Harper blinked, forcing down the bitterness, refusing to look at the two over there any longer.
Olivia was equally surprised, never expecting to encounter Harper in this place. Although Harper was accompanied by another man, seeing her at this particular spot sent a shiver down Olivia's heart.
Not sure what came over her, Olivia's eyes also displayed a hint of unease. She glanced at Joseph, then approached with a smile, taking the initiative to greet. "What a coincidence! Are you here for sightseeing?"
This was her second encounter with Harper and this man, indicating their relationship was quite stable. Thinking about this, Olivia's smile grew even more radiant.
While Patrick listened to her melodious voice, his eyes couldn't help but land on the man behind her. Suspecting him to be the one who took Harper away from the bar last time.
"What a small world." Patrick forced a smile, gazing at Joseph. "I didn't expect to meet you here."
Joseph couldn't be bothered to respond, not even bothering to look at him. At that moment, his gaze was fixed solely on the absent-minded woman.
The way Harper was right now made her seem lost in a daze.
Did she feel their presence disrupted their date?
Harper hadn't paid attention to what they were saying. Feeling Joseph's gaze on her, she had not dare to meet his eyes, fearing she would lose control if she did.
Casually leaning toward Joseph, Olivia smiled and said, "We came here for some academic exchange. Since we have the morning free, we came over and take a look. It's such a delightful coincidence to meet you both, isn't it, Joseph?"
"Yes," Joseph stated, still looking at Harper, a hint of displeasure flickering in his expression. "What about you two?"
In this silent game of chess, it was Harper who eventually bowed out first.
Constraining her emotions, she awkwardly said, "I came here to find some creative inspiration. It's about time I head back."
"Is that so?"
Harper paused mid-step, hearing a somewhat mocking tone from the man. "What inspiration could this place possibly offer you?"
Here she was, on a date with a man, yet she claimed it was work-related.
Harper self-deprecatingly curled her lips. She heard Joseph's cold voice, feeling a wave of injustice in her heart.
Who was trapped there in the past? If it were not for her...
Never mind. It was time to move on. She didn't want to dwell on it.
He didn't care.
Turning away, Harper faced the man and woman in front of her, lowering her gaze. "I can't find any good design inspiration here, so I'll have to look around for ideas."
She didn't bother to see their reactions, quickly turning away and striding off.
Patrick only realized she left and hurriedly said, "Sorry, I'll take off too."
Harper didn't look back at the sound behind her, quickening her pace.
Patrick caught up, observing her feigned composure. Intentionally or unintentionally, he reached out and held her hand, guiding her to leave the place with him.
Watching this scene, Joseph felt quite displeased.
Olivia remained silent for a moment. She watched Harper's retreating figure, a strange unease flashing in her eyes.
Joseph and Olivia didn't linger long and soon returned to the hotel.
Glancing at his watch, Joseph remarked, "Let's freshen up and go straight to the meeting."
Seeing no change in his behavior, Olivia relaxed, appearing unfazed, and replied, "Okay."
The other two colleagues were out exploring. They planned to meet at the venue directly, so Joseph and Olivia were tasked to bring the materials.
When they headed downstairs, they coincidentally met Harper and Patrick just returning from outside.
Harper felt increasingly agitated.
Observing the two walking side by side, she not only felt surprised but also exhausted.
Why did they keep bumping into these two wherever they went? So, Joseph and Olivia were indeed staying at this hotel yesterday.
Harper couldn't understand Joseph and didn't want to. She subtly shifted her gaze.
The four stood facing each other in silence. Olivia was also taken aback, but the awkward situation was palpable. She quickly regained her composure, smiling. "Are you both staying here too? If we had known earlier, we should have returned together just now."
Harper remained silent.
Politely, Patrick chimed in, "Yes, it seems we are quite fated to meet."
Olivia glanced at the man beside her and then back at Harper. "We are heading to a seminar now. How about we have dinner after it finishes?"
Inside, Harper smirked. Dinner together? She doubted she could maintain a pleasant demeanor that long.
Patrick quickly agreed, "Sure! We don't have any plans tonight anyway."
Harper felt quite angry but ultimately said nothing.
Olivia nodded, lightly touching Joseph. "Let's head off now. See you later."
Joseph gave Harper a meaningful look before following Olivia out. As they reached the exit, a waiting taxi opened its doors for them to step in.
As Harper watched them depart, a surge of suffocating melancholy overtook her. She pursed her lips, turned, and went back upstairs without a word.
Patrick walked beside her, noting her expression.
Harper remained silent, a stark contrast to her usual cheerful demeanor.
Reaching the door of their room, Patrick couldn't resist reaching out to hold her hand, then politely released it.
"Harper, are you upset?"
With her back to him, Harper lowered her gaze. "No, I'm not upset. I don't know them well anyway."
"It's good you're not upset." Patrick seemed to breathe a sigh of relief. "I didn't mean anything by it. Meeting familiar faces in a new place is truly a stroke of fate."
As he spoke, he took a couple of steps forward, standing directly opposite Harper.
Harper, devoid of expression, glanced at him.
Observing her face, Patrick's eyes flickered, and he asked, "Dr. Lucas and Dr. Smith are so good together. Aren't they a couple?"
After hearing his words, Harper felt even more frustrated. But she subconsciously felt she shouldn't be this upset. After all, it wasn't the first time she had known they were a good match.
For a moment, she felt like a contradiction, torn and distressed, swimming in a sea of emotions.
"I don't know." Harper didn't meet his eyes, trying not to reveal her inner turmoil. "I'm not very familiar with their situation."
"You..."
"Patrick!" Harper abruptly cut him off, closing her eyes, and eventually confessed, "Actually, I don't like others making decisions for me."