.
The manager led Atlas on a tour around the workshop. Throughout, Atlas looked serious, raising questions from time to time.
Only then did I realize that Atlas was quite dedicated when working.
After the tour, it had gotten quite dark outside.
Seeing this, Lyndon quickly said, "Mr. Lancaster, the company has prepared a modest dinner. We hope you'll honor us by joining us for a simple meal."
Atlas's gaze circled around me, and Lyndon quickly caught on. "Ms. Lockwood will be there too, right, Ms. Lockwood?"
Lyndon kept giving me meaningful looks.
What else could I say? For the company's benefit, I could only bite the bullet.
"Please honor us with your presence, Mr. Lancaster."
As soon as I spoke, Atlas showed a faint smile.
"Since Ms. Lockwood is extending such a warm invitation, I naturally must accept."
He turned around. "Let's go."
Lyndon quickly followed, whispering to me, "Ms. Lockwood, I know you don't like business dinners, but Mr. Lancaster's order is different, so please say some nice things later."
"Alright, I know."
I agreed vaguely.
But I knew in my heart that Atlas was retaliating for my lunch with Knox. Atlas was using work to pressure me, leaving me no way out.
Seeing me agree, Lyndon finally breathed a sigh of relief.
As we accompanied Atlas downstairs and reached the company entrance, we ran into Knox—what unfortunate timing.
What an awkward scene.
"Helena, I'm here to pick you up from work."
"Sorry, Knox, I have a dinner engagement I need to attend tonight."
Hearing this, Knox's expression darkened. He suppressed his anger and said, "What kind of dinner requires you to attend personally?"
"Naturally, my dinner."
Atlas walked out and said, seeing him, Knox became furious.
"Atlas, what do you want? Stay away from Helena."
"OK, no problem."
Atlas raised his hands and stepped back a few paces. "But I'm currently a client of the Lockwood Group. Surely Ms. Lockwood can have dinner with me, a client?"
"Helena, is what he's saying true?"
Knox looked at me in disbelief.
I nodded. "Yes, Mr. Lancaster has business dealings with the company. This is work."
"Helena, you—!"
Before Knox could finish, I said directly, "Knox, I know what you want to say, but this is work. Please trust me."
Seeing my serious expression, Knox said, somewhat annoyed, "Fine, I trust you, but Helena, you know I don't like you getting too close to Atlas."
I nodded. "I know. It's just dinner, and Lyndon and other colleagues will be there too."
"Okay, then remember to call me when it's over."
After Knox finished speaking, before I could react, he suddenly stepped forward and planted a hot kiss on my forehead.
I instinctively looked toward Atlas.
I saw his eyes were ice-cold, his gaze seeming ready to devour someone.
Seeing me look over, he turned and got directly into the car.
"Ms. Lockwood, we need to go."
Seeing this, Lyndon urged quietly.
I nodded, stepped back a few paces, and waved to Knox. "You go back first. I'll call you when I'm done."
Knox watched me get in the car before leaving.
Throughout the ride, Atlas kept a stern face and didn't say a word. The atmosphere in the car was tense, and even Lyndon, who usually liked to joke around, remained silent.
When we finally arrived at the hotel, everyone quickly got out, leaving only Atlas and me in the car.
"Ms. Lockwood, you look after Mr. Lancaster. I'll go up first to check on how the food preparation is going in the private room."
After Lyndon finished speaking, he ran off in a flash.
I said helplessly, "After you, Mr. Lancaster."
Seeing my invitation, Atlas finally slowly got out of the car.
I thought Atlas would say something, but throughout the journey, he remained silent—frighteningly so.
Fortunately, we soon entered the private room. The food was already prepared, and Lyndon took the opportunity to pour Atlas some red wine.
After Lyndon had had a few drinks, the atmosphere finally warmed up.
Atlas cooperated with Lyndon, making small talk here and there, but his deep gaze kept falling on me from time to time.
The places his gaze swept over felt burning hot. I quickly stood up and found an excuse to leave.
Behind me, I could feel Atlas's burning gaze on me the whole time. I practically fled.
I stayed in the restroom for a while. Seeing that quite some time had passed, I finally dragged my feet back out.
Just as I exited the restroom, I saw an additional figure in the dim corridor.