Chapter 171: Dining With Someone Else

At Ascent House, Calvin had the chef prepare Cecilia's favorite dish. "You've lost weight recently. Eat a bit more," he said.

"Okay," she replied, holding her fork. Exquisite dishes filled the table, yet she lacked appetite. "What did you talk about today?" she asked.

Calvin served her some food. "Nothing much, just some work-related matters."

"Did Nathaniel give you a hard time?"

Calvin's hand, holding a fork, jerked. He looked at her with a playful glint. "I'm not a young girl. What can he possibly do to me?" He was being mischievous again.

Cecilia observed that while Calvin was respectfully treated by others, his demeanor changed around her; he became playful, almost childlike. "I'm being serious. If he gives you a hard time, you need to tell me."

"No way. I'm a man. How can a man ask a woman for help?" He continued serving her until her plate overflowed, urging her to eat. Cecilia complied.

While she ate, Calvin noticed her high-necked, long-sleeved shirt. Despite the air conditioning, it was a hot day, and such attire would be unbearable outside. "Have you been feeling unwell again recently?" he asked, knowing her fear of the cold.

Cecilia, noticing his gaze, shook her head slightly. "No, I just think it's too cold in the office."

"You could bring a jacket. Your neck must feel stuffy."

"Okay," she murmured, lowering her head to hide the marks on her body. Unbeknownst to her, Nathaniel was watching them through surveillance next door.

A waitress arrived with a bottle of red wine. "Hello, this is a complimentary gift for the two of you." She began to pour wine for Cecilia.

"No, thank you. We don't drink," Calvin said, his brow furrowing. Aware of Cecilia's struggles with alcohol, he always prevented her from drinking.

The waitress's hand trembled, spilling wine onto Cecilia's clothes. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry…" she stammered, offering a napkin.

"No worries. I'll handle it myself," Cecilia said, flustered. The waitress, attempting to wipe the wine from Cecilia's neck, unbuttoned her collar.

Calvin approached, his gaze catching the faint blush on her neck. He quickly looked away, handing the waitress a card. "Get a new outfit and bring it here."

"Sure," she replied, trembling.

Cecilia, unaware Calvin had seen the mark, said, "I'm going to the restroom."

"Okay, I'll have the waitress bring your clothes over."

Cecilia left, but Nathaniel intercepted her in the unisex restroom. "What are you doing here?" she asked, bewildered.

"It was a coincidence," he said. "If I hadn't come here, I wouldn't have known how happy my wife was."