Chapter 95

Sam was floored by what he just heard.

Robert's words instantly lifted Sam's spirits from gloom to joy.

He couldn't help but wonder, was Robert actually helping him out?

A friend like this was truly rare!

Gratitude towards Robert welled up in Sam's heart.

This usually unserious buddy turned out to be so reliable at a crucial moment.

Having a brother like this made Sam feel incredibly lucky.

Sam suddenly felt an urge to sing a song in praise of Robert.

"Robert, you're really something!"

"Do you always talk to women this directly?"

Robert smirked, "Of course! If you don't go after a beauty like this quickly, someone else will snatch her up!"

"But I do have principles; I don't mess with women who have boyfriends!"

Shirley couldn't help but laugh.

She casually flipped her hair, propped her head up with her hands, and gazed at Robert with a look of affection.

"I don't have a boyfriend right now."

"But, Robert, you're not my type!"

Robert seized the moment to ask, "Then what type do you like?"

"How could you not like a handsome, charming, and humorous guy like me?"

Shirley thought for a moment, "I don't even know what type I like!"

"But it's definitely not your type!"

Hearing Shirley's response, Robert put on a mock hurt expression, making everyone around laugh.

"Shirley, that really hurts. My fragile heart!"

He clutched his chest, pretending to be in great pain.

Shirley was amused by his exaggerated performance and waved her hand dismissively.

"Alright, Robert, I'm just being honest."

Despite failing to get the answer he wanted, Robert wasn't discouraged and pressed on.

"That's really sad!"

"So, do you like Sam's type?"

Hearing this, Sam's heart started racing.

Shirley frowned, seemingly in thought, then smiled.

"Sam? He's alright."

"He's pretty cute!"

In truth, Shirley was just humoring Robert.

She had noticed Robert earlier.

Handsome, well-dressed, and exuding an air of wealth, he was clearly not an ordinary person.

Shirley, with her past experiences, wasn't interested in such people.

Despite his charming demeanor, he might be a playboy behind the scenes.

"Well, it seems we don't have a chance then!"

"That's really a pity."

Robert then put on a pained expression.

But in his mind, he was thinking that his acting skills could rival Alvin's!

He nailed it!

However, while Robert was just joking, Sam took it seriously.

Hearing this, Sam assumed Shirley was interested in him.

Which meant he had a chance!

Thinking this, Sam's previously low spirits lifted.

He stared at Shirley with excitement and anticipation, his gaze intense.

Shirley quickly noticed and looked alarmed.

She couldn't help but think, did Sam misunderstand what she said?

Shirley was all too familiar with that kind of look.

Could it be that her charm had been off the charts lately?

Shirley was troubled, her head starting to ache.

She didn't know what to do, so she suddenly said,

"We're all friends here!"

Sam was dumbfounded. What did that mean?

Just when he was no longer sad, Sam fell back into sadness.

Seeing Sam's dejected look, Alvin decided to help him out.

Alvin smiled and spoke up.

"Shirley, didn't you say you wanted to make money with my strategies?"

"The best way is to become my follower!"

Shirley was speechless.

"Karen, look at Alvin, he's bullying me!"

With that, Shirley threw herself into Karen's arms.

Shirley's actions were exaggerated, looking extremely aggrieved, making Alvin feel helpless.

The first thing Shirley noticed when she hugged Karen was how soft she was!

Despite Karen's petite frame, she had all the right curves!

Shirley loved being close to soft, fragrant beauties.

Karen didn't know that Shirley was actually a huge flirt.

Karen was initially surprised by Shirley's sudden affectionate gesture but quickly adapted.

She smiled and patted Shirley's shoulder.

Then, Karen glared at Alvin, "Alvin, why are you always picking on Shirley?"

Alvin raised an eyebrow, "Karen, don't be fooled by Shirley's delicate appearance!"

"She's fierce in private!"

"Karen, don't let her deceive you!"

Alvin then took the opportunity to tease Shirley.

"Shirley, your acting skills could win you an Oscar!"

Hearing this, Shirley, still in Karen's arms, began to complain again.

Karen then started to scold Alvin without mercy.

"Alvin, how can you say that about Shirley?"

"She's a girl, beautiful and capable, so what if she's a bit fierce?"

"Do you have a problem with strong, independent women?"

"Alvin, I must have misjudged you!"

"That's really disappointing!"

