Chapter 121
As soon as I got to the hotel's temporary office, my phone buzzed. I was in the middle of a conversation, so I didn't check it right away. By the time I finished, over ten minutes had passed.
I picked up my phone and saw a message from Nathan. He sounded a bit jealous, asking: [When did you and Mr. Holcomb get so close?]
I froze for a second. 'Nathan's tone is really weird,' I thought to myself. 'Why does it sound like Nathan and I are the couple here, and Jared's the lover?'
As a married woman, I had to stick to my principles. I couldn't let Nathan get the wrong impression, like there was always a chance something could happen between us.
So, I replied: [Thanks for your concern, Mr. Hallman. Our relationship is neither good nor bad at the moment.]
Nathan replied almost instantly: [I thought you were mad at me and didn't want to talk to me.]
I wasn't really trying to ignore him; I just didn't want to leave any evidence for Jared to blow things out of proportion.
"Is this the secret monologue of every cheater? Afraid of getting caught, but unable to resist the temptation?" I couldn't help but think.
I replied, [It's just a normal chat. I'm not upset.]
Nathan didn't message me again after that. Maybe he was busy, or maybe I was a bit too distant, and he took the hint.
At noon, Owen showed up. As Tracy's cousin, he seemed pretty interested in me.
His squinty eyes kept glancing over me, sizing me up at least a dozen times. Finally, he grinned and asked, "Mrs. Holcomb, are you free for lunch? I know a place with some really good grilled fish. Want to try it together?"
I nodded. "Sure, I love fish."
Owen instantly decided I was the type who didn't have much of a guard up. He immediately called to book a private room.
Of course, I kept my guard up around Owen. Even though I was planning to divorce Jared, I couldn't let him get any dirt on me; instead, I needed to collect evidence against him.
I reached into my bag and felt the voice recorder. Thank goodness I had it with me.
Owen offered to give me a ride, but I turned him down. I drove myself and brought along a couple of hotel managers.
I wasn't sure if Owen was in cahoots with Tracy. When we got to the underground parking lot, I thought I saw a familiar sedan. It was Jared's. Not far away was Tracy's low-key but luxurious red Porsche.
I pretended not to notice either car, chatting with the hotel managers about the renovations as we walked into the elevator.
Owen pressed the elevator button; his squinty eyes kept sneaking peeks at me to see how I'd react. When he saw I looked completely unfazed, he let out a silent sigh of relief.
When we got to the first-floor lobby, I was still expecting Jared and Tracy to be eating in a private room.
But to my surprise, the two of them were sitting openly by the window, sipping red wine, eating grilled fish, and chatting away. Jared was wearing a black shirt today, which made his skin look even more noble and refined.
Owen looked like he'd completed his mission. He shot a glance over at the window seat and said in a deliberately casual tone, "Oh wow, Tracy and Mr. Holcomb are here, too. What are the odds, right?"
I just gave them a brief, indifferent look and said calmly, "Owen, let's not bother them. Let's go upstairs and talk about work."
Owen was still hoping I'd go over and make a scene, but I just turned and headed upstairs, completely unfazed.
He hurried after me, calling out, "Mrs. Holcomb, aren't you going to say hi to your husband?"
"He's not dead, so why bother?" I shot back, already pushing open the door to the private room he'd reserved.
Owen looked utterly lost, while the managers trailing behind me wore knowing smirks, clearly ready to watch the drama unfold.
I sat down, and someone quickly made me a cup of coffee.
I thanked them politely, then pulled out my phone to go over the latest material lists and price sheets, not even bothering to think about catching anyone in the act.
Maybe what Tracy really wanted was for me to see just how lovey-dovey she and Jared could be, not necessarily to make me throw a fit.