Chapter 768 The Jealous Guard
“You know, lately I’ve been involved in some cultural and artistic investments and charity projects. This one is mainly about supporting art education in remote areas. I remember you minored in art history in college and have always cared about this field, so I wanted to invite you to be our project’s special consultant. You wouldn’t have to handle specific affairs, just help guide the direction and philosophy.”
Victor’s tone was businesslike yet sincere, his reasons flawless, leaving no room for objection. Her eyes lit up as Yunice accepted the project booklet, flipping through a few pages with genuine interest.
“This is a great idea. I really do care about children’s art education. Victor, thank you for thinking of me…”
But before she could finish, Wyatt suddenly spoke. His voice was calm but carried an unmistakable authority. “Yunice is preparing for her floral designer certification exam, so her time may be limited. And since Mindy will soon be starting elementary school, she needs more of her attention. Your offer is kind, but she might not be able to take on the role of consultant. However, I have plenty of time. I design clothes, which makes me an artist in my own way. I could serve as the consultant on the artistic side. Would you be interested in that?”
What a joke.
Give Yunice more legitimate reasons to interact with you?
A special consultant?
Wyatt sneered inwardly, though on the surface he appeared every bit the considerate husband.
Yunice stared at him in surprise. She clearly had plenty of free time. The floral exam wasn’t until next quarter, and the consultant role didn’t sound demanding.
She was just about to explain when she caught Wyatt’s glance a look that said, “Don’t worry, leave it to me.” It carried a subtle, possessive tension only she could understand.
In that instant, she realized what was happening. The jealous guard had activated his defenses again.
She found it funny, though a little helpless, and chose to remain silent.
Victor caught every nuance of Wyatt’s reaction and instantly understood. This rival of his hadn’t changed a bit after all these years. A flicker of amusement flashed across Victor’s eyes. Since Wyatt was so tense, wouldn’t it be a shame not to play along?
Victor put on an expression of regret and understanding as he drew the booklet back. He sighed. “I see. That’s truly a pity. Mr. Wyatt is right – Yunice’s health and family should come first.”
Then, with a subtle shift, his gaze returned to Yunice, his tone warmer, even touched with nostalgia. “It’s just that this project feels so well-suited to you, Yunice. Like that campus art festival back in college – the way you curated that exhibition area, your unique sense of aesthetics and delicate thoughtfulness… it still leaves an impression on me.”
“Ahem!” Wyatt coughed heavily, cutting Victor off before he could reminisce further. Over the years, Victor and Yunice had collaborated many times. Wyatt’s face darkened. “That’s all in the past. No need to bring it up. Have some tea, Victor. This is a new batch.”
He personally pushed the teacup toward Victor, the gesture carrying a trace of force.
Victor complied easily, lifting the cup and taking a sip. “Excellent tea! Mr. Wyatt, you really do have the good stuff.”
Setting the cup down, he added casually, “Speaking of which, Yunice, do you still remember that professor at the art academy who used to send you paintings? He recently…”
“Victor,” Wyatt interrupted again, his tone already laced with ice. “I heard Lindt Corp is bidding on that plot of land in the east of the city. The competition seems pretty fierce, doesn’t it?”
He had successfully dragged the conversation toward dull business matters.
Victor chuckled inwardly, though his face showed only helplessness, as if to say, “Why bring that up now?” “Yes, the competition is intense. It’s been a real headache.”
Then, as if by instinct, his eyes drifted back to Yunice, seeking her recognition. “Yunice, don’t you think everything is so hard to accomplish nowadays? You’re the lucky ones – a happy family, smooth careers. It’s enviable. Mr. Wyatt, you’re truly fortunate to have married such a talented, beautiful, and understanding wife. Back in the day, so many people were jealous and envious of you both…”
The words sounded like praise for Wyatt, but each line hinted at “the past,” at “envy,” at Yunice’s “virtues.”
Wyatt’s expression had darkened until it nearly matched his black shirt. Beneath the table, his hand closed tightly around Yunice’s, his fingers pressing firmly, as though staking his claim.
Candy sat quietly sipping tea, watching her boyfriend deliberately stir the waters, while the famously composed Mr. Wyatt seemed increasingly unsettled. She bit her lip to keep from laughing.
Yunice felt the pressure of Wyatt’s grip, saw his tense, guarded demeanor, and then looked at Victor’s mock-innocent face, pretending he was simply offering compliments. At last, she couldn’t hold it in. She turned her head aside, her shoulders shaking with suppressed laughter.
Her laugh broke the delicate tension in the air.
Wyatt glanced at her in confusion.
Victor put on a look of concern. “Yunice, what’s so funny?”