After Ian Preston's voice fell, the cabin was so quiet that only the sound of the air conditioning could be heard.
She didn't answer, which seemed like acquiescence to the man.
Withdrawing his gaze, Ian's long fingers tightened silently on the steering wheel. His Adam's apple bobbed twice, and his voice came out deep and raspy: "Just returned to the country, and you're already in such a rush to talk about marriage?"
His tone was somewhat sour, Thea Lynch raised an eyebrow and smiled at him, "Is Third Brother very idle lately?"
She lazily leaned on the passenger seat, seeing Ian's tight lips, she felt even more pleased.
Years ago, she didn't dare to speak to him like this. But now, she had no reservations.
"Norbert Rhodes and I haven't settled down yet, so Third Brother doesn't need to rush. When it really comes to marriage, we'll make sure to personally deliver an invitation to you."
The emphasis on the last two words was stronger.
The temperature inside the car suddenly dropped.
"Ha." Ian sneered suddenly. When he looked sideways at her, the smile didn't reach his eyes, "He needs to have that ability first."
Thea frowned, her expression displeasing. She hated Ian's seemingly controlling demeanor.
"Since Third Brother has asked clearly, if there's nothing else, please pull over ahead. I have an appointment."
Thea didn't have any appointment; she just didn't want to stay in the same space with him anymore, so she lied.
"With whom? Norbert Rhodes?"
"Who else? You think it's with you?" she retorted, not at all friendly.
"That's also possible, I'm free now. You missed our last appointment, it's indeed time to make up for it."
"..."
Thea looked at the man across from her with surprise.
Did this man have a problem with his ears? Was she inviting him?
He seemed determined to have this meal today, with a stance of not giving up until he reached his goal.
Thea couldn't fall out with him, so she first left it to him.
She thought he would bring her to Donovan Ryan's place, but when she got out of the car, she realized it was a hotpot restaurant.
"Don't want to eat here?" Seeing her standing there unmoved, Ian wasn't anxious and quietly waited by her side. "I heard this place is good, if you don't like it, we can change to another."
"I don't mind, though..." Thea looked at him, her eyes speaking volumes.
He lifted his chin, signaling her to go inside.
——
While waiting for the dishes, Thea propped her chin, staring absentmindedly at the red oily hotpot base. Across from her, Ian was still on the phone.
She didn't intend to eavesdrop. But the surroundings were quiet, and she vaguely heard him mention The Sinclair Family.
He was probably discussing a wedding, she uncontrollably thought.
Strangely enough, after all these years, Ian and that person from The Sinclair Family still hadn't gotten married.
Weren't they preparing to get engaged a long time ago?
"I didn't get a chance to ask you, how have the past few years abroad been?"
Ian had finished his call.
Upon hearing this, Thea didn't even bother to lift her eyelids, replying perfunctorily: "Eating well, sleeping well, academics going smoothly, and feeling cheerful."
Ian: "Good adaptability."
"Thanks to Third Brother."
"..."
She clearly didn't want to talk nicely with him, sarcasm and ridicule always seemed effective.
——
The dish was called hotpot, but it was actually Coronet-style copper pot meat stew.
When Thea had her first bite, her eyebrows briefly furrowed. Ian noticed her reaction, "Not tasting good?"
She immediately shook her head, "It's not that it doesn't taste good."
"Perhaps my palate is picky. When studying, there was a copper pot meat stew place opposite my university, very authentic. Over the years, I'd go there every now and then to eat."
She missed Coronet's cuisine greatly during her time abroad but couldn't find anything as authentic. Especially the texture of the meat, which differed significantly between abroad and back home. Coincidentally, not long after she got into university, a copper pot stew and Coronet snacks place opened nearby.
She hadn't expected much at first, but the dishes surprisingly tasted like home.
"Okay, next time we'll pick another place."
Thea didn't respond to him, she certainly didn't want a next time.
Having a meal alone with Ian was as bad as being sentenced.
After the meal, knowing it was difficult to find a taxi here, Thea didn't wait for Ian to say anything and promptly got into his car.
"May Third Brother drop me off at the hotel opposite the company."
"Not going back to the family estate?"
"I'll go back over the weekend."
"So you're planning to stay at the hotel for now?"
In a better mood, Thea responded with fewer hostilities when talking to him: "I'm currently finding a place, will go take a look in a few days when I'm free."
"Hmm." Ian didn't say anything at the time, but he made a call to Silas Cheney later that night.
"Hold on Third Brother, why do I feel confused?" Silas was baffled after listening to his words, "Since you have an empty house, why not just let Thea stay there? Why bother seeking me out."
On the road below the hotel, that black Ferrari had not left yet.
The window on the driver's side was lowered a crack, the man's hand holding a cigarette rested there, dangling languidly. Under the cold moonlight, his long fingers with defined knuckles moved slightly, tapping lightly on the cigarette which sent ash flying.
Inside the car, the man's black shirt buttons were undone a few. His gaze fell on the hotel upstairs, unclear about which floor he was looking at. The speakerphone on the continued call was still on.
"Do you think if I bring it up, she'll agree?"
His voice didn't reveal any emotional fluctuations, it was like a pool of dead water, without any ripples.
Silas: "..."
That's true.
Based on their understanding of Thea, not only would she not agree, she'd likely shy away even more in the future.
Just like the company issue this time, Ian had no choice but to go through roundabout means.
"Alright, I'll speak to her."
——
The next day at noon, Thea had just reached the company cafeteria when she received a call from Silas Cheney.
"What's up, Fourth Brother?"
"I heard from Aunt that you haven't been staying at the family estate these days?"
"Yeah, staying at the hotel near the company, it's closer to work."
"It's my oversight, I didn't ask you initially." Silas began his performance, "I have an empty house near the company, why don't you stay there."
"No need, I'm already finding a place."
"What are you searching for, there's a house at home. Your brother doesn't have much, but he does have plenty of empty houses!"
"Moreover, you've helped Fourth Brother a lot. Why be so formal with me? You really want to be so distant?"
"You...won't stay?"
"I don't live there currently. I did initially buy it for convenience, but it's been empty since."
"That's settled then. I've arranged housekeeping to clean for you, you can move in tonight. Living at my place, isn't it also more reassuring for the family?"
Thinking of how Aunt had been wanting to help her buy a suitable house these past few days, Thea didn't want to trouble her too much, she readily agreed to Silas's offer for ease.
"I'll get someone to help you move tonight."
"There's no need to trouble Fourth Brother, I don't have many things."
"No, listen to your brother!" His tone was firm.
"...Alright. "Well, thank you, Fourth Brother."
After work in the evening, as agreed, Thea carried her luggage and stood at the hotel entrance.
The people who were supposed to help her move didn't show up; instead, another unexpected guest did—Ian Preston.