Chapter 131 She is the Dust-covered Pearl
The two sat down on the sofa, and Finnian smiled, "If you like it, you can come here often. Just mention my name and use this private room."
Scarlett teased, "You're really becoming more and more impressive now."
Finnian smiled without saying much and started making coffee.
"If you run into any trouble in the future that I can help with, just tell me. Given our connection as alumni, it's only right that we help each other out," Finnian said while making the coffee.
How could Scarlett not understand he was referring to what just happened? She smiled, "That makes it sound like we're strangers. Do I seem like someone who'd be so formal? Otherwise, I wouldn't have asked for your help last time."
Finnian smiled and poured the brewed coffee into the cup in front of her. "Have some coffee."
The two chatted while drinking coffee. After two cups, Scarlett's phone rang. She took out her phone, saw the number, and answered without hesitation.
"Not done yet?" came Ambrose's deep voice from the other end.
"I'm done. I'll be back at the company when work starts in the afternoon," Scarlett said.
There was two seconds of silence before he asked, "You're having lunch out?"
"Yes," Scarlett replied.
"At this time, with Cleo?"
Scarlett was silent for two seconds. Remembering that Ambrose seemed somewhat concerned about Finnian last time, she responded, "No. If there's anything, I'll talk about it when I get back to the company."
Scarlett was worried he'd keep asking questions. The other end didn't say anything more and hung up.
As she put down her phone, Finnian poured her another cup of coffee. Soon after, the food arrived. The food at this private kitchen was really good—you could taste the freshness of the ingredients.
Scarlett had always loved their food, so she enjoyed this meal very much and had a great conversation with Finnian.
After more than an hour, they finished lunch and walked out of the private room together. As they were leaving the restaurant, a voice came from behind.
"Ms. Mellon."
Scarlett turned around and saw Ryder, and beside him was Ambrose. Behind Ambrose was a group of people—it looked like a business gathering.
They were walking quickly in her direction.
When the group reached them, Scarlett responded, "Ryder."
When Ryder reached her, he stopped, while Ambrose and his group strode past them. As he passed her, Ambrose's face showed no emotion. His eyes swept lightly over her, then over Finnian, before quickly looking away.
"You're eating here too, what a coincidence," Ryder smiled, his gaze sweeping over Finnian.
Scarlett: "Yes, quite a coincidence."
"I can't chat long, Mr. Boleyn is waiting up ahead," Ryder pointed forward.
"Okay, you go ahead."
Ryder quickly caught up, and Scarlett looked at Finnian beside her. "Let's go too."
They walked slowly, as if deliberately keeping their distance from the others. But when they reached the entrance, Ambrose was saying goodbye to his group, so they had to step aside.
"Ms. Mellon, if you're going back to the company, I can give you a ride," Ryder suddenly walked up to her and said.
Scarlett stopped and looked at Ryder. He added, "Mr. Boleyn said he has some work issues to discuss with you."
This left her no room to refuse. She turned to Finnian beside her. "Finnian, I won't ride with you then. Drive safely."
Finnian maintained his cool expression, raised his eyebrows, and made a phone gesture with his hand. "Let's keep in touch by phone then."
After saying this, he glanced at Ryder with a meaningful look. Ryder, skilled at reading people, acted as if nothing happened and even nodded politely in response.
After Scarlett saw Finnian off, Ryder invited her to get in the car and wait. The car happened to be waiting nearby, so Scarlett had no choice but to get in and wait.
Having completed his task, Ryder returned to Ambrose's side. After Ambrose saw off the last guest, he said,
"Mr. Boleyn, you go back to the company first. I have something to take care of and will be back a bit later."
Ambrose nodded expressionlessly, then strode toward the car. Ryder went forward to open the car door for him. After closing it, he watched the car leave before breathing a sigh of relief.
Earlier in the private room, Ambrose had him check which room Scarlett was in. When he learned she was having lunch with another man, Ambrose's expression had been off ever since.
Just now when they ran into the two of them, Ambrose seemed to have no reaction, but his glance at that man clearly showed he cared. Otherwise, strangers were just air to him.
So Ryder deliberately left space for the two of them, as a way to make up for walking in on them last time.
The car drove far away, and the cabin remained quiet. So quiet that Scarlett couldn't stay silent anymore. She turned her head, only to see Ambrose had closed his eyes.
Was he taking a nap? Didn't he say he had something to discuss with her?
"Are you very tired?" she took the initiative to break the silence.
"Yes," Ambrose's response was cold. Scarlett noticed it, glanced at him, and after two seconds of silence, still spoke up.
"You went to discuss the Serene Bay Peninsula matter today. Did it go well?"
At her words, Ambrose opened his eyes and turned his head. "Not very well."
This indicated that the Mitchell family had the upper hand. Was it because of the influence of that person from the Mitchell family taking office, or were there other reasons?
"The person from the Mitchell family takes office in a week. After that, it'll be time for the Serene Bay Peninsula project bidding. Naturally, they'll focus on this. Right now, the Boleyn Group has some internal problems. Although they're small issues, because the Mitchell family and the Boleyn family are competing for this project, the higher-ups will make a big deal out of it," Ambrose said while pinching his forehead, looking very tired.
Scarlett frowned slightly. "Has Heath's matter affected the company?"
Ambrose leaned back in his chair. "Not much."
Scarlett knew that Serene Bay Peninsula was a key project for the Boleyn Group. If this project didn't succeed, it would greatly affect him.
The impact of Heath's incident was clear. Given Ulysses's hatred for the Boleyn Group, he would definitely make a big deal out of this.
After two seconds of silence, Scarlett said, "Since Ulysses wants to win this way, let's make things even bigger."
Ambrose stopped pinching his forehead and looked up at her. Scarlett patted her leg. "Lie down here, I'll give you a massage."
A gleam flashed in Ambrose's deep eyes. "You know how?"
Scarlett didn't answer, but said, "Let's try."
Ambrose didn't refuse and lay down, resting his head on her lap. It was soft, and he could smell the faint fragrance coming from her.
Her fingers touched his forehead, the cool sensation smoothing the furrow between Ambrose's brows. He closed his eyes and asked as her fingers applied pressure,
"Tell me what you're thinking."
Scarlett lowered her head. "The Mitchell Group can't possibly have no problems internally either. As long as we expose them, then no one can stay clean. On this point, it evens out. Even if that person from the Mitchell family takes office, they won't dare to openly show favoritism."
As she finished speaking, his long, well-defined, and attractive hand grasped hers. Ambrose opened his eyes and looked at her steadily.
He knew she was smart, but only in her professional field. But now, he discovered her insight and courage.
How could Wesley be so blind as to discard such a gem?
Seeing him holding her hand and staring at her, Scarlett asked, "Did I say something wrong?"
Ambrose came back to his senses and let go. "That's quite an idea." Actually, she had thought of the same thing he had.
Hearing this, Scarlett couldn't tell if it was praise or criticism. As she continued her movements, she said, "I'm just suggesting. If you have a better way, just pretend I didn't say anything."
"Press here," Ambrose suddenly pointed to a spot on his forehead.
Scarlett did as he asked, feeling helpless.