CHAPTER 35: CHAPTER 35: HE’S NOT YOURS TO CONTROL

Audrey Sutton watched as Clarissa Morgan walked over in high heels, a smile on her face, her gaze fixed intently on Shane Warner.

"Shane, you’ve really changed a lot since I last saw you. I never expected to find you dining in a place like this."

Shane Warner glanced at Clarissa Morgan with half-hooded eyes, his dark pupils showing no emotion: "As long as the food is good, that’s all that matters. Some grand hotels look magnificent, but the dishes they serve are all show and no substance. It’s similar to judging people; just because someone is attractive doesn’t mean they’re a good person."

After a two-second pause, Shane Warner looked at an apparently thoughtful Audrey Sutton, speaking to her as if he was teaching a child inexperienced in the ways of the world: "Understand?"

Audrey Sutton stared at him blankly for a moment, not having reacted yet, when Clarissa Morgan chuckled lightly, shifting her gaze to Audrey Sutton: "Miss Sutton, right? Hello, I’m your husband’s college classmate."

Looking at Clarissa Morgan’s outstretched hand, Audrey Sutton smiled and extended her own hand for a shake, then glanced at Shane Warner and said, "My husband has mentioned you; you were in the same club during college."

"Is that so? I didn’t expect Shane would talk to you about those things."

Audrey Sutton, following along with Clarissa Morgan’s fake smile, said, "It’s just being in the same club. There’s nothing shady about it, and besides, Shane and I are a couple; we have no secrets between us."

Clarissa Morgan’s smile didn’t falter, but her eyes seemed to carry a hint of mocking sarcasm, which annoyed Audrey Sutton. So she said, "Miss Morgan, what brings you to a place like this? Aren’t you afraid of dirtying your shoes?"

When she said this, Audrey Sutton deliberately emphasized "a place like this," clearly targeting Clarissa Morgan’s earlier comment.

Clarissa Morgan smirked, pointing towards the outside of the restaurant: "Oh, I was invited to the school’s celebration event this afternoon, there’s a performance. Shane, if you have time this afternoon, you should come have a look. I really miss those times back in college when we didn’t collaborate often, but I always thought you were my best partner."

Clarissa Morgan’s words seemed casually spoken, but were clearly aimed at Audrey Sutton.

Audrey Sutton recalled what her fifth brother told her that night. If she were to get angry and confront Shane Warner now, it might just be the outcome Clarissa Morgan wanted to see.

So while Audrey Sutton was dealing with Clarissa Morgan, she didn’t forget to praise Shane Warner as well, responding to Clarissa Morgan with a smile: "Of course, Shane is so outstanding, no matter who he partners with, it’ll never be bad."

The server came over with two bowls of lamb rice noodles: "Enjoy your meal, you two."

Clarissa Morgan: "I won’t disturb your breakfast then, I need to head to the school for rehearsal. Shane, if you’re free this afternoon, I hope you can come."

Shane Warner didn’t reply, and Clarissa Morgan didn’t wait for an answer. After speaking, she turned and left the store.

Audrey Sutton looked at Shane Warner, handing him the chopsticks and gave him a glance, asking, "Are you going this afternoon?"

Shane Warner took the chopsticks, gently stirring the noodles and seasoning in the bowl, and asked her back, "Do you want me to go?"

Audrey Sutton pouted, "Come if you want to."

Shane Warner looked up at her, with a faint, amused smile, and asked, "Do you have a performance this afternoon?"

Audrey Sutton replied dully, "No."

When her department was signing up for the event, she didn’t even register. Such celebration events were usually meant for the dance and performance departments; they were the stars while others were merely there to complement.

Secondly, due to her ongoing comic series, she simply didn’t have time for rehearsals, so she never even considered participating.

Now she regretted it. She genuinely wanted to compete with Clarissa Morgan on stage.

Shane Warner ate a few bites, then said after a pause, "If I’m free this afternoon, I’ll come by, save me a seat."

Audrey Sutton glanced at him, responded with an "oh," and said no more.

The atmosphere seemed to suddenly become heavy.

Audrey Sutton assumed he was going because Clarissa Morgan was performing.

Meanwhile, Shane Warner was recalling the post that threw her into public scrutiny yesterday, wishing to use the school celebration as a chance to stay by her side. While he couldn’t silence everyone, he could at least help change the misconceptions of some who didn’t know the truth.

Though she might not care much about these things, he didn’t want to hear any negative comments about her.

After breakfast, Shane Warner dropped Audrey Sutton off at the school building before leaving, arriving at the office ten minutes late for the morning meeting.

Everyone in the conference room was waiting for him, but no one dared to complain. As soon as Shane Warner took his seat, the meeting began.

Lan Irving gave Shane Warner a thoughtful glance, his mind wandering.

Since getting married, he had changed significantly.

Being late for meetings, delaying client meetings, leaving work early in the afternoon, and more often not being found at the company in the evenings.

He used to practically live at the company, putting all his effort into work, arriving earliest and leaving last.

Now it seemed that in his heart, work was not as important as that woman.

The company had just gone public, and his current state inevitably worried some people.

After the meeting ended, the rest gradually left, leaving Faye Xavier and Lan Irving behind.

Faye Xavier yawned and then teasingly said to Shane Warner, who was reviewing documents: "Master Shane, were you up all night with your little sister-in-law? It’s rare to see you late for a meeting before."

Shane Warner cast a cold glance at him, tossed the folder in his hand to Faye Xavier, and raised his hand to rub his brow.

Faye Xavier hesitated for a moment, glanced at the pile of design drafts in the folder, "Master Shane, not a single one you’re satisfied with?"

Shane Warner let out a breath and said, "None are in line with the theme; take them back and redesign everything. I want to see the new product in a week."

Faye Xavier opened his mouth wide in shock, "A week?!"

"Is it too long?"

Faye Xavier hurriedly shook his head, "Not too long! I’ll instruct them to get on it right away."

Only then did Lan Irving speak up, "President Warner, the representative from Midsummer is coming this afternoon to discuss the collaboration series. What time would be suitable for you?"

Shane Warner thought for a moment and said, "Tomorrow morning. I have something this afternoon. You and Faye Xavier can handle the KC matter today."

Lan Irving: "President Warner, it would be more appropriate for you to attend to KC personally. After all, the founder has come specifically to meet with you."

Shane Warner: "There’ll be plenty of opportunities later. We’ve discussed most of the collaboration already; just go and sign the contract."

Lan Irving frowned slightly, seemingly concerned, while Faye Xavier jovially said, "Alright, leave it to me. Seeing Master Shane’s disinterest in state affairs, are you planning to go on a date with your little sister-in-law this afternoon?"

Shane Warner: "I think a week is still too long if it gives you time to waste talking here."

Faye Xavier’s smile froze, and he quickly called out to Lan Irving to leave and carry out the tasks Shane Warner had just assigned.

After exiting the conference room, Lan Irving quietly said to Faye Xavier, "He’s not as committed to the company as he used to be."

Faye Xavier glanced at her, uncharacteristically serious, and said, "Just do what you’re supposed to do. He’s not your concern."