Chapter 151 Treating a Meal for Coworkers

After Mabel left, Abigail noticed a significant change in her coworkers' attitudes—they were much friendlier.

Mabel was just the customer service manager in the design department. Could she really have that much influence?

"Hey, does everyone have time tonight? How about we grab dinner and get to know each other better?" Abigail suggested enthusiastically.

No one wanted to miss out on a free meal, and they were curious to learn about Abigail's situation.

If Abigail had really been abandoned, then...

The new employees exchanged glances and smiled. "Abigail, since you're inviting us, we're definitely in—as long as we don't have to stay late."

Abigail nodded with a smile.

Luck was on their side; the office was quiet all day.

At the end of the workday, Abigail called home to tell Ondine she wouldn't be home for dinner.

Murray overheard and took the phone. "Abigail, you're not coming home for dinner? Got plans?"

"I'm taking my coworkers out for dinner. Alright, Murray, I have to go now. We're heading out."

Hanging up, Abigail joined her colleagues and followed the crowd out of the building.

They had chosen a high-end restaurant together.

The youngest in the office, Odette Chambers, looked back at Abigail apologetically. "Abigail, isn't this place a bit too expensive?"

"It's fine," Abigail reassured her with a smile.

"Great! I've heard the food here is amazing. I've always wanted to try it but couldn't afford it," Odette said, her youthful face lighting up.

The other coworkers laughed, and the single men couldn't take their eyes off her.

They all piled into cars and headed straight to the restaurant.

There were about a dozen of them, so Abigail booked two tables.

"Abigail, since we're out, how about we go sing karaoke after dinner? Or maybe a bar? I know a great bar with live performances tonight," Odette suggested enthusiastically.

Abigail hesitated.

By the time they finished dinner, it would be late.

Her health wasn't great, and Kirk had specifically told her not to stay up late and to keep a regular schedule.

"Maybe..."

"Got it, your boyfriend is too strict, right? We understand. We won't go," Odette said with a sweet smile.

Abigail smiled at the understanding Odette and turned to look out the window.

At the restaurant, Abigail gave her name, and the smiling hostess led the group to a private room.

As soon as they sat down, Odette playfully said to Abigail, "Abigail, since it's our first time here, why don't you order for us?"

"You guys go ahead. Order whatever you like."

"Abigail is so generous. We won't hold back then!" Odette said happily, raising her eyebrows. "Order whatever you want, just don't go overboard!"

Laughter erupted around the table.

"Who do you think we are? We're all coworkers. How could we be that shameless!"

"I'm just looking out for Abigail," Odette said with a light laugh, causing more laughter.

"It's fine. Order whatever you want."

"Then we won't hold back!" Odette's eyes lit up as she took the tablet from the waiter and started scrolling through the menu, taking everyone's suggestions.

For eleven people, they ordered thirty-two dishes, not including dessert and fruit.

Some of the coworkers with tighter budgets looked worriedly at Abigail.

Odette seemed oblivious and continued to order.

A coworker gently tugged her sleeve, and Odette finally seemed to realize, apologizing to Abigail, "Abigail, I'm sorry, I think I ordered too much. Maybe we should cancel some, just in case we can't pay—oh, I didn't mean it like that."

"Yeah, Abigail, we only have a dozen people. It does seem like a lot."

If Abigail couldn't pay, they'd have to split the bill.

Someone stood up to call the waiter.

Abigail stopped them. "Just enjoy yourselves. It's all on me. Don't worry."

Odette immediately hugged Abigail's arm and playfully shook it. "Abigail, you're so generous. I love you!"

Then she turned to the group. "If Abigail's wallet isn't enough, I'll cover the rest!"

The group cheered, and Odette winked at Abigail. "Abigail, I'm serious. We'll split the bill fifty-fifty."

Odette's enthusiasm and sincerity made it hard to refuse.

Abigail smiled back. "No need, just enjoy the meal."

"That's not fair. It's a lot of money. We should split it. If you keep refusing, I won't eat," Odette said, pretending to be upset.

The two of them went back and forth, while the others exchanged glances.

Abigail was the boss's lover. How could she not afford the bill?

Had she really been abandoned?

"That's settled then!" Odette patted Abigail's hand and sat down to chat with the other women.

Abigail, feeling helpless, excused herself to the restroom and paid the bill, leaving a generous tip.

Not long after, Odette followed her out and saw Abigail holding the receipt. She stomped her foot, seemingly upset. "We agreed to split it. How could you do this? How much was it? Give me your account number, and I'll transfer you half."

However, Abigail refused to give her account number.

It wasn't until the waiter started serving the food that Odette had to stop.

The atmosphere at the table was lively, especially with Odette, who kept trying to get Abigail to drink. Abigail politely declined each time.

"Abigail, do you hate me?" Odette pouted, looking pitiful.

"Of course not."

Why did young women these days always think others disliked them? Mabel was like this, and now Odette too.

"Then why won't you drink? Do you look down on me because I'm from a modest background and not as capable as you?" Odette's eyes reddened, on the verge of tears.

Abigail was flustered.

Luckily, her phone rang, saving her.

She quickly answered. It was Murray, asking where she was and when she'd be home.

Abigail had only given half the address when Odette came out with a glass of wine, pulling Abigail's shoulder. "Abigail, just take a sip, and I'll finish this glass."

Murray had the phone on speaker, and Edward's face darkened when he heard someone urging Abigail to drink.

Murray glanced at Edward, who suddenly stood up and strode out.