Chapter 227 Intentional Plastic Surgery
"Mr. Ayers, thank you for choosing to work with the Sherman Group."
Elizabeth smiled and reached out to shake Eric's hand.
Eric, dressed in a well-tailored suit, smiled and lightly clasped Elizabeth's hand, his voice deep. "Ms. Penrose, this collaboration is a great opportunity for both of us."
The successful initial cooperation on the Cloud Project meant many new business opportunities and potential for the Sherman Group's development.
This wasn't just a collaboration—it was a new beginning.
"Mr. Ayers, we'll give it our all to ensure this collaboration goes smoothly." Elizabeth made a welcoming gesture.
"Ladies first."
The two walked out of the conference room.
A flash of appreciation crossed Eric's eyes. "Ms. Penrose, I believe in your abilities. This collaboration will be the start of us creating something great together. My team will continue to follow up on the specific details. I hope we'll work well together."
Elizabeth nodded with a smile. "Looking forward to working together."
After seeing Eric off, Elizabeth returned to her office, finally feeling a bit relaxed.
Having resolved the Cloud Project collaboration, she was clearly in a good mood.
Robbie walked into the office to report on another matter. "Chairwoman Penrose, about arranging some men for Herschel..."
Elizabeth immediately put her hand to her forehead, showing a helpless smile.
She'd almost forgotten about this revenge plan.
Now that she knew she was part of the Nightingale family, she couldn't really go through with messing with Herschel. "Cancel that for now."
Robbie nodded. "Yes, Chairwoman Penrose."
"Tell the driver I'm going to ElizaTimo Restaurant at noon," Elizabeth continued.
"Yes." Robbie acknowledged and left the office.
At noon.
Elizabeth and Mabel arranged to meet at ElizaTimo Restaurant.
Mabel wore a fresh green dress that made her look quite playful.
When she saw Elizabeth walk into the restaurant, she immediately waved with a smile.
Elizabeth smiled and walked over, sitting across from Mabel. Elizabeth relaxed against the chair back and said with a smile, "I'm so tired."
Mabel said with concern, "Elizabeth, you're just too busy. You need to take better care of yourself."
The waiter brought the menu. After they ordered a few dishes they liked, as the waiter was about to leave, Mabel stopped him. "Also bring the same dishes I ordered to that guy at the next table."
Elizabeth raised an eyebrow and turned to look at the next table.
It was Rufus, wearing a white t-shirt with jeans.
Rufus also happened to turn and smile at Mabel.
Elizabeth blinked. He looked like a really cheerful guy.
After the waiter left, Elizabeth asked Mabel curiously, "Who is he?"
Mabel's face showed a sweet smile, her eyes sparkling with a hint of mischief. "Rufus, my new boyfriend."
Elizabeth raised her eyebrows with a smile. "He looks pretty good. When did you meet him?"
Mabel smiled. "I met him at Harbor Bar a while ago. We hit it off really well, and he has a great personality, so we started dating."
Elizabeth didn't bring up Alfonso. After they finished lunch, they left the restaurant.
When taking the elevator down, Elizabeth was standing in the back, so she saw Rufus constantly protecting Mabel from people entering the elevator bumping into her.
Elizabeth's lips curved slightly into a smile.
"Elizabeth, let's meet up again next time." Mabel waved goodbye with a smile.
Elizabeth nodded, responding with a smile. "Sure, next time."
Mabel watched Elizabeth's car leave, still smiling as she suggested to Rufus, "Should we go see a movie? What do you think?"
Rufus opened the car door for Mabel, protecting her head with his hand as he replied, "Sure, what movie do you want to see?"
Mabel thought for a moment. "I don't know. Let's decide when we get to the theater."
From ElizaTimo Restaurant to the movie theater was only about a ten-minute drive. When they got to the theater, after looking around, they just bought tickets for a newly released romance film.
Mabel and Rufus sat in the back row.
Around them was dim lighting and flickering images on the screen.
Rufus thoughtfully prepared Mabel's favorite popcorn and drinks—very considerate.
Just then, Rufus's phone rang. Seeing it was his mom calling, worried something might be wrong, he said, "Let me go out and take this call."
Mabel, holding the popcorn, nodded. "Okay, go ahead."
Rufus hurriedly left his seat and walked out of the theater.
Mabel continued watching the movie, her mouth constantly enjoying the delicious popcorn.
At that moment, she noticed someone walking over. Turning her head, it was actually Alfonso.
Mabel frowned, her tone carrying a hint of displeasure. "Sir, this is my boyfriend's seat."
Alfonso's face was cold and stern, his eyes showing both helplessness and anger.
He'd been upset with Mabel for days. "Mabel Darling, are you planning to ignore me forever?"
Mabel looked coldly at Alfonso, then turned to look at the screen, eating popcorn with her hand. "There's nothing left to say between us. Please move. This is my boyfriend's seat."
Alfonso leaned closer to her. "Are you really planning to be with Rufus? He's just after your money."
Hearing this, Mabel's heart jumped, almost thinking Alfonso knew about her contract with Rufus to rent a boyfriend.
But she quickly calmed down, sneered, and said mercilessly, "Alfonso, you have quite an imagination. Rufus is a good person. He's sincere with me. Please stop bothering us."
Everyone was watching the movie. Mabel didn't dare speak loudly and could only keep her voice down, trying not to attract others' attention.
Alfonso was being driven away. Hearing her speak up for Rufus, he silently lowered his eyes.
Just seeing her laughing and chatting with Rufus made Alfonso want to take her away right then.
When Rufus came back from his call and saw Alfonso sitting in his seat, he paused, then walked over and said politely, "Sir, this is my seat."
Alfonso lifted his eyelids and looked coldly at Rufus. "There are empty seats up front."
Although they were sitting in the back row, there were still other people in the back.
Seeing they were already disturbing others watching the movie, Mabel stood up with a cold face, ready to leave.
She wasn't going to watch anymore.
To leave, she had to pass in front of Alfonso.
Unexpectedly, he wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her onto his lap.
As she froze in shock, Alfonso whispered in her ear, "Mabel Darling, your mom and dad are visiting at my place."
On the other side, on the way back to the Sherman Group after lunch with Mabel, Elizabeth received a call from Timothy.
"Elizabeth, I found information about Wendy." Timothy looked at the investigation materials in his hand and frowned.
"She didn't look like this before. Someone arranged for her to get plastic surgery. She's from Rosewood Village and is already married. Her husband has a history of domestic violence. This time she ran away from the village to work in Border Ridge City."
Elizabeth thought for a moment, her eyes showing confusion. "Something's not right. If someone deliberately arranged for Wendy to get plastic surgery, they must be planning something. It can't just be to have her crash into our car, right?"
That's what was strange about it.
Timothy put down the materials, his eyes cold. "You're thinking the same thing I am. Whoever's behind this is playing games. During this time, I'm going to increase the bodyguards around you and Seraphina."