The Years Between Signing and Seeing novel Chapter 223

The nearby staff stared, dumbfounded. It was obvious to everyone that Jamie was deliberately smudging Suzie’s face, but no one dared to say a word. When Jamie’s icy glare swept over them, they all immediately lowered their heads and busied themselves with their tasks.

Suzie, meanwhile, awkwardly dodged his hand. "It's fine. I'll wash it off later."

Jamie narrowed his eyes. "No need, I got it. Are you tired?"

Suzie shook her head. "The food will be ready soon."

Jamie gave a slight nod and finally straightened up. Standing tall, he shot the staff another warning look before strolling toward the long table.

"Jamie, where's Chloe?" Chester asked as Jamie approached. He tapped his fingers on the tabletop in time with the music drifting from the speakers, his question sounding deceptively casual.

Jamie pulled out a chair, sat down, lit a cigarette, and answered coolly, "She got into some trouble. Probably fled the country."

Chester abruptly stopped tapping. "What? What happened?!"

The cigarette dangling from his lips, Jamie's eyes drifted involuntarily toward Suzie in the distance. "She crossed someone she shouldn't have," he said quietly.

Chester propped his chin on his hand, rubbing his jaw. He glanced toward Ruby, who was now chatting animatedly with Bowen and Yancy. "Is she really your cousin?" he asked in a low voice. "I've never heard you mention her. Or is she a new favorite? Speaking of which, has your taste gone downhill?"

Jamie glared at him. "Nosy."

Putting on a contrived air, Ruby said in a high, affected voice, "Of course! I also know you and Jamie are best friends, that you studied abroad and came back to take over your family's business, and that this welcome party is for you. And I also know you like monochrome outfits, fast cars, beautiful women, barbecue, and drinking…"

Chester nearly choked on the champagne he had just sipped. He narrowed his eyes and shot a sharp look at Bowen and Yancy, as if to say, *You two punks have been here less than a minute and you've already spilled all my secrets.*

Bowen and Yancy just smirked slyly, nudging their chins in a gesture that clearly meant, *Jamie's cousin is pretty nice. She's fair game.*

The silent exchange was all it took. Chester grabbed two grapes from a plate and tossed them at his friends.

Jamie swirled the wine in his glass, slowly exhaling a smoke ring. "How old are you guys?" he asked dryly. "Don't you get bored?"