Chapter 170
Bowen dispatched Samson to pick up the guests at the airport.
The dinner was set at a characteristic restaurant on the outskirts of the city.
When Aubree arrived with Vincent and the others, she noticed chickens and ducks kept in fenced areas in the courtyard.
‘I always thought someone like Bowen would book five-star hotels or restaurants for business meetings,’ she mused. ‘Never expected him to be this characteristic!’
But then again, Aubree thought, it makes sense since Bowen and Aidan are friends.
“Hi, Mr. Turner,” the owner greeted them with a broad smile. “Everything’s all set.”
When his gaze landed on Aubree standing beside Bowen, his smile grew even wider.
Aubree coughed awkwardly.
“Why is he smiling like that?” she wondered.
“Much appreciated,” Bowen said.
The owner ushered them inside. “No trouble at all, please come right in.”
They had barely settled into the private room when Samson ushered in Aidan and Isla, a pair of foreigners.
The man, Aidan, was dressed in a gentlemanly manner and carried a walking cane. Just a half-step behind him trailed Isla, who looked far more playful with twin braids and blinking eyes; she looked just like a doll.
“Bowen, I miss you so much,” Isla beamed, a radiant smile spreading across her face as she flung herself into Bowen’s arms.
Caught completely off guard, Bowen instinctively glanced at Aubree, who merely glanced back, showing no further reaction.
Bowen’s heart sank as he noticed Aubree’s indifference. Applying more force, he pushed Isla away and, speaking in perfect accent, said, “Isla, that was highly improper!”
“Bowen…” Isla instantly wilted, her whole demeanor deflating.
Aidan’s gaze shifted from Bowen to Aubree, a thoughtful gleam deepening in his eyes as he gently pulled his sister back to his side. “Isla, what exactly did you promise me before we came?”
“My apologies,” Aidan said. Isla lowered her head.
Among those present, Aubree probably had the weakest Odionlandian. It was a bit of a struggle for her to follow, but she could still make out what was being said.
“You must be Miss Miller. My sister is quite vivacious – please excuse her manners,” Aidan said in Lumanonish.
Aubree was surprised. ‘I didn’t expect Aidan’s Lumanonish to be this fluent – his pronunciation is impeccable,’ she wondered.
Bowen leaned in close to Aubree’s ear and murmured, “Aidan has quite a few Lumanonish business partners, so his Lumanonish is excellent. Isla can understand it but can’t speak it – so feel free to use Lumanonish.”
Bowen’s warm breath fanned Aubree’s ear. She couldn’t quite tell if she felt more uncomfortable or more shy. Turning her head away, she subtly shifted to the side.
Bowen caught every nuance of her reaction, a knowing smile playing on his lips before subtly fading away.
Bowen smiled at Aidan and said, “Aren’t you eager to try the local dishes here? I specifically chose this characteristic restaurant for you—the food truly captures the authentic flavors of Rithol City, and they use meticulously chosen ingredients.”
As he spoke, Bowen also ushered everyone to their seats at the table.
Aidan thoroughly enjoyed the meal. Even Isla, who had harbored a hidden hostility toward Aubree since they arrived, was now so absorbed in the simple but delicious dishes that she completely forgot about her.
“This is so good. Lumananish cuisine is absolutely amazing!” Isla exclaimed, her eyes wide with delight as she savored the ordinary yet flavorful food.
“Aidan, that’s so unfair. You never brought me to Lumanon before,” she pouted.
Aidan looked at his sister indulgently and smiled. “Well, you can eat to your heart’s content while you’re here.”
Isla didn’t hesitate. “I want Bowen to keep me company!”
“That depends on whether Bowen is willing,” Aidan replied, still smiling.
Bowen never minced words when rejecting Isla. “My staff can play host in my place.”
Isla scrunched up her face in disappointment, but quickly brightened at the thought that having some food was better than none.
After dinner, it was time to get down to business.