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Novel Catalog
Chapter 94
The atmosphere around the table lightened as everyone raised their glasses in a shared toast, with tea replacing the usual clink of wine glasses. Victor’s rare smile—genuine, though fleeting—was a reminder of his charm. His presence commanded attention, yet in this moment, it seemed softer, more approachable.
Abigail’s bold nature never failed to captivate, and Victor found himself momentarily drawn to her unfiltered personality. Her playful banter and directness were refreshing in a world where most people operated behind carefully crafted facades. Yet, even with her ease, there was a sharpness in her eyes that suggested a depth he hadn’t yet fully understood. He didn’t want to delve deeper right now, but he was curious.
Eden, too, noticed the small shift in the air, the way Victor’s usual coldness softened around Abigail. She had been caught in her own thoughts about Ricky’s offhand comment about helping his mother. There was something about the way he said it that made her heart ache. His sincerity wasn’t lost on her, and she silently admired his determination to shoulder some of the responsibility in his family, despite his young age.
Ricky, ever the calm observer, was busy sipping his tea, taking in the interactions with quiet attention. His mind seemed older than his years, and for a moment, Eden wondered just how much of his world he understood. He had always been sensitive to the moods around him, and the subtle shifts in Victor’s demeanor certainly hadn’t escaped his notice.
Anson, who had been unusually quiet throughout the meal, shifted in his seat. He caught sight of Victor, noting the coldness that still lingered in his eyes, and couldn’t help but feel a spark of jealousy. He had tried to be charming, to show his interest in Abigail, but it was clear that the more Victor and Abigail interacted, the more he was being pushed out of the picture.
His pride, always a source of strength, began to gnaw at him. Yet he masked it with a smile, hoping that he wasn’t giving away too much. He had learned to keep his emotions well hidden, but the undercurrent of competition was something he couldn’t entirely ignore.
Abigail, noticing the tension between the two men, let the conversation flow more freely, deliberately steering it toward more neutral topics. “So, Eden,” she said, her voice light, “have you had any new design ideas lately? I know you’re always coming up with something fresh.”
Eden’s face brightened at the mention of her work. “Actually, yes! I’ve been experimenting with different fabrics lately. I’m working on a collection inspired by the colors and textures of nature—earthy tones, organic shapes. It’s been a fun challenge.”
Victor, who had been silent for a while, leaned slightly forward, intrigued by the idea. “That sounds interesting,” he remarked, his voice carrying an unexpected warmth. “Nature is often the best source of inspiration.”
Eden glanced at him, surprised by his response. Victor’s usual aloofness seemed to dissipate just a little, and she found herself wondering what was behind his calm exterior. The moment stretched, the brief connection between them lingering in the air.
Abigail, sensing the quiet exchange, raised her glass of tea once more, breaking the tension. “Well, let’s hope the next collection sells as well as your last one, Eden. You’re really outdoing yourself lately.”
Eden laughed softly, feeling the camaraderie between them. “Thanks, Abigail. I’ll do my best.”
Ricky, still quietly observing, looked at Victor with a curious gaze. He didn’t fully understand everything that was happening around him, but he knew there was something important at play here—something more than just the conversation over lunch.
The mood at the table remained easy, but there was an undercurrent of unspoken thoughts. As everyone continued to eat and talk, it was clear that, despite the light-hearted exterior, the complexities of relationships—whether professional or personal—had already begun to weave their intricate web.