Chapter 61: Stop Shipping Random Couples

At 3:00 PM, the production team announced three hours of recreation time, to be live-streamed. Abigail, eager to get closer to Sean, immediately brightened at the news.

Under Luna's watchful eye, she changed into a loose white T-shirt and bleached skinny jeans, which showcased her long, slender legs. However, the outfit was underwhelming in a fashion designer's opinion. "Is that it? I thought you were going to pull out all the stops to impress Kevin," Luna exclaimed, incredulous at Abigail's fashion sense.

Who cares about Kevin? I'm here for Sean! Abigail thought.

Arriving at the banquet hall, she spotted Sean sitting beside Kevin, his expression impassive. He seemed disinterested in the tea party. Kevin, however, lit up at the sight of Abigail. He whispered to Sean, "You were gone for an hour after lunch. Did you go looking for her after finally realizing you have something to say to her?"

"Shut up," Sean retorted, his gaze subtly assessing Abigail's attire.

Kevin chuckled, then stood, beckoning Abigail and Luna over in a friendly, almost boss-like manner. "Miss Smith, come and sit here."

Luna, fearing Joan would claim the seats first, practically dragged Abigail along. Kevin offered his seat to Luna, a gesture lacking the usual composure expected of the production team head. He said animatedly, "You two sit on the right; I'll sit to the left of Mr. Graham. Don't be shy. Today's afternoon tea party is all about relaxation and fun, so make yourselves at home."

Though not everyone had arrived, all eyes were on Luna, who was clearly receiving preferential treatment from Kevin. Luna and Abigail exchanged a look before staging a brief, playful exchange of seating, eventually placing Abigail next to Sean. Luna said forcefully, "Don't be afraid, Mr. Graham."

Abigail nodded, appearing meek and obedient. Kevin struggled to stifle his laughter, his shoulders shaking. Sean kicked him under the table, eliciting a quick, controlled breath and a return to composure. "This is Mr. Graham, whom I'm sure you've all heard of. He looks stern, but he's amiable. Miss Smith, having worked with him, knows this best."

"Yeah, that's right," Luna chimed in.

The designers present chorused, "Good afternoon, Mr. Graham."

Abigail understood Kevin's seating arrangement as a subtle justification. A major investor like Sean wouldn't want to sit with strangers; Luna's prior experience made her placement appropriate. Kevin's seat, she assumed, was intended for Joan.

Sean acknowledged the greetings. Luna cleared her throat and addressed Abigail: "Mr. Graham is attending such an event for the first time. Abigail, you're quick-witted and resourceful. Make sure not to slight him."

"I understand, Miss Smith," Abigail replied, recognizing Luna's strategy to have her focus on Sean.

She poured Sean a soda while everyone watched.

Joan arrived late to find Abigail seated between her and Sean. Enraged, she approached Kevin, suppressing her anger behind a sweet smile. "Mr. Stewart, why didn't you save a seat for me? You know about my relationship with Sean, don't you?"

Kevin looked astonished. "Oh dear! Miss Palmer, it's already 3:30 PM. I thought you weren't coming."

Joan's cheeks flushed. "How could I not…," she began, looking at Sean expectantly.

To her dismay, Sean ignored her, engrossed in eating the orange Abigail had peeled for him. Joan knew she couldn't make a scene; her tardiness and Sean's investor status made any complaint futile, and she needed to maintain her public image.

Ignoring Joan, Abigail focused on pleasing Sean, hoping for another chance to explain herself and retrieve her design draft.

Kevin urged Joan, "Miss Palmer, it's recreation time. Don't be so serious. That seat is quite nice; you can see Mr. Graham. Not bad, is it?"

Inwardly furious, Joan outwardly conceded, "Okay," taking the seat furthest from Sean, her dislike for Luna and Abigail intensifying.

Abigail, delighted that Sean had eaten the fruit, said more confidently, "Mr. Graham, would you like another soda?"

Sean glanced at her and nodded slightly. This ambiguous look was caught on the live stream. Netizens, initially bored, were now captivated.

One commented, "Is it just me, or is Sean Graham looking at Alana's assistant romantically?"

Another replied, "I agree… What a look from the ultimate charmer!"