Chapter 30
The Oriental was a quaint restaurant tucked away on the outskirts of Willowstown, serving beautiful views that were perfect for intimate gatherings.
A car pulled into the entrance at noon sharp.
A black Rolls–Royce followed suit. The driver got out of the car and opened the passenger side door. Scott stepped out with his coat draped over his arm.
Someone approached him when they saw him. “Is that you, Scott?”
It was none other than Mr. Yale’s wife–Lilian. She grinned as she gave Scott a quick once–over.
“Yes, it’s me, Mrs. Yale.”
“Splendid! Do come in, Scott, and have a seat. Your mother’s already here. I’ll lead you to her table.”
“It’s fine, Mrs. Yale. I can find my way. I don’t want to tear you away from your commitments.”
“It’s fine, Scott. If I remember correctly, the last time we met was at your wedding three years ago. Oh, how time flies!” Lilian led Scott past the lobby and into the Oriental’s garden.
The Oriental had a variety of venues to choose from, and although Irene said the Yales were hosting an intimate gathering, it was not the case; the Yales decked out the entire building, which was now teeming with guests and friends.
Everyone turned to stare when Scott entered the room.
Scott Lawson was one of the most eligible bachelors in the city. He was tall and slender with broad shoulders and dabbled in business from a young age. He was calm, determined, and calculative. Not to mention he grew up in a rich and powerful family that whittled him into the gentleman he was now.
His appearance would somehow always become the center of attention at any party.
“Is that-”
“That’s Scott Lawson, don’t you remember? We all went to his wedding a few years ago.”
“Oh, it’s him! I remember now. I was wondering where I’ve seen this boy before. Why is he here alone? Why isn’t his wife with him?”
“Haven’t you heard?”
“Haven’t I heard what?”
“He’s divorced now!”
“What?”
“Shh, keep your voice down.”
“What? How’d he get divorced? I remember that the girl he married was a nice and mild–mannered
young lady. Why did they get divorced out of the blue?”
“I don’t have the specifics either, but it’s true.”
“Well, do they have children?”
“Of course they don’t. If she got pregnant, the Lawsons would have hosted a baby shower and invited all of us.”
“You’re right. I wonder what could have caused their divorce?”
The guests murmured as they watched Scott disappear around the corner.
At this moment, most of the middle–aged women were crowded in the back garden, mingling around and enjoying their drinks. Irene was one of them, but she kept glancing at the door every few minutes as though she was waiting for someone. © 2024 Nôv/el/Dram/a.Org.
“What’s wrong, Irene? Why do you keep looking at the door? I think you’re going to give yourself neck pain at the rate you’re turning your head!” one of the women teased her.
Irene smiled at her. “Go on, keep teasing me.
“Of course, I’m going to keep teasing you!”
All of a sudden, someone called out, “Irene, I finally met Scott again! I can’t believe it–he’s getting more and more handsome by the minute!”
It was Lilian.
Everyone turned to glance in the direction of her voice, and Irene’s gaze landed on the man standing
next to Lilian.
She let out a sigh of relief. She thought Scott was going to bail on her.
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She stood up and approached him. “Don’t flatter him, Lilian. He’s going to get cocky at the rate you’re throwing compliments at him.”
“Of course he won’t! Our Scott would never let the fame go to his head!”
All the other women crowded around them. “My dear, it’s Scott! Long time no see!”
“I can’t even remember the last time I saw him!”
“He’s so busy that even I don’t get to see him often.”
“You have to understand, Irene, that Scott’s busy building his empire. He’s a smart kid–very capable.
“She’s right. How I wish my boy would learn a thing or two from Scott! All he does is sit on the couch. and be on his phone all day!”
“Your boy is still young!”
“No, he isn’t! He’s already in his twenties! When Scott was his age, he was already running his own
Chanter 30
business!
All of Irene’s friends crowded around Scott and were hurling him compliments left and right, but Scott did not utter a single word.
He was like a tall, proud oak amidst a field of flowers.
Irene smiled when she heard this but remained humble in her replies.
All of a sudden, a familiar voice rang out, “Scott.”