Chapter 17 Think He's Old?
Before she could say the name, Francis cut her off, "I have another meeting. Gotta go." He hung up immediately, leaving Tina staring at the darkened screen in frustration.
'Great, it seems Francis still doesn't forget about that woman. My parents' dream of having grandchildren still feels so far away.' Tina wondered.
Francis had been in a foul mood all day. After work, he canceled his plans and decided to take a drive alone. Without realizing it, he ended up at the hotel where Jennifer worked part-time.
Jennifer was playing the violin in the corner of the restaurant, wearing a fitted pink gown, her slender neck gracefully bent like an elegant swan. Francis watched her for a moment before signaling a waiter to order. He wasn't hungry, so he ordered a random meal.
During this time, two well-dressed men asked the waiter about Jennifer, with one even attempting to buy her a drink. Jennifer politely declined both.
Francis chuckled and handed the waiter a bill. "Ask the violinist to come over. I want to request a song."
The waiter smiled knowingly and quickly brought Jennifer over. She greeted him politely, "Dr. Carter, what song would you like to hear?"
Francis pointed at a chair. "No rush, have a seat."
Jennifer obediently sat down, smoothing her dress. Francis, his expression unchanged, asked, "Ms. Brown, when do you get off work? Would you like to come over for a drink?"
Jennifer blushed slightly. "What do you mean, Dr. Carter?"
Francis's eyes darkened. "Jennifer, think about it. If you stay with me, you won't have to work so hard." With his resources, if Jennifer became his lover, she wouldn't need to struggle for money.
Even if they broke up, he would give her a generous sum to ensure she wasn't left in a bind. Besides, from their previous encounters, he knew Jennifer had feelings for him. Being with him wouldn't be a loss.
Jennifer bit her lip and shook her head. "Dr. Carter, if you're not requesting a song, I'll go back to work." Though she needed money, she wasn't desperate enough to sell her body. Being looked down upon like this made her angry, but she didn't dare offend him.
Francis raised an eyebrow in surprise but didn't argue, letting her leave without further comment. He wasn't fixated on her; he was just interested in her physically.
After finishing his meal, Francis was about to leave when Declan walked in with a high school girl in a uniform.
Francis paused, deciding to stick around for the show. Declan headed straight to Jennifer, saying naturally, "Jennifer, this is my cousin, Betty Wright."
Betty, a lively and adorable girl, greeted, "Jennifer, you're so beautiful and elegant!"
Jennifer smiled, "Thank you, you're very cute too."
Declan grinned widely. "Her birthday is coming up, and she's been bugging me for jewelry. I don't know much about it, but I remembered you're a jewelry designer, so I brought her to meet you. Do you have time tomorrow to help us pick out a gift?"
Jennifer's plans for the next day had been canceled, freeing up her schedule. She glanced at the innocent Betty and nodded. "Sure, but I'm working now, so I can't chat for long."
Declan snapped his fingers. "It's a date! Betty, let's go get some dinner." Betty clapped her hands, "Yay!"
They chose a table with a view of Jennifer and ordered several signature dishes. Betty kept texting her friends and sneaking glances at Jennifer, giggling.
Declan patted her head. "Don't be so obvious, Jennifer will notice and feel awkward."
Betty rolled her eyes. "Get it straight: you're the one asking for my help, show some respect!" It wasn't her pestering Declan for a gift; it was Declan asking her to play along to woo the beautiful Jennifer.
Declan knew Jennifer wouldn't take money if he just offered it. So he asked Betty for help; it gave him a way to reach out to Jennifer and get a little closer to her.
Watching them laugh happily, Francis felt a pang of displeasure. Jennifer smiled politely at him but was warm and open with the younger Declan. Did she think he was too old?
Francis glanced at his reflection in the window, his chiseled, wrinkle-free face showcasing his mature charm. She had no taste! He snorted and left after paying.
Declan lingered over the meal until Jennifer's shift ended, then offered to drive her home. Jennifer lived with Marlowe in an old neighborhood with cheap rent but poor security, which was worrying. If it were just Declan, she would have refused, but with Betty there, she accepted.
On the way, Betty was very chatty, asking Jennifer many questions. Interested in jewelry design, Betty was thrilled when Jennifer showed her sketchbook filled with jewelry designs. After looking through a few pages, Betty exclaimed, "These are beautiful! Jennifer, will you teach me to design? You're way better than the tutors my parents hired!"
Declan, driving, couldn't help but glance back. "Sure, even if your dad doesn't agree, I'll support you!" This wasn't part of his plan, but Betty was clever, creating more opportunities for him.
Jennifer gave Declan a look and patiently told Betty, "You're still a minor; you need your parents' permission. If you're serious, have them contact me." She worried this was Declan's roundabout way of helping her, and if Betty wasn't genuinely interested, she didn't want to take advantage.
Betty's big eyes were earnest. "I really want to learn, Jennifer, please say yes. I'll convince my parents!"
Jennifer patted her head. "Okay."
The next day, the group went shopping, and Jennifer picked out a Miu Miu bracelet for Betty, which Declan bought without hesitation. He also offered to buy Jennifer a gift as a thank you, but she declined. "I'm happy to pick out a gift for my student."