Hearing this, Alvin decided not to help Sam anymore and let him handle it himself.

He quickly said, "Okay, Karen, whatever you say!"

"I'll listen to you!"

As soon as Alvin finished speaking, Karen smiled in satisfaction. She knew Alvin was conceding.

"That's more like it, Alvin. You finally said something sensible."

Shirley couldn't help but laugh at Alvin's words. She lifted her head from Karen's embrace and playfully stuck her tongue out at Alvin.

"Did you hear that, Alvin? Even Karen is on my side."

Alvin smiled helplessly, knowing he couldn't win against these two women.

"Alright, alright, Shirley, you win."

Robert, watching the scene unfold, found the banter between Shirley and Alvin very amusing.

"It seems our Shirley is not only beautiful but also very clever."

Hearing Robert's words, Shirley smiled proudly from Karen's side. She straightened her clothes, regaining her elegance.

Karen looked at Shirley's proud expression and couldn't help but laugh. "Shirley, you're such an interesting girl."

Hearing this, Shirley winked at Karen playfully.

Meanwhile, Sam, ever since hearing Shirley's words, felt very conflicted. He sat at the table, lightly tapping his fingers, his emotions a tangled mess. Sam occasionally glanced at Shirley, and every time he saw her playful smile, his heart would flutter.

He knew Shirley's words were meant for him, indicating she had noticed his feelings. Sam couldn't help but feel a bit down. He took a deep breath, calmed himself, and thought that maybe Shirley hadn't really noticed his feelings. Maybe she was just joking! That meant he still had a chance!

With this thought, Sam's confidence reignited, and he felt determined. If Alvin knew what Sam was thinking, he would surely marvel at how humans could deceive themselves!

At this moment, a group of beautiful waitresses brought in delicious dishes. Soon, an array of exquisite dishes was laid out on the table. The food at The Epicurean Haven was not only delicious but also beautifully presented.

Seeing her goal achieved, the clever Shirley poured a glass of wine.

"Alvin, Karen, let me toast to you! If you ever need my help, just let me know! As long as it's within my power, I'll do my best!"

With that, Shirley downed her glass of wine in one go. This bold gesture was quite out of character for Shirley, given her usual demeanor and appearance. Sam, sitting nearby, was instinctively drawn to her, unable to take his eyes off her. Even though Shirley's actions were meant to fend him off, Sam still held a glimmer of hope for her.

"Forget it, forget it, you should toast Karen properly. I know what you're thinking, don't I?"

Shirley laughed triumphantly. "Of course, I have to toast Karen! Karen is so wonderful! Unlike you!"

Hearing this, Alvin glanced at Karen and smiled helplessly.

"Karen, look! Shirley is already siding with you! How long have you two known each other? I really can't understand you women!"

Karen tilted her head, blinked, and smiled warmly, her smile reaching her eyes.

"We women are such adorable creatures; how could you men possibly understand us?"

Alvin looked at Karen with a doting smile.

"Shirley, your personality is really a love-hate thing."

At this moment, Robert spoke up, his tone tinged with amusement.

Shirley turned to Robert and winked.

"Robert, are you complimenting me or teasing me?"

Robert smiled and raised his glass.

"Of course, I'm complimenting you, Shirley!"

Then, the group started discussing the events of the day. Seeing it was his turn to shine, Sam instantly perked up. He described the day's events vividly and animatedly.

"You have no idea how thrilling it was today!"

Sam gestured as he spoke, his expressions rich and his voice full of emotion, making everyone feel as if they were there. Robert listened intently, nodding in approval. When Sam reached the exciting parts, Robert couldn't help but applaud.

"Sam, your storytelling skills are top-notch, full marks!"

At this point, Karen suddenly spoke up, looking worried.

"Alvin, tomorrow Stanford and Justin will definitely try to get back at us! We need to be prepared."

Alvin listened to Karen's words and smiled confidently.

"Karen, don't worry, they have no more tricks up their sleeves. No matter what they try, we won't be afraid!"

Seeing Alvin's confident and fearless demeanor, everyone's worries gradually faded, feeling reassured. With Alvin around, nothing was a problem. He not only had excellent leadership skills but also rich experience and crisis management abilities. With him, any difficulty could be overcome. Such an outstanding person, always so confident in everything he did. Indeed, Alvin had the skills and abilities.

Then, the group enjoyed their drinks and had a great time.