Charles didn't really mind. Greta just didn't know about Ysabelle's song and it wasn't a grave mistake.
After the awkward exchange, Greta realized she couldn't get a word in and could only sat beside Charles quietly.
At that moment, it dawned on her that she might not be a good fit for the group.
She had never even heard about some of the things that they were talking about. Hence, she felt more like a prop by Charles' side.
However, things were very different for Sophie.
Whether it was at the University of Medicine or here, Sophie could always chime in on whatever topics the four men were discussing, and her comments were always acknowledged by them.
It was as if she knew everything.
Greta didn't think it was possible for someone to be well-versed in everything. Next to her, Ysabelle was also able to share her insights, which made Greta feel inferior in comparison. Ysabelle's ability to articulate her thoughts flawlessly only added to Greta's sense of inadequacy.
“By the way, there's a serious subprime mortgage crisis happening in Anglandur. You all should be cautious,” Sophie reminded them. After all, all their companies had branches there. They would all be implicated if they weren't vigilant.
“You're right. The subprime mortgage crisis is quite serious,” Tristan agreed. “Felix, you need to remind Ophelia.”
“All right. I'm going to call her later tonight. She is quite capable. As long as she doesn't spend all her time thinking about dating, I think she should be able to deal with this,” Felix replied. “If she can't handle it, I'll go to Anglandur myself in two days' time,” he added after a moment of contemplation.
“That's more like it,” Tristan replied.
He had never doubted Ophelia's capabilities. However, the subprime mortgage crisis was quite critical.
Hence, he reckoned that it was better for Felix to head over there.
Ophelia's delicate features sprung to Sophie's mind at the mention of her name.
I remember that she really likes Tristan. Huh... Having an outstanding boyfriend is also quite troublesome since I have to be wary of people eyeing him all the time.
Right then, Jennifer and Minerva showed up at Nocturnal. Jennifer knew that they were there and deliberately asked Minerva out.
It took Jennifer some time before she finally spotted the group.
Minerva pulled Jennifer aside and said, “Jennifer, what are you doing? You know that Mr. Tristan is not exactly fond of you. Why are you still trying to approach him?”
The upper echelons of Jipsdale were all aware of just how much Tristan adored Sophie.
It was baffling that Jennifer kept doing this, as she was essentially setting herself up to be humiliated. It was as if she was wanting to be tortured for no reason.
“Minerva, since you're already here with me, could you stop with the unsupportive remarks? I just want to take a look at him. It's not like I'm planning to do anything!” Jennifer lamented.
“Now that you've seen him, what are you going to do?” So what if she's seen him? There's simply nothing she can do about it.
“I—”
Deep down, Jennifer knew Minerva was right. Tristan was right there, but she didn't even have the courage to take a step forward. Moreover, Sophie was sitting right next to him. Jennifer couldn't help but grow green with envy at the sight of Tristan hanging onto Sophie's every word.
“Jennifer, I'm really saying these things because I see you as a friend. If you need to give up, then just give up! There are plenty of men in this world. Tristan is not the only man around!”
As long as she was willing to shift her focus to people around her, Minerva was certain that her friend would realize that she was actually surrounded by many outstanding men.
However, Jennifer just wouldn't listen to her.
She could see no one else but Tristan.
Jennifer just couldn't bear to give up.
She was infatuated with Tristan, and she vowed to make the man hers, no matter what it would take.
Sophie was exceptionally sensitive to others' stares.
It didn't take her a long time to notice that Jennifer was eyeing her.
Tristan had sensed that someone was staring at him too.
He turned his head around and noticed that Jennifer's gaze was transfixed on him.
This woman just doesn't know when to give up, huh? Haven't I made myself clear enough? Surely, she doesn't hope her feelings toward me will make me hate her.
Tristan really detested Jennifer. She was the only woman who had ever annoyed him so much.
Knowing that Jennifer was looking at them, Tristan deliberately hugged Sophie and kissed her lips.
Jennifer's heart shattered into pieces when she saw Tristan kissing Sophie right in front of so many people.
Doesn't he know I'm here? He did see me, and yet he chose to kiss that wretched woman in front of me!
Jennifer knew that Tristan intentionally did that to aggravate her.
Does he think that the display of affection will deter me?
Jennifer refused to admit defeat!
Tristan was too cruel to her. He never cared to spare her any tenderness.
Minerva shook her head.
Tristan was already stating his intention outright. Why can't Jennifer just face the reality and give up?
“Jennifer, let's go. Don't you feel horrible too?” Minerva didn't wish to see Jennifer tormenting herself.
“No. I don't want to go back. Just accompany me for a while longer.” Jennifer ordered a bottle of liquor and said, “Let's drink. Perhaps I won't feel so terrible if I'm drunk.”
Meanwhile, Sophie bit down hard on Tristan's lips.
Tristan felt the sharp shooting pain and let go of her.
“I'm not an actress, and I don't fancy acting out intimate scenes in front of everyone else. Remember that,” Sophie uttered.
She decided to spare him this time, but she wouldn't do the same next time.
“All right. I'm sorry. I won't do it again.”
“Jennifer is really annoying. Why do we see her everywhere we go?” Sophie grumbled. She really loathed seeing Jennifer.
“How about I ask someone to chase her away?”
“Forget it. This is Nocturnal, not our home. She has the right to come here,” Sophie replied.
They couldn't deprive her of her rights.
The others couldn't join in on Sophie and Tristan's conversation. Meanwhile, Ysabelle spotted Jennifer as well.
She rolled her eyes at the sight of the latter.
Why does this woman keep showing up everywhere? Why can't she just give up her futile feelings?
“Felix, will any man fall for a girl like Jennifer? Doesn't she know when to give up?”
“Of course not. Well, at least I won't. I only have eyes for you. Who is Jennifer?” Felix joked.
Tristan stood up and prepared to leave at ten thirty.
Charles was rendered speechless.
“It's been a while since we last hung out. Why are you leaving so early? It's only ten thirty!” he groaned.
Didn't we use to drink late into the night when Tristan wasn't in a relationship? What's he doing now?
“Enjoy yourselves. Sophie has a class tomorrow morning. We're going back first,” Tristan muttered. He felt like it was a waste of time staying there. They might as well call it a day and head back home. He might be in for a treat if they were early. With so many people around, it was inconvenient for Tristan to hug and kiss Sophie.
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