Chapter 37 Sending Invitations
Half an hour later, Eugene figured enough time had passed and called Aria back. He said sincerely, "Aria, I'm sorry, I was busy with some work just now."
Aria had already heard from a friend that Eugene had recently been squeezed out by the investment circle and was in a difficult situation.
According to her friend, everyone was gossiping this was her father's way of testing Eugene.
Aria's father Jonathan Clark hadn't been too satisfied with Eugene at first, but she was determined to marry only Eugene, so Jonathan eventually agreed.
Now that the engagement party date was set, why would Jonathan suddenly test Eugene again?
Aria wanted to ask him face-to-face, so she pretended not to know about any of this and just said. "The engagement party is coming up soon. I want to add some more wines. Come with me to choose them."
Eugene agreed and quickly came over. He wore a gentle smile on his face, but Aria could detect a hint of bitterness in it. He treated her as thoughtfully as always, passing her napkins and cutting her steak, and even his comments on several dishes appropriately demonstrated his refinement.
But she noticed a shallow wound on his chin and a slight wrinkle at the bottom of his shirt—details he would never normally overlook. It must be because work was giving him such a headache that he got distracted and missed these details.
Aria felt sorry for him. She took a sip of the paired white wine and asked softly, "Eugene, how's work been going lately?"
The smile on Eugene's face disappeared for a moment before quickly returning. He held Aria's hand and said gently, "It's nothing, just normal business competition. These three wines each have their pros and cons—just choose the one you like."
Aria felt even more sorry for him. He was putting on a brave face in front of her because he didn't want to show weakness in front of the woman he loved, right?
Many people said Eugene was only marrying up for her family's background. But Eugene's behavior was a good rebuttal to that view—he never actively asked her for help. Those business connections were all ones she had proactively introduced him to. As for others cooperating with him for her sake, that was also because he was capable.
"Eugene, I'm about to be your fiancée. When you face difficulties, we can face them together." Aria was so moved she was almost in tears. He must truly love her. "Even if you don't say it, I already know—it's Francis who's targeting you." Since he wouldn't say it, she'd bring it up herself.
Eugene sighed with great bitterness. "Aria, I don't want to see you troubled by my problems. It's all because I'm incompetent, making you unable to be a carefree girl."
Aria leaned her head against his chest, lightly tapping him playfully. "I'm not some brainless rich girl—I'm quite smart. You're not losing to Francis because you're incompetent, it's just because his background is stronger. But you're not lacking either—you have me, and I'll help you."
Eugene held her tight and said emotionally. "Aria, how can you be so wonderful?" He was putting on this act precisely to get Aria to help him voluntarily—it could both preserve his dignity as a man and solve his current predicament.
However, Aria only held the title of chairman of the charity foundation—she had no real power. So she still had to go home and ask Jonathan.
Jonathan scolded her. "I can't possibly offend Francis for him. You'd better take that useless man of yours to apologize to Francis and get his forgiveness as soon as possible, or your engagement party will be postponed."
After crying for a while, Aria used the excuse of wanting to personally deliver invitations to arrange a meeting with Francis.
Francis guessed her purpose but still went. As soon as he entered the private room, he saw Eugene was there too. Both stood up to greet him. Aria handed over a carefully designed invitation. "Next Friday is Eugene's and my engagement party. We hope Mr. Carter can find time to attend."
Francis took the invitation with a somewhat cold expression. "Alright."
During the meal, both Aria and Eugene were very polite, first praising Francis extensively, then trying to figure out how Eugene had offended him.
Francis recalled that day when he got home, Jennifer had been especially attentive to him. Not only did she stand at the door to greet him, she also actively hugged him and asked for a kiss. Naturally, he gladly accepted this little treat, holding Jennifer on the bar counter and thoroughly teasing her.
After they kissed until their hair was slightly disheveled, he leaned close to her ear and asked in a low voice. "What's gotten into you today? Missing me so much."
Jennifer hesitated for a while before tentatively asking. "Did you go after Eugene?"
"What, you still have feelings for him and want to plead for him?" Francis was somewhat displeased—so her being so proactive was actually for another man.
Jennifer quickly shook her head. "How could that be? I'm thrilled to see him in trouble. I specially made a cake to celebrate and also to thank you. I hope you'll like it."
As she spoke, she slipped out from under his arm and took out an exquisitely shaped six-inch cake from the refrigerator. It had a blue cream base with many small yellow stars painted on it, somewhat like Van Gogh's "Starry Night."
Her painting skills were excellent, and this cake was the most satisfying one she'd selected after making several in a row. She held the cake up high in front of him, her eyes full of anticipation.
Francis glanced at it, somewhat surprised that her skills were so good. "I don't like sweet things, but I can try a bite." He was a bit curious whether this little cake tasted as good as it looked.
Jennifer said with a shy smile. "Okay, I asked the butler and learned you don't like sweet flavors. So this cake is sea salt cheese flavor, with a hint of saltiness." As she spoke, she excitedly cut a small piece and placed it in front of him.
He ate bite by bite and surprisingly finished the small piece of cake in front of him quite quickly. She beamed as she watched him enjoy himself.
At this moment, Eugene walked up to him holding a wine glass, interrupting his recollection. Aria stood up and said. "Whatever way Eugene offended you, I'll join him in toasting you three times, hoping you can let him go."
On the day of the engagement, Francis somewhat regretted not having brought Jennifer. If she saw Eugene looking so respectful, she would probably be very happy too. He pushed away the wine glass in front of him and said. "Not all mistakes can be glossed over with penalty drinks. Eugene bullied my lover, and I'm just teaching him a lesson."
Eugene's expression tightened. He hadn't expected Francis would actually go to such lengths to deal with him over this Jennifer.
Aria said softly, "Francis, we've known each other since childhood. Can't you let my fiancé go for my sake?"
Francis glanced at Eugene. He immediately stated his position. "I won't do it again. I'll also withdraw the accusations against David." After speaking, he drank half a glass of red wine in one gulp to show his sincerity.