Chapter 42
Gregory was not surprised at all to see Zoe. He looked down on her from above, assessing her, especially her gorgeous outfit.
After a few seconds, he descended the stairs gracefully and approached Zoe, casually remarking, "The dress looks good, but the one you wore at the hospital suits you better.”
Zoe had matured, and Gregory had noticed the inexplicable comments and his daily visits to the Imperial Hotel. Even though she was generally somewhat clueless, she could not ignore the signs. However, she had to pretend to be oblivious. After all, Gregory was not someone she could afford to offend.
Rosemary could not sense anything unusual and happily introduced them, "Zoe, this is our distant cousin, a friend of Terrence's since childhood. He often comes over to hang out.”
Zoe smiled lightly. "We've met."
Rosemary patted her shoulder. "I almost forgot, Gregory and Mason have been childhood friends. You two catch up. I'll go get some crystal glasses. The servants are always forgetful.”
After Rosemary left, Gregory looked at Zoe with his hand in his pockets. He lit a cigarette and asked, "Are you planning to return to Mason's side and continue being the mistress of the Lockwood family?”
Zoe lowered her gaze. "Is that something you even need to know?"
Gregory, observing her porcelain skin and the long lashes resting against her eyes, took a deep drag of his cigarette without saying more. Without a word, he walked away.
Zoe sighed in relief. Every interaction with Gregory was challenging. His unpredictable temper made things difficult.
Coincidentally, Rosemary returned at that moment. She had not noticed anything amiss. Zoe helped her with the arrangements and was only done by 4:00 PM. Just as she finished, she received a call from Mason.
"I'm waiting for you in the parking lot. Go change into a gown."
Zoe hesitated, but Rosemary overheard and smiled. "Mason is here to pick you up. Go and get dressed. Be the most dazzling woman tonight.”
Zoe did not have much of a choice. Accompanied by Rosemary, she walked to the parking lot and spotted Mason's black Bentley.
The window was halfway down.
In a black suit with a crisp white shirt, Mason exuded sophistication. Zoe approached, and he leaned over to open the passenger door for her.
Rosemary said a few teasing words before Mason courteously nodded and drove Zoe away. Leaning back in the seat, Zoe looked relaxed. She lazily observed her surroundings, and Mason could not help but seize her hand, placing it in his palm.
Zoe discreetly pulled her hand away. Her tone was indifferent. "Mason, there's no need for this between us."
Mason focused on driving.
At a red light, he turned to Zoe and asked, "How's it going with Rosemary? What did Ava do to offend her?"
Zoe gazed at the crimson clouds in the sky, her small face serene.
"Ava acted on her own, displaying Monet's painting in the main hall. She didn't realize Mr. Terrence had a bad history with it, and that his lover loved Monet's paintings. She also set up a high table for the tea break, not knowing that wealthy ladies prefer low tables for tea.
"Besides, Mr. Terrence's child is allergic to peanuts, yet she had the renowned chef hired by Rosemary put peanuts in all the pastries because you like them. She was trying to show off and ended up offending Rosemary.”
While Zoe spoke, her expression remained calm. Her skin was lustrous, her profile delicately refined.