Chapter 82

Although she knew this concept was outdated, she had to comply since she was living under someone else's roof, so she rarely stayed out past midnight.

But now, hearing the partner mention it, she suddenly realized that Stella often stayed out all night, and back then, she didn't know what Stella was doing outside.

Thinking back now, Stella was probably with Howard during those times, so Layla pretended to turn a blind eye to it.

However, this also showed that Layla had different standards for her and Stella. Layla was stricter with her, and even the slightest mistake would be criticized.

Over time, getting home before midnight became a habit for her, not something she did intentionally.

Now, hearing the partner say this, she knew she probably wouldn't be able to leave tonight.

At this moment, Tenley hooked her arm and said, "Are you afraid your husband will be angry?"

Tenley spoke softly because no one else knew about Margaret's marriage except her.

Margaret smiled at her and shook her head, "He's not that petty."

Although she said that, Margaret actually thought Leonard could be quite petty at times. But she had already told him in advance that she would be home late tonight, so it should be fine.

She looked up at her boss and the partner, "It's okay, I can stay out late tonight."

The partner was very pleased with her response, as he liked people who were considerate.

After they went to karaoke, they started picking songs. Margaret didn't like singing much, so she mostly sat on the side, only occasionally humming a few lines with her colleagues.

These gatherings weren't really about singing; they were about drinking. The partner and the boss sat next to Margaret, wanting to play dice with her.

Margaret wasn't very good at it, but she had to play along. She kept losing and didn't know how many drinks she had.

At this moment, her phone rang. It was a message from Leonard.

[How much longer until you come home?]

Margaret glanced at the time; it was already 1 AM, and most of the drinks were gone. She replied, somewhat groggily, [I should be home soon.]

After sending the message, she didn't receive a reply from Leonard. She wondered if he was angry again, but her head was spinning, and she couldn't think about it too much.

Half an hour later, they finally wrapped up the dinner.

Margaret was helped out of the private room by Tenley. She had drunk quite a bit while playing games with the partner and was now a bit unsteady on her feet.

Standing at the hotel entrance, Tenley wanted to call a cab for her, "Margaret, are you okay? Do you want me to take you home?"

Tenley was worried because Margaret seemed quite drunk.

But Margaret waved her hand, "No need, my husband will come to pick me up."

She said this with a silly smile.

She spoke softly, almost like she was whimpering. Tenley, seeing this, didn't say anything more and watched as the boss and the partner left. She then stayed with Margaret at the hotel entrance, waiting for her husband.

The wind outside was cold, and Margaret felt even dizzier. She took out her phone and called Leonard.

"Honey, where are you? I'm done here. Didn't you say you'd come to pick me up?"

When the call connected, Margaret said this pitifully. Tenley, standing next to her, was shocked. She had never seen the usually strong Margaret act so shy and cute in front of her husband.

This side of Margaret was something she had never seen before.

The voice on the other end quickly replied, "I'm in the parking lot. I'll be right there."

After hanging up, Margaret looked at her colleague, "He's coming from the parking lot. Thank you for staying with me. You can go now."

Tenley had heard their conversation, so she was sure Margaret wasn't lying. She reluctantly got into a cab, waving at Margaret as she left.

Less than a minute after Tenley left, Leonard appeared on the roadside in front of Margaret.

She stood there, looking frail, one foot tapping the ground in her black high heels, arms crossed over her chest. Leonard pulled up and rolled down the window.

"Margaret, get in the car."

Margaret looked up at him, "What took you so long? I'm exhausted."

Maybe the wind had cleared her head a bit, as she seemed more sober now.

"I came up from the parking lot. It took a while."

Margaret got into the passenger seat, fastening her seatbelt, "Tonight's dinner was so awkward. I don't know how to play those games, and the partner kept making me play. I lost a lot."

Leonard squinted, his expression cold, "They didn't give you a hard time, did they?"

Hearing his concern, Margaret replied softly, "I managed to avoid a few drinks, but it wasn't too bad. Why, are you worried about me?"

Margaret teased, her expression more seductive than usual.

Leonard was silent for five seconds before suddenly leaning close to her ear, "Yes."

He looked her over, noting her thin brown blazer over a white shirt, a brown suede skirt, and black stockings.

"I can't stand those old men touching you."

Leonard rarely said things like this, or rather, he never did, so his words surprised Margaret.

"Are you jealous?"

Leonard hooked his finger under her chin, his tone cold, "I'm not joking."

Margaret dropped her playful demeanor, pushing his hand away and looking at his slightly jealous eyes. She realized she was only daring to tease him because she was drunk.

Leonard noticed the blush on her face, something he had never seen before, which made him anxious, feeling something stirring inside him.

Margaret had indeed drunk a lot tonight and had to sacrifice some dignity. She felt guilty.

She remembered the partner's hand lightly touching her leg, though she quickly moved away.

Their eyes met, and the atmosphere became thick and humid.

"Then you..."

Before Margaret could finish, Leonard grabbed her neck, pressing her down unexpectedly.