CHAPTER 178: CHAPTER 178: REKINDLED FLAMES

The atmosphere at the dining table was strange and hardly anyone spoke, especially Henry Preston and Ivan Underwood, who barely exchanged any communication.

Even a chatterbox like Silas Lockwood was unusually silent today. Apart from being attentive to Crystal Dawson, like serving her dishes and peeling shrimps, he practically had no interaction with Azure Vaughn and the others.

If it weren’t for Julian Jennings, they probably wouldn’t have come at all.

Azure tried several times to talk to Henry Preston, but she was ignored each time, and eventually, she gave up, feeling quite aggrieved.

The stiff atmosphere was abruptly broken by Azure’s phone ringing.

After glancing at the caller ID, her face instantly turned unnatural. She whispered something to Joy Lawson and then went outside to take the call.

"Crystal, I’m not in the mood to eat. I’m heading back." I hadn’t eaten much and directly told Crystal Dawson.

I came mainly for something concerning Ryan Rhodes, but it wasn’t effective, and the atmosphere at the table made me feel uncomfortable, so there was no need to stay longer.

"Alright!" Crystal Dawson, knowing I was uncomfortable here, nodded in agreement.

I didn’t greet anyone else and got up to leave. My car was parked right outside the hotel. Just as I was about to get in, the passenger door unexpectedly opened.

"Why are you getting in?" I was puzzled as I looked at Henry Preston who had gotten in. When did he follow me out?

"I’m here to give you Ryan Rhodes’ whereabouts." Henry Preston’s profile was very sharp, laced with a faint chill, indicating he wasn’t entirely willing to assist me.

I was slightly surprised, "Do I not need to owe a favor then?"

"You do." Henry Preston turned to look at me, his gaze locking onto mine unwaveringly, "How about we go watch a movie?"

That was a request I hadn’t expected.

But if it was just a movie, it was acceptable.

I pondered for a moment, "Alright, but tell me Ryan Rhodes’ location first."

Henry Preston’s eyes showed a hint of amusement as he casually raised an eyebrow and sent me an address, also stating, "Sean Lawson took him away, but I didn’t find out why."

If it wasn’t his concern, he naturally wouldn’t bother.

I nodded and quickly forwarded the address to Crystal Dawson, asking her and Silas Lockwood to call the police and save him.

After sending the message, Henry Preston said, "See you tonight. I’ll send you the time and place."

"Okay." I replied, a movie to save a person and clear a favor was actually quite a good deal.

At that moment, Ivan Underwood’s figure appeared not far away. As soon as Henry Preston saw him, his faint smile disappeared, and he got out of the car. Passing by Ivan Underwood, they exchanged a glance, but their attitude remained cold, even carrying a significant amount of hostility.

Fortunately, neither of them stopped to confront each other, avoiding further conflict, or I would have had a headache.

Ivan Underwood walked toward me, his white clothes gleaming softly in the sunlight, exuding a very clean aura. His steps were always unhurried, conveying a sense of calm.

He arrived at the car window and bent slightly to look at me inside. I also turned to look at him. Our proximity was so close I could almost count his lashes.

I felt a bit flustered, fearing he might ask what Henry Preston and I had discussed, even though he wasn’t my current boyfriend. However, I had confidently told him before that I wouldn’t go back to old flames.

If he found out I agreed to see a movie with Henry Preston tonight, I would have nowhere to hide my old face.

"Ivan Underwood..." I was about to ask.

But Ivan Underwood interrupted me, "You didn’t eat anything just now. Remember to eat something when you get back, and drive safely."

"Okay," those words surprisingly made me feel guilty, so I explained, "I came here today because I needed Henry Preston’s help with something."

"Hmm, well, I hope that one day when you need help, the person you think of will be me." Ivan Underwood gave a slight smile, his eyes showing a fleeting trace of rare disappointment.

I was speechless, unable to respond for a moment.

Watching Ivan Underwood’s retreating figure, a faint bitterness arose in my heart. I was indeed deliberately avoiding him.

He was the only one who knew how difficult it would be for me to conceive again. Didn’t he mind being with me, knowing he couldn’t become a father?

Even if he agreed, his parents wouldn’t.

I let out a helpless sigh before driving home, where my parents’ expressions changed upon seeing me.

"What’s wrong?" I asked in confusion.

"Where have you been?" my mom asked sternly.

I replied, "Just had a meal with Crystal Dawson, then came straight home."

My dad asked again, "Henry Preston wasn’t there, was he?"

I shook my head, "No."

That was a lie, but if I admitted to it, my parents would be furious and start lecturing me.

"Zoe, you absolutely can’t have any entanglements with him again, understand? I think that Dr. Underwood is pretty good for you. He told me he really likes you. Why not try accepting him?" My mom pleaded earnestly.

I was quite puzzled, realizing my unease was indeed justified. The last time Ivan Underwood came over for dinner, I noticed my mom’s unusual attitude toward him.

"Mom, Dad, it’s impossible with him. You know the relationship between Ivan Underwood and Henry Preston. How could I even be with him?" I made my stance clear.

My dad got angry, "So what?! Aren’t he and Henry Preston at odds now? Do you still want to rekindle things with Henry Preston?"

I had indeed seen Henry Preston and agreed to see a movie tonight, but it wasn’t to rekindle anything!

"Dad, what’s going on with you two today? Why suddenly bring this up?" I grew more frustrated.

My mom pursed her lips, "Henry Preston was there today, wasn’t he? Are you lying to us?"

"Who told you that?" I asked, surprised.

"Don’t worry about who told us. For now, you’re not allowed to leave the house. Stay home and be honest!" my dad commanded sternly.

Without waiting for my explanation, my parents even confiscated my phone.