Chapter 70

Cynthia refilled Christopher’s glass, privately plotting to get him drunk and take him to a hotel. A smirk played on her lips as she formulated her plan. He ate little of the main course but consumed nearly an entire bottle of red wine, especially after a second bottle was opened. The alcohol was beginning to affect him.

“I’ve had enough, Cynthia. I have work this afternoon,” he said, pushing his glass away to prevent her from refilling it.

“I think you’re in a bad mood. It’s probably the pressure from work. Drink a little more, nap in the office, and you’ll feel better this afternoon,” she coaxed gently.

Christopher heard her, but his bad mood stemmed not from work pressure, but from Melody’s silence. She hadn’t contacted him or answered his calls, leaving him restless, angry, and frustrated. He pushed the wine glass back towards Cynthia, and she poured him another glass.

Meanwhile, at Melody’s table, the three finished their meal, and Anthony paid the bill.

“I need to go to the restroom. Mel, can you accompany me?” Heidi asked.

Melody nodded and followed. Anthony said, “I’ll wait outside for you.”

“There’s no need, Anthony. You can head back to the company. There’s still work to do this afternoon,” she replied.

“I’m not in a rush,” he answered.

Melody and Heidi went to the restroom. Melody emerged first and stood by the sink. Suddenly, Cynthia’s voice cut through the air.

“Christopher, are you okay? Let me help you. Be careful not to fall,” she said.

What bad luck. She had encountered him again. Should she hide?

Melody traced Christopher's words, "Don't help me. I'm fine. Men and women should keep their distance. I'm married," which elicited a sarcastic smile. Men and women should keep their distance? she thought. Hadn't he and Cynthia had numerous affairs during their marriage? Right, they weren't "affairs" anymore; now it was pursuing his own love.

Just as Melody was about to retreat into the restroom, she heard Cynthia's voice and froze. She turned sideways to avoid direct eye contact with Christopher. Footsteps approached, and her heart pounded. She’d changed her hairstyle; perhaps he wouldn’t recognize her from behind. With this thought, she took a deep breath and relaxed.

Soon, the footsteps passed her, fading as they headed towards the men’s restroom. She slowly turned and walked out. Cynthia waited outside, but didn’t recognize Melody as she walked away in the opposite direction.

Christopher frowned, concentrating inside the men’s restroom. He’d thought he saw Melody earlier—the slender back, her height, toned arms—everything seemed to match. But that woman had short hair.

After finishing, he washed his hands and glanced sideways. This time, he saw a woman with wavy hair.

“Christopher?” Heidi recognized him first.

He looked at her face, pausing momentarily before recalling who she was.

“Ms. Brown,” he said.

“Looks like you still remember me. Judging by your face, I thought you were day drinking,” she remarked.

Christopher’s face was flushed, his eyes a little dazed, a stark contrast to his usual stern expression. Cynthia arrived just then, linking her arm with Christopher’s, her concern evident, while simultaneously eyeing Heidi. This woman seemed familiar, perhaps a close friend of Melody’s from university.

“Tsk tsk. It’s broad daylight, and you two aren’t even trying to avoid suspicion,” Heidi sneered, glancing at Cynthia with undisguised disdain. “Are you having an affair, Christopher?” she pressed.