Chapter 161

Suzanne picked up the bouquet of champagne roses, bringing them close to her nose for a gentle sniff. “You really just bought these on a whim?” she murmured. A shadow of doubt crossed her mind. Somehow, it didn’t seem that simple. But she didn’t press the matter.

After finishing her skincare routine, she took the bouquet and walked out onto the balcony. When Austin stepped out of the bathroom, his eyes immediately landed on the vanity table. The flowers in the vase had already been replaced with the roses she had brought. The corners of his lips lifted slightly. But Suzanne was nowhere in sight. His brows furrowed slightly as he stepped out of the room.

From the staircase, Austin saw Suzanne moving around busily in the kitchen. He walked over just as she came out carrying a plate of food. Seeing him, she called out, “Grab the cutlery and eat first.” He came home early, so he probably hadn’t had dinner yet.

Austin glanced at the table, which consisted of a few dishes. The aroma was rich and inviting. A warm light flickered in his eyes as he softly replied, “Alright.” He casually took a bottle of red wine from the wine cabinet along with two glasses. He then walked toward the dining table and picked up the cutlery.

Suzanne, noticing the movement, looked over just in time to see him. Austin raised the glass slightly, his lips curving into a faint smile. “Care for a drink? Might help you sleep better.” Suzanne blinked in slight surprise before her lips lifted in a small smile. “Sure.”

She sat down and waited as Austin uncorked the bottle. Just then, his phone rang. With hesitation, he put the call on speaker. Suzanne was a little surprised. He really was that straightforward.

Seeing the caller ID, Austin’s expression turned cool. “What is it?” It was his sister, Yasmine; she didn’t seem to mind his indifferent tone. Ever since her previous poor attitude toward Suzanne, things had been like this for a while. After a brief pause, she asked, “Are you free tomorrow night?”

Suzanne raised an eyebrow. It was a call from Yasmine? She didn’t say anything and just quietly waited for Austin to pour the wine. Austin’s hands paused for a second before his brows furrowed together. “Get to the point.”

Yasmine didn’t hesitate. “I want to invite Ms. Yates to dinner tomorrow. Can you ask if she’s available?” Suzanne was taken aback. Hadn’t she always disliked her? Even during the past few treatments, she had barely spoken a word.

Austin turned to Suzanne, silently asking for her response. She thought for a moment and realized she didn’t have any plans tomorrow night. After a brief pause, she gave him a small nod. Sensing this, Austin responded to Yasmine, “Alright. Tomorrow night, it is.” That tight hesitation in his voice made Suzanne instantly realize that she was being included. Then, she hung up, likely right next to him. A subtle flicker of discomfort crossed her face, but she simply…

By now, Austin had finished pouring the wine. Handing a glass to Suzanne, he asked, “Are you sure you’re okay with this?” Given how Yasmine had acted before, he was slightly concerned. Suzanne looked at him and chuckled, “What’s the worst that could happen? It’s not like she’s going to eat me.”

Austin raised an eyebrow. He hadn’t been there for the later treatments, so it seemed their relationship had improved somewhat. A trace of amusement flickered in his gaze as he looked at her. Lifting his glass, he clinked it gently against hers before taking a sip. The wine was smooth, carrying a light grape aroma without any bitterness.

Suzanne arched an eyebrow. “Hold on…”

Austin raised an eyebrow. “As long as you like…”

Chapter 162