Chapter 165 Consumed by Envy

When Abigail and Edward finally emerged from the temporary lounge, more than half an hour had passed.

Under the curious gazes of the waitstaff, they made their way downstairs.

Abigail's face was flushed bright red.

They really hadn't done anything, just changed their clothes!

"Edward, no wonder I couldn't find you anywhere. I guessed you went upstairs, and I was right," Yvette teased with a knowing smile, as if she had never gone upstairs herself.

Abigail shot her a cool glance and then looked away indifferently.

Yvette sighed in relief and smiled at Abigail. "You didn't get hurt earlier, did you? I heard you almost got knocked over by a waiter. Is the baby okay?"

Yvette's face was full of concern as she looked at Abigail's belly with feigned worry.

"Abigail and the baby are fine," Edward replied, then gently took Abigail's arm and led her away from Yvette's view.

"If you don't like her, just avoid her in the future," Edward said, sensing Yvette's intense gaze.

"Can I?" Abigail asked softly.

Edward raised an eyebrow. "Of course."

Abigail then smiled slightly and nodded.

After the party ended, the waiter who had accidentally bumped into Abigail was quietly taken away.

Once Abigail was asleep, Edward left the room.

"Mr. Harrison, we've investigated. It was indeed an accident," Daniel reported formally.

Edward frowned slightly.

An accident?

"Keep investigating. Don't overlook any details."

"I understand. I'll send someone right away."

After hanging up, Edward returned to the room. Abigail had been out all day with Violette and was exhausted, sleeping soundly.

Edward carefully got into bed and lay on his side, watching Abigail's peaceful face.

His eyes softened with affection, and he soon closed them and fell asleep.

Downstairs, Mabel stared at the ceiling with hatred, nearly grinding her teeth to dust.

Abigail had refused her!

She didn't take her to the party!

She was so selfish!

Fuming with anger, Mabel tossed and turned until dawn, finally falling asleep as the sky lightened.

When she woke up, she groggily walked out of her room, only to have her smile freeze on her face.

The living room and dining room were empty, and the dining table was spotless.

"Miss Simpson, you're finally awake. The food's gone cold, so I gave it all to the stray dogs. Aren't you heading to work soon? You can grab some breakfast on the way," Ondine said with a smile.

Mabel clenched her fists and forced a smile. "Okay. It's my fault for waking up late."

"Well, breakfast time is fixed in this house," Ondine replied.

"Fine, I know. Where are Abigail and Mr. Harrison? Didn't they have breakfast?" Mabel asked anxiously, looking around.

"It's late, so they've already left for work, of course."

Seeing Mabel's face nearly crack with frustration, Ondine added, "Young people shouldn't be so lazy. You're going to be late!"

Mabel glanced at her phone screen.

It was already 9:10, and she had only twenty minutes until work started!

She was going to be late!

Thinking of her boss's increasingly irritable face due to menopause, she gasped.

Ignoring her empty stomach, she rushed back to her room, changed clothes, and dashed out of the villa.

At exactly 9:31, she stepped into the office. Everyone looked up at her, making her back tense. She turned around to see her boss glaring at her with folded arms.

"I'm so sorry, Ms. Ross. There was traffic, and I got delayed," Mabel apologized, bowing her head.

"Late again? Do you think you can do whatever you want? If everyone was like you, how would our department function? Your perfect attendance bonus is gone, and half your bonus is docked. Reflect on this!"

Mabel was both anxious and angry. The bonuses amounted to thousands of dollars, which she had planned to use for a designer bag!

"It's my fault. I understand. I promise it won't happen again."

"Your promises mean nothing! Get out of my sight! Seeing you makes me sick. You got in here through connections, and you're still useless!" Electra Ross scolded harshly, making Mabel's face darken.

She returned to her desk, her face stormy. Seeing her colleagues watching her, she snapped, "What are you looking at? Haven't you finished your work? Do you want me to give you more?"

As a mid-level manager, her threat made the employees scatter.

Feeling miserable all morning, she rushed upstairs at lunchtime, heading for Abigail's office.

Seeing Abigail coming out of her office, she felt relieved. She had made it in time.

She raised her arm, waving lightly with a bright smile. "Abigail, let's have lunch together."

Abigail paused, remembering Violette's warning. But seeing Mabel's cheerful smile, she pushed aside her doubts and walked over.

"Abigail, I heard there's a new restaurant downstairs with a great chef. Should we invite Mr. Harrison and try it out?"

Abigail's warmth faded slightly.

Was she inviting her or Edward?

Sensing the tension, Mabel quickly added, "Abigail, don't get me wrong. You two had a big fight recently. This is a good chance to talk and clear the air."

Mabel smiled, pretending to be genuinely concerned.

"He's not at the office today."

Disappointed, Mabel kept smiling. "That's too bad. Mr. Harrison is missing out. Let's go now before it gets crowded."

Abigail nodded lightly.

As the waiter served their food, Abigail's phone rang. Mabel discreetly glanced over, seeing it was Edward. She immediately perked up.

"I'm having lunch. Don't worry, I can take care of myself," Abigail said, sounding a bit exasperated.

She glanced at Mabel across the table.

"She's here too."

Mabel's fingers twitched with excitement. Edward mentioned her?

When Abigail hung up, Mabel asked casually, "Was that Mr. Harrison? Did he mention me? Is there something he needs?"

Abigail hesitated. "Do you really want to know?"

"Of course! Who wouldn't want to be praised by their boss?" Mabel quickly shifted the conversation to work.

Abigail was silent for a moment. "Check the company group chat."

Mabel's heart raced as she quickly opened her phone.