The Year She Stopped Being Crazy for Him novel Chapter 201

"Hassan and Gardenia really have nothing going on, so there's no need for them to avoid each other," Caspian chimed in at that moment. "If they actually kept their distance, wouldn't that just invite more misunderstandings?"

When people wanted to make excuses, they could always find a loophole.

"If you put her up in a hotel, why is she out here with her child right now?" Natalie asked.

"She needed to discuss the details for the robot's launch event with me," Hassan replied. "I told her to come."

At the mention of the launch, Cecily's focus shifted, clearly prioritizing the Carlson family's business interests. "It's going to market this soon? The beta testing finished that quickly?"

"Giving the beta testing to Gardenia was definitely the right move," Caspian said. "Otherwise, there's no way it would have been done this fast! She definitely deserves a bonus." He glanced at Natalie. "You shouldn't get jealous over something like this, Natalie. You might not understand how these things work, but beta tests usually take much longer. Gardenia really is incredibly capable."

"Natalie," Cecily added, "she's staying at a hotel anyway. Look, whenever there's a work issue, Hassan calls her over here. With them right under your nose, what could possibly happen?"

Natalie forced a tight smile. She knew it was useless to argue with them. Gardenia was competent and useful, so even Cecily was willing to give her some leeway.

She didn't say another word.

Gardenia was escorted in by the butler. She was dressed in a casual, resort-style outfit, holding Adrian's hand.

As she entered, her demeanor was perfectly balanced—neither overly humble nor arrogant—as if she really were just there to discuss business.

The clinking of silverware against porcelain filled the air. Natalie placed a piece of smoked meat into her mouth, chewing slowly.

Adjacent to the dining area was an elegant lounge, featuring dark brown vintage velvet sofas with intricately carved wooden armrests.

Hassan sat over there talking with Gardenia, while Adrian, visiting for the first time, stared up at the vaulted, carved ceiling.

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