Seven Years a Fool One Day a Queen (Kristine and Colton) novel Chapter 182

Chapter 182

It had been a while since Eliza and Josh had seen each other. She canceled the government meeting and specifically invited him to dinner.

She took him to a place known for its health tonic soups.

The restaurant manager, who knew Eliza, greeted her warmly, excited to see her after such a long time. He mentioned the restaurant had recently launched a ew new herbal dishes aimed at calming the nerves and asked if Eliza would like to try them.

Eliza politely declined.

n the past, to help Calvin with his insomnia, Eliza had visited almost every place in Washington to find suitable health soups and herbal dishes.

is a result, she became quite familiar with the restaurant manager.

he manager, hearing her decline, was happy for her.

I was wondering why you hadn’t been around lately. It must be that your boyfriend’s insomnia has improved, huh? That’s great.”

liza’s expression was distant as she replied, “We broke up.”

he manager froze, unsure how to respond.

liza, unfazed, sat down and asked, “What’s the herbal dish you mentioned? Do you have anything for stomach and spleen health?”

Of course, of course!” The manager quickly replied. “Our boss has spent a lot of money hiring a senior Chinese medicine expert to develop various health ɔnics, especially those for the stomach and blood circulation. They’ve been very popular.”

Do they have a strong herbal taste?” Eliza recalled that Josh didn’t like strong herbal flavors.

No, they don’t! The special thing about our tonics is that they’re very mild.”

ince the manager was speaking so highly of the dish, Eliza decided to give him the benefit of the doubt and asked for the manager’s recommendation for a tomach–tonifying soup.

he manager confidently chose a dish from the menu: Pork Stomach with Atractylodes Soup.

Le explained, “This is the favorite of our boss’s girlfriend.”

liza agreed, “That sounds good. My secretary makes it for me often. You should try it.”

ince the dish was chosen by Eliza, Josh had no objections and accepted the order.

While waiting for the meal, Eliza casually asked about the current situation on his side.

It’s not going well. We sacrificed quite a bit of Unite’s Interests just to reach a compromise,” Josh said, not going tuto too much detail.

liza nodded politely, “As long as it’s resolved, the lost interests can be made up for over time.”

osh’s gaze stayed on Eliza, his eyes full of meaning “Aren’t you the one helping? ASKHEART Is Unite’s only profitable project in the first quarter.”

Just holding on. I’ll keep pushing to get more good projects done,” Eliza replied.

osh’s heart warmed at her words. “Good.”

ust as the food arrived, Gideon’s call came through, asking when he would be there.

I’m not coming. You just listen carefully to the instructions and let me know when you’re done,” Josh told him

Eliza served him the soup, saying, “This should be drunk while it’s hot.”

11:28

Chapter 182

Suddenly, Gideon’s voice broke through the conversation, “A woman? You’re actually with a woman? Who is she? Do I know her?”

Josh ignored the absurd question and hung up the phone.

Gideon, curious as ever, was about to call back and ask more questions when Calvin and Medea arrived.

As soon as Medea entered, she asked Gideon, “Wasn’t Josh supposed to be back? Why isn’t he here for the meeting?”

He’s not coming,” Gideon answered.

Medea paused. “Why?”

The meeting was quite important.

Gideon scratched his head. “It sounds like he’s on a date. I heard a woman’s voice when I called him.”

Medea immediately thought of ElizaHer smile faded slightly, but she quickly said, “Let’s arrange a gathering tonight. Get Josh to join, and we can all meet up.”

ideon eagerly agreed, “Sure! Let’s have him bring that woman along too. I want to see who this person is that has him so enamored, skipping meetings and all.”

fedea’s gaze darkened, but she didn’t comment further.

nce the meeting started, Gideon leaned in to whisper to Calvin, “How come Eliza isn’t at the meeting?”

alvin’s expression was indifferent. He subtly reminded him, “Focus on the meeting.”

ideon sighed, “…”

[eetings were really boring!

was much more fun gossiping!

ut why wasn’t anyone gossiping with him?

ledea also noticed that Eliza’s seat was empty. Her expression darkened for a moment.

he suspicion that had flashed in her mind earlier now seemed to be confirmed.

isappointment flashed across her eyes,

hat evening, Josh did go to the gathering, but he went alone,

ideon asked him why he didn’t bring the woman from earlier.

sh smiled happily, “She doesn’t like parties.”

Ah, so you’re protective of her now?” Gideon teased.

Who is she that has you so hooked?”

Don’t worry, you’ll find out eventually.”

When?” Gideon pressed. Is it for a wedding or a baby?”

Could be both,” Josh answered confidently.

ideon jumped up in surprise. “So, you’re planning to get married?”

Yes,” Josh replied firmly.

Medea, sitting across from the two, overheard everything. Her expression froze.

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Chapter 182

She had been with Josh for over six years, and he had never shown any interest in marriage.

Even when she tried to nudge him toward it, he never responded.

Now he was talking about marriage plans.

Medea’s hand tightened around her cup, her face turning slightly pale.

But no one noticed her reaction.

osh glanced over at Calvin, who remained as composed as ever, with no apparent interest in their conversation.

Gideon struggled to pry any information from Josh and finally gave up.

When he went to pour himself a drink, he noticed that Calvin had unknowingly consumed most of the bottle.

Mr. Young, what’s going on?” Gideon asked, shaking the almost empty bottle. “It’s not even a social event, why are you drinking so much?”

alvin explained slowly, “Training my alcohol tolerance.”

To block for Medea?” Gideon teased.

Yes, the engagement banquet is coming soon,” Calvin replied.

Fideon immediately understood. “Mr. Young, you really are thoughtful.”

fedea’s mood lightened after hearing this, and she gently advised Calvin, “Calv, don’t drink too much.”

Okay,” he agreed.

ideon, used to this kind of interaction, leaned back on the couch, bored. “So, what’s Baxter up to these days? He won’t even join us for drinks. Oh, by the way.

ou’ve been abroad for a while, so you probably don’t know.”

sh asked, “What’s going on?”

Baxter’s mother has taken a liking to Eliza and wants her as her daughter–in–law.”

sh frowned. “When did this happen?”

Recently. You don’t know, but Baxter’s mother really likes Eliza. She was chatting with her the entire time at the launch event. My dad said that when Mr. Wade rst met Pliza, he wanted to introduce her to Baxter. But Eliza rejected him, and Baxter kept everything under wraps.”

sh’s frown deepened.

by the time Eliza finished her phone call with Byron, it was already past ten o’clock.

They had been talking so engrossed that they lost track of time.

fad it not been for Mrs Bates’s reminder, they would have continued talking for a while longer

This was the first time Byron had met someone with such aligned views

Previously, he had only thought that Eliza was sinart, capable, and very pretty.

Now, however, he realized those qualities paled in comparison to her personal chari

He, a man who had been worn down by society and even considered giving up on life, found himself energized and inspired by Eliza.

He told Eliza that he would return to Washington in a few days and wanted to meet her in person.

Chapter 182

Eliza felt a sense of resolution and put down her phone, preparing to take a shower and rest.

Her phone rang again.

She glanced at the screen and saw a familiar number.

What could Calvin want so late?

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