Thomas realized he had made a fool of himself and smiled awkwardly. ''I was worried that you would put undue stress on your injury when we hike the mountain and forgot I had asked. Sorry.''
Vania smiled. ''No worries.''
Right then, Liam walked over, sensed the awkward atmosphere between the two, and asked calmly, ''What happened?''
Thomas just smiled and didn't answer, but remarked, ''Oh, you're here. Let's go.''
Liam didn't push the matter and just nodded. ''We'll have to be careful this time to avoid another accident.''
Vania was focused on where she placed her step and didn't join in the conversation.
However, Thomas suddenly said, ''If there were an accident, I would protect you.''
His words came out of nowhere which caused her to stare at him in bewilderment. She could not figure out what he meant by that.
Even Liam looked at him dumbfounded as he tried to figure out what Thomas meant by his words.
Luckily, Vania composed herself quickly and teased lightly to avoid yet another uncomfortable silence, ''I wouldn't allow myself to be the damsel in distress this time.''
Liam also regained his senses and agreed, ''Yes. We wouldn't have another accident this time. We should get going.''
If they waited any longer, they would not be able to go up the mountain as the sky darkened.
The journey was very successful as they quickly hiked up the mountain.
Vania regarded the jade and could not help but sing its praises, ''This jade is beautiful. It seems like our profits might be higher than expected.''
Thomas had full of confidence in her statement. ''I'm sure we can succeed with you here because of your capabilities.''
His gaze was so resolute that Vania even started questioning his belief.
She wondered where his confidence in her came from. Although it was flattering, It was also more than a little weird.
Before she continued down that rabbit hole, Liam suggested, ''The sky's getting dark. Let's head down first.''
''Yea.'' She nodded, then she told him, ''Bryan asked for a pair of earrings a few days ago. He wanted to give them to Jennifer, and I promised to help him.''
Liam smiled. ''You don't need to tell me. You can do whatever you like.''
''But this jade is yours. So how could I not tell you and do whatever I like?''
Still, Liam just smiled and didn't answer her question.
The journey down the mountain was a lot tougher than their journey uphill. So, they naturally used more time before finally arriving at their destination.
As they reached the bottom of the mountain, they saw Hanson's car waiting for them.
Vania smiled as Hanson still came to pick her up.
She looked considerably more excited now than with Liam and Thomas.
That genuine smile of hers made Thomas' heart constrict in discomfort. Nevertheless, the fleeting emotion disappeared as he quickly suppressed it, and no one saw his momentarily lapse.
Hanson left the car and nodded at the two other men before hugging Vania. ''How was it?''
She nodded. ''It was magnificent. As expected from a collaboration between the Jones and the Keplers.''
Hanson smiled at her tenderly. ''As long as you're happy.''
Then, Liam suggested jovially, ''It's dinner time. Why don't we have dinner together?''
Thomas heard his suggestion and looked at Vania with anticipation.
Surely she would not reject Liam's offer since Hanson is here.
As expected, she raised her head and looked at Hanson as if hinting that if he said no, then she would do the same.
Yet, he patiently gazed at her for an answer as well.
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