Chapter 98
“Frederick! Maeve! You left me behind p>
Zoe aggressively linked her arm through Maeve’s, sending a cloying, sickly sweet perfume wafting straight into Maeve’s nose. A wave of profound nausea washed over her, every instinct screaming at her to shove Zoe into the pavement.
But the thought of her parents forced Maeve to swallow the disgust. She turned her head, meeting Zoe’s fake, sugary smile.
Her own lips twitched into a mocking, half-hearted grin.
“Does it matter? You caught up, didn’t you p>
Zoe’s expression faltered. She immediately shot a pitiful, wide-eyed look in Frederick’s direction.
But Frederick was lost in his own thoughts and didn’t even notice her.
Zoe bit her lip hard. Her gaze dropped to Frederick and Maeve’s tightly interlaced hands, and a dark, venomous glint flashed through her eyes.
The trio walked into the mall, bathed in the frantic flashing of paparazzi cameras.
They took the elevator up to a premium dim sum restaurant on the top floor.
The interior was adorned in warm, elegant wood tones, with the soothing, airy notes of a traditional zither drifting through the air.
Dining in a place like this was supposed to be a luxury.
Maeve’s mood improved marginally. The moment they sat down, Frederick slid the menu across the table to her. She didn’t bother being polite, immediately ordering all of her favorite dishes.
When she handed the menu back, she caught Frederick staring intensely at her.
“What?” she asked.
Frederick’s brows furrowed slightly as his eyes remained fixed on her face.
Confused by his intense scrutiny, she subconsciously brushed a hand against her cheek.
“Is there something on my face p>
Frederick’s chest rose and fell in a sharp breath before he finally looked away, his voice tight.
“No p>
In the past, whenever Maeve went out to eat with him, she would painstakingly order every single dish he loved, terrified that he wouldn’t enjoy the meal. She would only ever order one small thing for herself.
But today, not a single item she picked from the menu was something he liked.
Hadn’t she just been smiling at him downstairs?
Why was she throwing another petty tantrum now?
Maeve had zero interest in decoding Frederick’s erratic moods. Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed a man in a black hoodie and cap slip into the restaurant. He cast a covert glance at their table before sliding into a semi-private booth in the corner, digging around in a bulky backpack.
How subtle.
The press had officially arrived.
Maeve lowered her head, perfectly adjusting her features into the picture of a doting, gracious wife. She looked across the table at Zoe, a brilliant smile blooming on her face as she slid a second menu toward her.
“Here, Zoe. You should order something too p>
Zoe’s mouth parted in exaggerated shock, looking thoroughly flattered.
“Thank you, Maeve p>
It wasn’t long before their sprawling brunch spread arrived.
As they ate, Zoe launched back into her excitement over the Havenport trip. Her eyes sparkled with sheer adoration and Frederick seemed thoroughly intoxicated by her worshipful gaze. Barely touching his food, he set his silverware aside to give her his full attention.
Maeve tightened her grip on her chopsticks, keeping her eyes glued to her plate to block out the nauseating display.
The meal achieved the exact superficial harmony Frederick was aiming for, and he looked incredibly pleased with himself.
Zoe turned to Maeve, her face twisting into a mask of profound guilt.
“I am so sorry about all of this Maeve. It’s entirely my fault. I was just so hungry the other night, and I begged Frederick to take me out for a late-night snack. We had no idea the paparazzi would ambush us. Frederick was just worried the rumors would ruin my reputation, which is why he asked you to come clarify things. I feel terrible for inconveniencing you p>
Maeve looked dead at Zoe. Knowing the cameras couldn’t pick up their audio from across the room, she dropped the polite act.
“It is a massive inconvenience. Playing along with your little act is genuinely exhausting p>
Zoe froze. Maeve leaned back, crossing her arms over her chest, her tone icy.
“If you’re really so sorry, why don’t you pay me some emotional distress compensation? Empty apologies are incredibly cheap, don’t you think p>