That morning, Charles found out that Whitney had resigned from the oceanarium three days ago. He never expected to meet her at Athena Restaurant, let alone for her to work as a waitress there.
Whitney nervously adjusted her waitress apron and maintained a submissive demeanor. “My situation… is rather complex.”
Jessamyn soon realized that the trio were acquainted. However, she was still displeased. “Ms. Zendy, this woman appears to be around my age or perhaps even a bit older. Why did you address her as ‘Whitney’ and call me ‘Ms. Cloud’?”
Although the waitress had a pleasant appearance, she seemed too ordinary and couldn’t compare to Jessamyn, the daughter of the prestigious Cloud family.
“I don’t judge people by their looks but by their character. Whitney has a kind heart; she’s like a fairy. And, in my opinion, she’s even prettier than you.”
Jessamyn’s face darkened at once. “Are you implying that she has a good heart while I don’t?”
Zendaya raised an eyebrow and replied, “I never said that. Ms. Cloud, you can’t blame me for making your own inference.”
How dare she compare me to a waitress? I’m the esteemed daughter of the Cloud family! Has Zendaya gone blind?
Despite her annoyance, Jessamyn chose to keep silent as she was aware of Zendaya’s identity.
The girl hopped down from Charles’ arms and ran to Whitney. She grabbed her hand and said, “I went to the oceanarium this morning, but I didn’t see you. Uncle Charles told me you’re going back to your hometown and probably won’t be coming back. I didn’t expect to see you here, Whitney!”
Over the past few years, Whitney had taken special care of Zendaya’s pet dolphin at the oceanarium.
Furthermore, Charles had shared with Zendaya that Whitney had saved her from a potential accident, preventing her from falling into the water when she was just a year old. Since that incident, Zendaya had come to see Whitney as her older sister and a dear friend.
Whitney bent down and patted Zendaya’s head fondly.
“Why are you working as a waitress here? Are you short on money? My mommy and Uncle Charles are very wealthy. You can work for me instead,” Zendaya offered.
“Well…” Whitney chuckled awkwardly in response.
Interrupting, Charles politely requested, “Ms. Mellor, I’d like to talk to you in private. Is there another place where we can speak?”
Jessamyn was displeased by his request. “Mr. Newton, our lunch is not yet finished. Wouldn’t it be inappropriate for you to make such a request at this moment?”
Nonetheless, Charles rose from his seat, straightened his suit, and delivered a cold statement, “Ms. Cloud, I accept your apology. I believe there is no need to proceed with the blind date any further. Henceforth, let us simply remain strangers.”
Following his statement, he swiftly scooped Zendaya into his arms, his other hand tightly gripping Whitney’s wrist.
With that, he departed from the private room.
“Charles—” Jessamyn began, but before she could complete her sentence, the door resounded with a decisive slam.
The man had departed without a moment’s hesitation or a single glance back, leaving Jessamyn behind.
While traversing the hotel corridor, Whitney made an effort to release her wrist from Charles’ firm hold. Yet, his grip remained steadfast, preventing her from freeing herself.
Despite the slight discomfort, she couldn’t help but be aware of the warmth emanating from his hand.
Whitney was momentarily stunned, and she experienced a fleeting reluctance to let go.
Unaware of her internal musings, Charles scanned his surroundings, seeking an appropriate location for their conversation.
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