Chapter 181: The Unspoken Understanding

When Cameron asked Morty a direct question, Morty remained silent; sometimes, silence is an answer in itself, and Cameron understood.

As soon as Easton left and the door clicked shut, everyone’s attention turned to Victoria’s face. They were all old friends, childhood buddies, and knew Easton’s temper well. Victoria openly expressed her displeasure, shooting angry glances towards the door before settling back into her seat.

“Victoria, you and Easton…” someone began hesitantly.

“We won’t be celebrating their wedding anytime soon,” Morty interjected helpfully.

“It’s not about the wedding,” Cameron said, puzzled. “Why would Easton want to silence Victoria? She just called him by his name, right?”

“Cameron, don’t stir the pot!” Victoria snapped, using both his first and last names, clearly irritated.

“Got it,” Cameron replied, clamping his mouth shut obediently.

The gathering was Victoria’s idea, mainly as a chance to see Easton. But Easton had barely stayed a minute before leaving, clearly avoiding Victoria. This sparked a flurry of speculation among the group.

“With Ellis out of the picture, shouldn’t you two be getting married without any issues?”

“What’s the beef between you two?”

“Aren’t you going to try and smooth things over with Easton?”

“Men love it when women play sweet and submissive, why not give that a shot?”

Each question hit Victoria right where it hurt. It was true, Ellis was out of the picture, but things with Easton were even less smooth than before! There was no falling out between her and Easton, but he hadn’t told her what had upset him, and no amount of replaying events helped.

Trying to cajole Easton was futile; their relationship wasn’t built on that dynamic, and Easton definitely didn’t respond to doe-eyed pleading.

Visibly frustrated, Victoria slammed her hand on the table and commanded, “Let’s skip that last part.”

Her action startled everyone into changing the subject, though they were still puzzled. Easton and Ellis were both divorced now; why hadn’t Victoria and Easton married? Just as the atmosphere was lightening, someone whispered,

“Hey, did Ellis really kick Easton to the curb? Is that rumor true?”

“That’s gotta be fake; Ellis would never dump Easton.”

“Guess why Easton isn’t hanging out with us; think he went home?”

“Maybe he’s regretting snapping at Victoria tonight and figuring out how to make it up to her!”

Monty found the whole discussion tiresome. Ellis and Victoria had nothing in common, but Easton’s approach to both was remarkably similar—he often seemed aloof, caring little for others’ feelings, saying whatever pleased him, regardless of whether it hurt someone.

No one had really called Easton out for his harsh words, and Morty had never heard anyone dare insult Easton to his face. Occasionally, he wondered how Ellis had tolerated Easton’s personality. Living with Easton must be exhausting.

Having seen enough drama for the night, Morty decided not to reveal the widely believed but false rumor that Victoria was about to become the next Mrs. Hudson, spread by none other than Victoria herself.

He and Cameron left the private room.

“So, how are things going with your crush these days?” Cameron asked, trying to break the monotony of their walk.

“Making some progress.”

“What kind of progress!”

“Not the right time to talk about it,” Morty said, patting Cameron’s shoulder heavily as a hint to drop the subject.

“Ouch,” Cameron winced slightly, rubbing his shoulder. “You, my friend…

He was about to jokingly scold Monty, but as they passed another room, he thought he saw Easton alone inside, surrounded by a bunch of drinks, his expression as dark as night. Cameron paused involuntarily, signaling Morty to look in Easton’s direction.

In truth, Morty had spotted Easton before Cameron but pretended otherwise. Ignoring Cameron’s hint, Morty said, “Malt’s waiting at home for me, I need to get back for our walk.”

“Hold on,” Cameron grabbed Morty.

“What’s up?”

“Easton,” Cameron approached the doorway where Easton was, “Aren’t you heading home?”

Hearing his name, Easton put down his drink and glanced towards the door. Cameron stood there, with Morty in tow. Surprised by Cameron’s concern for Easton, Morty subtly shifted his head, crossed his arms, and acted as if he couldn’t see Easton at all, having no intention of greeting him.

Easton pursed his lips slightly, “Just having a drink.”

“Do you need company?” Cameron looked towards Morty, who had mentioned going home, “You going ahead?”

“Goodbye.” Without waiting for a reply, Morty quickly walked away.

Morty didn’t exchange a single word with Easton, acting as if he couldn’t see him, and left even faster than usual, leaving Cameron slightly bewildered.