Having chosen their dishes, the waiter took the menu, and the four of them chatted over tea, waiting for the food to arrive.
Erin searched for words, "Liz, what brand of handbags do you like? When you get married, I'll give you one."
"No need," Lizbeth scoffed, "I can buy my own."
"Yeah," Erin said sourly, "You're Miss Murphy, you do not lack money, unlike me, have to beg Edmond for anything I want."
"Heh," Lizbeth smiled wryly, a touch of irony in her expression, and didn't respond to her words.
What could be a good response to that?
"Liz," Edmond said, "When you get married, I'll give you a Lotus and a villa in Struyria, how about that?"
Lizbeth replied, "Whatever my parents give me, I'll take. Edmond, you do not need to spend on anything for me."
"How can that be?" Edmond insisted, "You're my little sister, you are getting married, how can I not take care of you?"
"Really, no need," Lizbeth said, "I understand Edmond's intentions, and I appreciate them."
"Edmond," Erin interjected, "Liz means that she's marrying into the Ryker family, and she doesn't need these things."
"Why are you speaking?" Lizbeth glared at Erin in annoyance, "I'm discussing things with Edmond, do you have to butt in?"
"I'm not an outsider, you know," Erin said, "I'm about to become your sister-in-law, a sister-in-law has the right to speak, right?"
"Wait until you become my sister-in-law!" Lizbeth rolled her eyes unhappily, "Don't get too excited too soon!"
"Edmond," Erin poked Edmond's arm, "Look at Liz, I'm just a concerned sister-in-law, and she doesn't appreciate it."
"Alright, alright," Edmond patted Erin's hand, "Let's all calm down."
"Yes," Adrien said coldly, "Liz is my woman. I can tolerate Edmond saying a few words, but as for the others forget it. Don't make everyone unhappy!"
Erin, "..."
She couldn't believe how sharp the former playboy Adrien had become.
Edmond quickly added, "Mr. Adrien is right. Liz is my sister. I can't bear to scold her."
"That's the best way," Adrien lifted his teacup and took a sip, "A good meal, whoever dampens the mood can leave!"
It couldn't be stated any more directly.
Edmond's face was a bit strained, as he had indeed caused some dissatisfaction, brought about by Erin, and he could only endure it.
Erin could sense this and felt a slight pang in her heart.
She didn't want Adrien to kick her out.
Wouldn't that be utterly humiliating?
Wouldn't Lizbeth tease her about it for a lifetime?
Erin rolled her eyes, pretended to lower her head to sip her tea, and remained silent.
Lizbeth also took a sip from her teacup, and an awkward atmosphere enveloped the private room.
Suddenly, Adrien's phone rang.
Everyone's hearts skipped a beat.
The phone lay on the table, and he picked it up, glancing at the caller ID. It was from his brother Adam.
Adrien answered, "Adam?"
"Adrien," Adam's voice came through, "Are you at Seashell Hotel?"
"Yes," Adrien asked, "How did you know?"
"I saw your car," Adam said, "Are you here for dinner or inspection work at this hour?"
"Of course, for dinner," Adrien replied, "Didn't I make plans with Edmond?"
"Oh, right!" Adam recalled, remembering Adrien had mentioned it.
"Why don't you join us?" Adrien suggested to Adam.
"Who else is there?" Adam asked. He was familiar with Edmond like the back of his hand.
This guy used to rely on himself to find channels to help Adam with his "business."
"And Er..."
Adrien intentionally paused, as if he didn't remember Erin's name, "You know, that Ms. Erin."
"..." Adam couldn't place her at the moment and said, "I have Ysabel here, will I disturb you?"
Adrien chuckled inwardly. He knew Adam and Ysabel were together.
He intended to have Ysabel deal with Erin.
That way, his sister Liz could be at ease.
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