Chapter 321: An Unnerving Atmosphere
Alison’s hands trembled as she opened the second email.
It read: [Begin a romantic relationship with Aidan, or your photos will be exposed within three days.]
She stared blankly at the black text on the screen, her mind swirling with questions.
Who is this person? What’s his intention?
She closed the email, but those words still lingered in her mind.
She wanted to give up, not wanting to be threatened anymore.
“Miss Fairchild, what’s wrong?”
Mia’s voice rang out behind her.
“Hm? What is it?”
She turned around, blinking as clarity returned.
“Are you all right?” Mia asked, concerned, noticing her pale face.
“I’m fine. Is there any work for me?” she asked.
“Mr. Bates is arriving today. We need to pick him up at the airport this afternoon. The president said you’ll go with him after lunch and have dinner with Mr. Bates tonight.”
Mia’s tone was matter-of-fact.
“All right,” Alison replied reluctantly.
Time slowly passed, yet her thoughts remained fixed on that email.
She considered going to the police but feared the photos might be exposed.
What should I do?
She was already trapped in it.
“Miss Fairchild, it’s quitting time. Let’s grab dinner.”
Mia approached from behind.
“Oh, let’s go.”
Finally snapping back to reality, Alison hurriedly stood up and followed Mia out.
“Miss Fairchild, that outfit looks stunning on you today. Where did you get it?”
Mia struck up a casual conversation.
“Oh, Chanel,” Alison replied.
“It’s gorgeous,” Mia remarked admiringly.
After a few more words, the two entered the dining hall.
It was peak dining hour, and the restaurant was packed.
Alison, who was visiting for the first time, didn’t know how to order.
Just as she followed Mia toward the counter, a husky voice called out,
“Alison, wait over there. It’ll be ready soon.”
Looking up, she saw Gabriel gesturing toward a table where two lunches were already set.
He knew she was dining with Mia and had ordered for both of them.
Alison took Mia’s hand, blushing.
“Let’s go sit there,” she said.
As soon as they sat down, Aidan appeared as naturally as ever.
“Mia, aren’t you afraid of the sun? You sit across from me. I’ll take your spot,” he said, intending to sit beside Alison.
He set down his tray while Gabriel strode forward and sat down across from Alison.
The atmosphere felt oddly awkward.
Alison froze, uneasy under the gazes.
“Alison, I’ve got some meat here — all lean cuts. Eat more.”
Aidan picked a piece of meat from his tray and placed it on Alison’s plate, followed by a fried egg.
“Eat more, or you’ll get skinny again.”
He set down his fork and casually reached out and brushed a strand of hair away from her cheek.