Chapter 21 The Argument in the Restaurant
In the restaurant, someone was playing the violin, the music flowing gently through the air.
Charles smiled as he poured Aria a glass of wine.
"This is a newly made red wine from this year. It has a very unique taste and is the restaurant's signature. Would you like to try it?"
Aria took the glass, feeling a bit hesitant.
Mr. White had helped her so much and personally poured wine for her. If she didn't drink it, wouldn't that be too disrespectful?
But she was pregnant—how could she drink alcohol?
After thinking for a moment, she just pretended to take a sip, barely touching her lips to the wine before setting it down.
"The taste is indeed very unique. At first, it's a bit bitter, but after the bitterness passes, it quickly turns sweet, with a rich grape flavor."
Charles noticed her discomfort and said thoughtfully, "Ms. Hall probably doesn't drink much normally. If you're not used to it, don't force yourself."
He took the wine glass away and asked the waiter to bring her hot cocoa with oatmeal instead.
"If there are any follow-up needs regarding the studio matter, feel free to tell me anytime."
He said frankly, "I've always admired Ms. Hall's talent. I don't want to see your hard work buried by those petty tactics."
Aria held the warm cup, the warmth from her fingertips making her heart ache slightly.
She forced a smile.
These past few days, she had shouldered all the pressure alone, and her heart had already been hurt badly by Arthur.
At this moment, concern from someone who was almost a stranger made her eyes well up.
"Thank you, Mr. White."
"Thank me for what? I haven't really helped you much." Charles shook his head. "Although I don't know all the details, what Miss Smith did was really too much. And Mr. Grant..."
"That rude guy—even as an outsider, I have to say, the sooner you divorce him, the sooner you can leave that hell."
Aria hadn't wanted to think about anything related to Arthur, but when Charles brought it up, she remembered that letter.
[Get an abortion as soon as possible.]
Her heart suddenly ached.
Just then, the restaurant door was suddenly pulled open, bringing in a gust of wind.
Aria looked up and immediately froze.
Arthur was walking toward her, his face terribly dark.
Sophie followed behind him, seeming to want to hold him back but failing, looking very embarrassed.
Aria's heart jumped, and she unconsciously tightened her grip on the cup.
Complex emotions instantly flooded her heart.
Was she feeling wronged or guilty?
Why should she feel guilty? She and Charles were openly discussing work and having a meal—what was there to feel guilty about?
But Arthur's sharp gaze fixed on her still made her inexplicably nervous.
Charles, always perceptive, saw Aria's suddenly stiff expression and followed her gaze, raising his eyebrows slightly.
But he said nothing, just calmly picked up his napkin to wipe his mouth, as if the newcomers were just two unimportant strangers.
Arthur had already reached their table.
"What a coincidence," he said stiffly. "Ms. Hall seems to be in a good mood. I suppose your studio's financial crisis has been resolved, and you still have the mood to drink and chat here."
The words "Ms. Hall" came out of his mouth in a strange tone.
Anyone could hear the displeasure in his voice.
Aria put down her cup. "Oh, it's Mr. Grant and Director Smith. Is there something you need?"
Her distant, polite attitude made Arthur even more unhappy.
He stared at her, almost squeezing the words through his teeth. "Nothing much, just saying hello. Am I disturbing you?"
This was such a strange thing to say that Aria was stunned.
Before she could respond, Charles let out a light laugh.
"Mr. Grant is quite the joker." His voice was gentle and polite, but every word seemed to carry a barb.
"Ms. Hall and I are discussing business, while Mr. Grant appears to be on a date. Shouldn't Mr. Grant be more concerned about being disturbed?"
Sophie's expression changed slightly, and she instinctively looked at Arthur.
What he was saying and doing today was too strange, too out of control.
Arthur snorted heavily, no longer looking at Charles, turning his gaze to Aria. "Let me remind you, we're not divorced yet. Watch your behavior and don't embarrass the Grant family."
This sentence made Aria stand up and splash the hot cocoa in Arthur's face.
Arthur stared heavily at Aria, his clothes stained with a large patch of hot cocoa, showing no reaction.
Aria was shaking with anger.
"Arthur, you're the one parading around with your mistress! You're the one embarrassing the Grant family! What right do you have to tell me to watch my behavior?"
"You..." Arthur was momentarily speechless.
Thinking calmly about it, whether Aria was having dinner with a client or on a date, what did it have to do with him?
They had already agreed to divorce.
Why did he lose control the moment he saw her being even slightly close to another man?
He looked away, his tone stiff.
"I'm doing this for your own good. Some people look respectable on the surface, but who knows how many lovers they have behind the scenes. Don't let him fool you."
This was clearly aimed at Charles.
Charles said sarcastically, "Mr. Grant, you're such a considerate husband, always thinking of your wife—except for the part where you're here with your mistress."
"Compared to me, Mr. Grant should pay more attention to the character of the person beside you. I just heard Ms. Hall say that her studio was maliciously reported and attacked, and it seems to be related to this lady beside you."
Arthur was somewhat surprised. "Aria, you already know?"
"Yes. Do you want to take responsibility for this?"
Only then did Arthur remember his purpose for coming.
Sophie grabbed his arm and shook it, saying softly, "Arthur, why don't we just leave? Today... it's not appropriate anymore."
Arthur ignored her and reached out to grab Aria's hand.
"Come back with me. Regarding this matter, I'll give you an explanation."
"Also, you'd better stay away from this guy. He's obviously a smooth-talking player!"
Aria naturally refused.
As the two struggled, Sophie's eyes had completely turned cold.
Her gaze flickered with malice.
Perhaps the two of them hadn't realized it yet, but she could see it clearly.
Arthur cared about Aria far more than she had imagined.
She absolutely could not allow this to happen.