CHAPTER 13: CHAPTER 13: IT DOESN’T MATTER WHO YOU MARRY

Audrey Sutton was momentarily stunned, then nodded.

"The Rabbit That Doesn’t Eat Grass" is a comic she is currently serializing, and it’s relatively unknown. How did Laura Yates know about it?

Quickly, Laura Yates smiled and resolved her confusion: "I’m your new editor, Luna."

"Luna?! You’re Luna?"

The name Luna is quite famous in the industry. Most of the popular comics are her doing.

This instantly brought the two of them closer, sitting together with endless topics to discuss, and any slight antagonism Audrey had felt towards Laura turned into admiration.

Shane and Franklin Sutton were secretly observing the two women.

The former was puzzled by how their relationship had accelerated to such a close bond; the latter was pleased that the two most important women in his life could become friends.

The former and the latter exchanged a glance, seemingly unable to stand each other, quickly shifting their gaze to pretend nothing had happened.

Shane felt that, whether he liked Laura Yates or not, having Franklin Sutton snatch his bride was quite a humiliating matter.

Meanwhile, Franklin felt that he had managed to snatch his beloved woman from the jaws of a tiger, only to accidentally involve his precious sister, making it seem as if Shane had taken his things.

A feud was silently formed, but on the surface, no one showed it.

At the dining table, Shane and Franklin Sutton’s chopsticks simultaneously reached for the same dish, grabbing the same piece of rib.

The two froze instantly, looking at each other, neither willing to release their chopsticks.

Audrey Sutton noticed the subtle atmosphere between the two and immediately used her chopsticks to pick another rib and placed it in Shane’s bowl. Hazel Yates promptly scolded Franklin Sutton, tapping the back of his hand with her chopsticks, "There’s so much on the plate, why must you fight Shane for this piece?"

Franklin Sutton corrected, "He’s the one fighting me for it."

Laura Yates gently patted Franklin’s arm, and only then did Franklin reluctantly release his chopsticks. Unluckily, Shane also released his chopsticks, and the rib fell back onto the plate, unnoticed.

Audrey Sutton and Laura Yates exchanged a glance and both found it slightly amusing and exasperating.

Audrey had originally thought she might not get along with Laura Yates, but it turned out to evolve into an overt and covert rivalry between two men.

Hardly had they eaten a few bites when Franklin Sutton received a call from the police station. After hanging up, he stood up and said to everyone, "Someone jumped to their death at Bexley Bay, I have to go now. Mom, after Laura finishes eating, have the driver take her back."

Hazel Yates stood up as well, "Is it that urgent? Can’t you finish the meal before going?"

As Franklin Sutton walked out of the dining room, he said, "The boss called; what meal do I have time for?"

Watching Franklin Sutton leave, Hazel Yates apologized to Laura Yates, "That’s just how his job is, Laura, don’t mind him."

Laura Yates nodded understandingly, smiling, "I’m used to it."

After the meal, Shane took Audrey Sutton to say goodbye, "Dad, Mom, Audrey and I will head back now, sorry to trouble you again."

"Not at all, not at all. Come back for dinner anytime you’re free."

Audrey Sutton turned to look at Laura Yates and proactively suggested, "Laura, why not come with us?"

Laura Yates gave a dry chuckle and glanced at Shane, evidently still finding it a bit awkward.

Audrey Sutton went over and took Laura Yates’ arm, "Let’s go."

Franklin’s third brother escorted them to the door, worriedly advising Shane, "Audrey is allergic to seafood, but sometimes she can’t resist eating it, so keep some allergy medicine at home."

Shane nodded and left with Audrey Sutton and Laura Yates.

In the car, the two women sat in the back seat, chatting away like they were good friends.

After dropping Laura Yates off at her destination, as the car started again, Audrey Sutton asked him, "Are you really so unwilling?"

"Hmm?"

"Laura Yates was originally the woman you were going to marry."

Shane glanced at her through the rear-view mirror and said blandly, "Marrying anyone is the same."

With that answer, Audrey Sutton wasn’t sure if she was satisfied or not, and after a pause, she tentatively asked, "You like her more, don’t you?"

Shane slowed the car and pulled over to the side, "Why do you think that?"

"Otherwise, why are you mad at my second brother?"

Shane couldn’t help but smile but didn’t explain anything, merely pushing open the car door and telling her, "Stay in the car."

Audrey watched the closed car door and then through the window as he walked into a pharmacy on the roadside.

It didn’t take a few minutes for him to return.

"What did you go do?"

As Shane started the car, he answered, "Buying medicine."

Audrey Sutton: "Did you catch a cold?"

Shane: "Didn’t your third brother say you’re allergic to seafood? So I got some medicine."

Only then did Audrey Sutton understand, and any trace of gloom she had felt was instantly dispelled.

"Free up your schedule for tomorrow night and go back with me."

"Oh."

Audrey Sutton thought it was simply about going back to his house for a meal, until she entered the styling salon and got an entire makeover from head to toe. Only then did Audrey realize it might be for some important event.

Her long hair was styled up, paired with exquisite makeup, and she wore a misty blue long dress that highlighted her fairer skin.

Shane skillfully hid the amazement in his eyes, adjusted his tie in front of the mirror, and led her out of the styling salon.

The Warner residence.

Old Master Warner had been hospitalized for some time, and today’s gathering was held to celebrate his discharge.

Many influential figures from both political and commercial circles attended, but Shane’s appearance was still the center of attention.

Everyone knew that Shane Warner had a strong chance of becoming the future heir of The Warner family.

Additionally, even without mentioning The Warner family, his own company was already enough to hold its ground in high society.

Shane wasn’t much of a talker. When others greeted him, he simply nodded with a gentle smile in response.

Audrey Sutton was also accustomed to grand occasions. Although she didn’t like such settings, she wouldn’t embarrass Shane since he brought her.

With a gentle smile, she held Shane’s arm, meeting everyone’s gaze as they walked into the hall and encountered the star of the evening.

"Grandpa," Shane began, respectfully addressing the elderly man with a cane in front of him.

Receiving Shane’s subtle hints, Audrey Sutton belatedly followed up with, "Hello, Grandpa."

Old Master Warner looked at Audrey Sutton and smiled satisfactorily, "I didn’t expect it to be you, young girl. In my memory, you were just a little girl about ten, but now you’ve grown up beautifully."

Audrey Sutton smiled, but before she could speak, another man’s voice came from the side, "Hello, Grandpa."

Turning her head, she saw a tall, long-legged man in a dark gray suit with slicked-back hair and deep-set, chiseled features. Upon closer inspection, he bore some resemblance to Shane.