Chapter 59
Josie awkwardly shook her head. “I didn’t know I could submit expenses, so I’ve never done it.”
“None of your seniors told you?” Claire’s voice rose slightly, her brows furrowing tightly. “I can’t believe they didn’t know you were putting your own money in. In the end, it’s all about saving the team’s budget so they can pocket a bit more. They all act so righteous, but they’re really not all that great. Just like David.”
“Claire!” Sean shot her a glance, his brows furrowed, and pointed toward the next room.
Claire stuck her tongue out. “What’s there to be afraid of? I’ve said the same thing to his face. He’s really not a good person, and look at the people he’s trained – how could they be any better?”
“Claire!” Josie’s face turned red with embarrassment.
Claire turned around and patted her gently. “Of course, Josie is a good one. Otherwise, she wouldn’t be running away.”
“Let’s eat first; we’ll talk more in the afternoon.” Sean’s gaze lingered on Josie for a moment before he turned and left the room.
The three of them headed to the cafeteria together.
Claire waved her hand grandly. “What do you want to eat? Pick anything, it’s on me.”
“I’ll pay,” Josie said, now that she wasn’t short on money, especially after getting back the 40 thousand dollars from Gavin.
Before either of them could protest, she was already walking up to grab some dishes.
They arrived early, so the cafeteria was still pretty empty. Josie turned back to Claire and Sean.
“Claire, Sean, do you have any food restrictions?”
Both of them shook their heads. “Nope, just pick whatever you like. We’re not picky.”
After Josie grabbed a tray and started picking out dishes, Claire pushed Sean’s hand away.
“Why were you holding me back? Josie clearly doesn’t have much money. How can we let her pay?”
“Trust me.” Sean glanced at the young girl in the distance. “If she wants to treat, let her. She’ll get us next time.”
Claire didn’t fully understand what Sean meant, but Sean was always sharp and good at reading people. She figured she could trust him.
The cafeteria offered a wide range of dishes from all over, and Josie could eat a bit of everything.
Not knowing Claire and Sean’s preferences, she decided to get one of each of the most popular dishes from every station.
As the staff packed the dishes, Sean and Claire came over to help carry them.
The three of them found a window-side table. After counting, there were six dishes and a soup.
It was plenty of food.
Claire went to grab three plates of pasta. “Not sure how much you can eat. If it’s not enough, I’ll grab more.”
“My appetite’s okay.” Despite being slender, Josie ate a lot. She used to have irregular meals and was slightly malnourished, which was why she hadn’t gained much weight.
Sean’s appetite wasn’t small either, and Claire wasn’t one to control her portions. Six dishes were too much for the three college students.
As they ate, they chatted about the competition entries. The cafeteria quickly filled up with students coming in for lunch after class.
That was when Aiden and his group walked in.
He was accompanied by Kyle and Gavin. As soon as they entered, they spotted Josie’s group sitting by the window.
Just as Sean said something, Josie’s lips curled into a faint smile.
She looked sweet, and after changing into brighter clothes, her complexion appeared much better. With that smile, she exuded a peaceful and effortless beauty.
Aiden frowned slightly.
It seemed he had never seen Josie smile like this before. She reminded him of a little daisy in spring – simple and common, yet impossible to ignore.
So, this was how Josie smiled. Why had he never seen it before?
Gavin and Kyle also noticed Josie.