Stanford frowned but did not say a word. He was waiting for George to elaborate.
George was choosing his words carefully. Just as Stanford was running out of patience, George finally said, “Bro, I’m in Thailand.”
“What are you doing there for?” Stanford realized something and continued, “Who made you go over?”
“I’m trying to help you. I went to look for Amanda.” George sat pathetically under a streetlamp.
Stanford started to grip the cellphone tightly and started to become anxious while waiting for him to update him on Amanda’s situation.
“She met a man in Thailand with some significant social status. They went out tonight and Amanda was dressed up beautifully. I feel that they are …” He hesitated and continued, “They could be socializing.”
Stanford narrowed his eyes and pondered wasn’t Nina with her? Since when did she have a Thai man?
“If you wish to reconcile with her, you’d better act quickly. Amanda is very determined. It would be difficult if you want to pursue her again.” George raised his head to look at the courtyard and the house was still lit. George then said, “Amanda is staying in that man’s house.”
Stanford’s heart sank and felt as if a vice was clamping down on his chest.
“In my opinion, he is a formidable opponent. You’d better be careful.” George began to unload his thoughts without consideration for Stanford’s feelings, “Additionally, when together with Amanda, they actually look great for… “
The call was cut off before he finished. Now he realized that he had misspoken. George wanted to call Stanford to explain himself but the line was busy.
George slapped himself. He should not have said that Joan and Amanda looked great together. He should consider how Stanford felt. Even if he thought that they looked good together, he should only support Stanford. What he just said must have angered Stanford.
George was upset and paced up and down while making calls. It was already very late and he should look for a hotel to stay. Now he managed to call Stanford but it was not answered. Stanford must be angry.
He wanted to call Atwood but realized the time and decided to call him in the morning.
In the house.
Amanda placed the necklace back into its case and returned it to Joan. She already planned to leave tomorrow and she should return the necklace to him now. She did not want to risk losing it or damaging it.
Joan stood by the Koi pond and stared at the fish. He was in a daze and his thoughts started to wander.
Amanda approached him without him noticing and said, “It’s late, aren’t you going to sleep?”
Joan came to his senses and turned to see her. She had already changed her clothes into something casual. Amanda handed the necklace case to him and said, “Here you go, the necklace.”
Joan did not accept it immediately and said, “Actually, I really wanted to …”
“Then…” She interrupted Joan and looked into the pond and asked, “What fish is this?”
Joan did not let her change the topic and said, “This necklace was given to my mother by my grandmother. Before she passed away, she told me to give it to someone I love. I wish to give this necklace to you.”
Amanda’s expression froze. Joan had been very direct and clear in what he meant. Amanda did not know how she should respond.
“Joan…”
Now Joan interrupted her, “I heard that this was made in the last century by a European craftsman. Now its design is not so fashionable but it witnessed our family’s rise to glory.”
“It’s too precious. I can’t accept it.” She then placed it at the edge of the pond and thanked Joan, “Thank you for your hospitality over these few days.” She turned to leave.
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