Chapter 224
Chapter 224:
She carried a quiet confidence, certain that her vision of becoming Austin’s wife was only a matter of time. To her knowledge, Austin didn’t have any other women in his life at the moment. His world revolved around work. This was her window of opportunity, her moment to make her move. After all, every socialite worth their designer heels had their sights set on Kheley’s most eligible bachelor.
Austin took Monica to Coastal Port—one of the best restaurants in town. Of course, he wasn’t the kind of guy to expect a girl to pick up the tab. If he was going to play host, he’d do it in style.
The Coastal Port wasn’t just any restaurant—it was the spot for fresh, exquisite cuisine, a beacon of elegance that screamed good taste and deep pockets. Perfect for impressing Monica.
As fate would have it, Yelena and Brody had also chosen the same venue for their meeting that day. Yelena, ever the picture of composure, had just wrapped up formulating her latest batch of pills, which she was handing off to Brody for distribution. The last batch had gone to Dwight, but right now, business was business, and Yelena was all focus.
The moment Austin stepped into the restaurant, his gaze locked onto Yelena sitting by the window. Across from her was a man with his back to Austin, making it impossible to discern his identity. A strange, uninvited pang tugged at Austin’s chest.
Monica noticed Austin’s hesitation and tilted her head in confusion. Following his line of sight, her eyes landed on the woman. And just like that, Monica’s guard was up.
Who was this woman? Why had she stopped Austin dead in his tracks?
Monica’s eyes flicked back to Yelena, taking in her flawless beauty and the enigmatic air that surrounded her like a shroud of mystery. A little knot of dread curled in Monica’s stomach. The woman Austin was gazing at stood out—she was more than just a pretty face, radiating a quiet, intriguing depth.
Although the woman sat silently, listening intently, her sharp eyes betrayed a keen awareness. Meanwhile, the man across from her kept gesturing animatedly, clearly trying to drive a point home.
Monica leaned in and asked with a playful lilt, “Austin, who’s caught your eye? Is that a friend of yours?” Her question hung in the air for a moment before Austin gave a casual nod.
“Yeah,” he said, his tone calm and unreadable.
Without another word, Austin turned and strolled toward a private room, his demeanor as steady as ever.
Just as he disappeared behind the door, Yelena’s gaze flicked up and caught sight of him entering the private room with a woman. A pang of unease tightened Yelena’s chest, leaving her feeling oddly unsettled. Austin? And who was that woman with him?
Brody noticed her distracted look and tilted his head, concern lacing his voice. “Yelena, something on your mind p>
Yelena shook her head quickly, forcing a small smile. “No, not really. By the way,” she added, steering the conversation elsewhere, “we’re running low on the herbs for the pills. Think you could help me find some more p>
“Consider it done,” Brody said with a confident grin, eager to lend a hand.
After finishing their meal, Yelena and Brody left the restaurant, their conversation fading into the hum of the buzzing crowd.