Chapter 29: Good at Reading People

Isabella told Thalia to retrieve the items she had brought, then squeezed in to join the others. The three researchers sat comfortably, eagerly anticipating the show. Meanwhile, Luna, Isabella, and Christopher sat at a bench across the table. Isabella sat in the middle, exactly as Luna had planned.

“Hello there,” Isabella greeted warmly. “Shopping is quite tiring. I was about to get coffee when I saw you. What a pleasant surprise! I didn't expect to find you here,” she continued, her playful smile and suggestive tone directed at Christopher.

A live portrayal of someone desperately trying to win back their lover!

Christopher's expression hardened when he overheard Isabella's thoughts. However, her interruption gave him a much-needed moment to catch his breath, and he was grateful.

Luna, still friendly towards Isabella, asked, confused, “Didn’t you two come here together?”

Isabella replied immediately, “I texted you, but you probably missed it. I’m here for an industry event as a new artist from Christopher’s agency. As for him, you’ll have to ask him. He refused to accompany me, his sister-in-law, yet here he is!”

Her tone hinted at complaint, prompting the three across the table to exchange knowing winks. Their curiosity intensified when Christopher offered no explanation. Wasn't this an admission he was there for Luna?

Luna pretended not to hear the latter part of Isabella's reply. Upon hearing about the text, she checked her phone.

“Sorry. My phone was on silent for a meeting, and I forgot to turn the sound back on.”

Her expression changed abruptly. Isabella calmly sipped her coffee, unsurprised by Luna's reaction. Despite his obstructed view, Christopher kept glancing at Luna—and she noticed immediately.

“What’s wrong?”

Luna frowned slightly at Isabella, who chuckled lightly before whispering to Christopher, “Oh, it’s nothing. I ran into Bianca at the event and reminded Luna to be cautious.”

Although a whisper, everyone heard, silencing the room. Christopher's expression turned cold, and he looked anxiously at Luna. “I had no idea she was here. I’ve long blocked her on all social media.”

Luna looked away impassively. “That’s between you two. No need for an explanation.”

Watching the unfolding drama, Isabella fanned the flames. “She did come looking for you, but Hayden distracted her. Do you want to handle this?”

Instantly annoyed, Christopher glared at her. He texted Hayden, then replied, “I don’t need to handle this. Hayden knows I won’t see her again. He’ll get her to leave.”

Incredible! He's playing the gentleman! Why didn't he do that sooner?

Christopher stole glances at Luna, but she remained unresponsive, leaving him disheartened. Isabella, meanwhile, was keenly interested in their reason for being at the meeting and was surprised by Christopher's actions.

I thought Christopher was just a persistent nuisance, but who knew he'd start investing? He's spending a fortune for his beloved!

Seeing Isabella's understanding expression, Luna said, “Our project won’t be profitable short-term, and it’s unrelated to Quirk Group’s direction. Since Mr. Alexander Quirk runs the company, we can speak to him directly if he’s interested. There’s no need to bother Mr. Christopher.”

Isabella looked at Christopher with sympathy, only to see his ashen face.

As I suspected, Luna's indifference isn't a pretense. She's genuinely moved on.

Christopher's heart ached, Isabella's words piercing him like a knife. Undeterred, he discreetly tugged at her dress and furiously winked.

What's wrong? Eye twitch?

Christopher was exasperated. I need her help, so I'll endure it!

“If Alex receives your report, he’ll have to follow company procedure. But if you let me see it first, I can expedite things. I’m a board member, so it would save time. Aren’t you in a hurry?”

Luna looked at Isabella, uncertain. Only Isabella could confirm. “Is it true?” she asked.

Isabella never expected her nosiness to land her in this situation, confirming her belief that gossiping had risks.

Even though I yearn to help her as a fellow female…

Hearing her thoughts, Christopher anxiously interrupted, “Isabella, your phone is vibrating. Someone’s probably calling.”

Isabella was startled. But there’s no… Huh? It’s true.

She checked her phone, her eyes widening at the message: Transfer details: Five hundred thousand! Note: Don’t interfere!

Isabella was speechless. Is this worth half a million? Is money that easy to earn? What kind of person do you take me for? Heh! You’re good at reading people!

After putting down her phone, Isabella said gravely, “I don’t know either…”

Christopher sighed in relief, but heard her inwardly chuckling.

Sure enough, there's a free lunch! I had no idea! Alexander and I are only married in name, so how could I know their company's procedures? Christopher is such an easy mark! Hahaha!

Suddenly, Christopher realized his mistake. In my fluster, I mistook Isabella and Alex for a happily married couple.

He was right; he was worried Isabella would interfere and Alexander might make an exception for her.

Far away, Alexander felt his ears burning.

Luna gave up after Isabella's response. She only wanted to cut ties with Christopher, but it proved harder than she anticipated.

Worried Luna would ask him to speak to her professor, Christopher asked the trio, “I won’t meet the professor; I wouldn’t understand him anyway. Could you give me an overview of your plans? I overheard you mentioning going abroad. How much funding do you need?”

His real concern was the trip abroad. Hearing “going abroad,” Luna visibly relaxed, comforted by her imminent departure.

The three researchers dutifully answered. Christopher’s expression tensed at a crucial piece of information. “So, your professor, and your entire team, are going abroad for at least five years?”

It's more than five years! Luna plans to relocate permanently.

Isabella's thoughts made Christopher's breath catch.

I have died every night waiting for you…

As Isabella's off-key singing echoed in his head, a chilling cold enveloped him.

One researcher added sympathetically, “The three of us planned this from the start. Luna was hesitant, but she confirmed. There’s just one person undecided.”

A gleam flashed in Christopher's eyes; his sorrow was hard to conceal.

It's all my fault!

The researcher meant Luna likely wanted to leave because of their breakup, and could be persuaded to return. Many of their team members had on-again, off-again relationships.

Luna understood, but looked at them exasperatedly. Her gaze landed on Christopher's sorrowful expression, startling her.

He quickly recovered, not one to give up easily. He looked at Luna with burning intensity, a thousand words unspoken. Luna was stunned; it was the radiant Christopher she knew.

Christopher asked specific questions, hoping to find a way to keep the foreign institution in the country. Realizing this was unlikely, he considered other options.

Unexpectedly, someone approached, a surprised female voice exclaiming, “Huh? You’re… You’re!”

The person recognized Christopher. He’d removed his sunglasses (leaving his hat on) and pulled his mask down to his chin. Christopher instinctively reached for his hat, but the researcher stood and ushered the newcomer to sit down. “Quiet! You’ll reveal him. He’s discussing important matters!”

“But, he’s Christopher Quirk… Christopher… How could it be…”

Isabella had just finished dessert and nearly choked on a piece of chocolate when she looked up. Her eyes widened. What a coincidence!

“Anais, why did it take you so long to get the document?”

“Why is your face wet and your eyes red? What happened?”

Anais ignored her companions' concern, and naturally, Isabella's snarky chuckle as well. Luna, however, noticed Isabella’s chuckle and looked at her curiously.