Book Trk
Chapter 985
Cecelia grinned and loosened her grip, slipping back into her usual playful and lively self. Connor shot her a cool glance and passed the steaming cup of tea to Flora. Ever since Henrik walked in, he stuck by Cecelia's side, worried she'd feel out of place. But clearly, he was overthinking it. She was more of a social butterfly than anyone else there. In no time, she was calling Aisha "sister" and didn't pay Henrik any mind at all.
Dinner was served right at six. Raul came down from upstairs, and the table was piled high with mouth-watering dishes, making Cecelia's eyes widen with delight. As a starlet, she had to watch her diet and hadn't seen such a feast in ages! "Mr. Raul, can I indulge a bit today?" she asked Henrik, practically drooling. Henrik stayed silent, and Cecelia took it as a green light to snag a piece of braised beef. But just as she was about to dig in, Henrik stopped her.
"The company's rules say female artists need to watch their diet-dinner's strictly fruit." Cecelia felt a pang of disappointment and wished he'd given her a heads-up. Just when she was about to put her fork down, Henrik spoke up again. "But-" He fixed his gaze on her. "The boss lady of the company doesn't have to follow those rules. She can eat whatever she pleases."
"So-" Henrik paused, looking at her intently. "Have you made up your mind?" With everyone's eyes on her, Cecelia awkwardly put her fork down, not wanting to tread on this topic: "No, no, I'll pass. I'm on a diet, I'm on a diet, I'm already too chubby."
Henrik's smile faded slightly, and he withdrew his gaze. Raul stepped in to lighten the mood, and soon the atmosphere was buzzing again. Flora glanced at Cecelia, then at her big brother, and sighed quietly to herself. Connor handed her a peeled shrimp and gave her head a gentle pat. "Go on, eat."
"Haven't seen you in forever, and you're still doting on her like she's your daughter, huh?" Ray teased, turning to Aisha with a playful tilt of his chin. "I want one too."
Aisha looked up, puzzled. "I want a shrimp."
Aisha gave him a steely look. "How about I blind you instead?"
"Don't you guys have hands?" Rafael, sitting next to Raul, looked exasperated. Was he the only single guy around? Flora munched on a shrimp and slowly said, "You don't have a boyfriend, so you wouldn't get it." Rafael muttered, "...Damn."
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After dinner, they still had some time to kill. Rafael suggested a game of mahjong, Raul retired to his room early, unable to keep up with the younger crowd. Connor, Ray, Henrik, and Rafael gathered to play. After five rounds, Connor was the reigning champ, leaving Ray, sitting next to him, in the dust.
"What's the point if it's always the same outcome?" Ray squinted, "Flora, your turn."
"Are you sure?" Flora was still lounging comfortably, her arm draped over Connor's shoulder.All content © N/.ôvel/Dr/ama.Org.
Ray nodded with a confident tilt of his chin. "Come on."
Rafael shot Ray a look as if he'd lost his mind Letting Flora play? He
y to lose everythi.net?
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He remembered the times he'd played cards with Flora... better left unremembered, too painful.
"Alright then." Flora arched an
eyebrow. She had Connor stand up and took his seat. "Flora, don't start crying when you lose," Ray teased, pumped from being outplayed by Connor earlier. "Trust me, it won't be my fault if you lose badly."
Flora handled the tiles with a calm demeanor. "Just make sure you're not the one crying."
Ray laughed, his charming eyes twinkling, but soon enough, his laughter faded. "Straight flush."
"Wow, another straight flush."