CHAPTER 117: CHAPTER 117: JUST FRIENDS

Seeing Ronan Rhodes be so attentive without a reason, Erin Bishop glared at him, "What’s up?"

Ronan, grinning, got closer and said, "Remember a while back, you wanted me to pretend to be your boyfriend? Somehow my mom found out, and her birthday is tomorrow. She insists I bring my girlfriend over."

Erin casually replied, "Just tell her we broke up."

"If I say that, she might not believe me. Besides, this all started because of you. Last time, I was more than willing to help you out. Can’t you return the favor this time? Save me from my mom’s incessant nagging."

Seeing Erin hesitating, looking concerned, Ronan added, "It’s nothing much, just accompany her for a meal, make her happy."

Erin thought about how Ronan had been quite loyal before, and by reason, she should do him this favor.

What she was worried about was actually Zane Rhodes. Ronan’s mother is Zane’s mother too. If there’s a birthday, both Zane and Zoe Whitman would definitely be there. She feared it would be awkward.

"For the new district development, I’ll give you a five percent bonus!"

Erin’s eyes widened in surprise upon hearing that.

Ronan offered an enticing deal, "Help me out this time, and you’ll get a share of the profits without doing anything. How about that?"

"Really?"

"When have I, Ronan Rhodes, ever lied? I keep my word."

"So, what time tomorrow night?"

One may let oneself down, but one can’t let money go to waste. Such a good deal she wouldn’t even dare to dream of, knowing that five percent could equal half of her company’s annual income.

As for Zane or no Zane, awkwardness or no awkwardness, since he didn’t mind, why should she?

"Around five tomorrow night. I’ll come to pick you up," Ronan said and then sighed dramatically, "You women are such sellouts when money’s involved."

Shannon Quinn teased from the side, "I don’t like that comment. I get no share at all."

Erin quickly chimed in, "I’ll give you ten percent of my five percent! Good sisters share the joy."

After agreeing, while watching TV with Shannon that night, Erin suddenly realized a problem: "I’ve met his mom before. Won’t she recognize me?"

Shannon joked, "For that five percent, it doesn’t matter if your skin’s a little thicker."

"No kidding, if she recognizes me, I wouldn’t dare show up. Being with her eldest before and now hooking up with the younger one, who knows what she’d think of me."

"Is his mom strict? Mean?"

Erin shook her head, "I haven’t interacted much, but I’ve seen her a few times at Zane’s house. She’s quite warm, always asking if I want this or that, seems to like me."

"Then it’s okay. Just as long as she doesn’t embarrass you on the surface, after all, you’re just there for a meal."

"True, anyway Zane now has a girlfriend. Even if I were with Ronan, I wouldn’t owe him anything."

The next night, Erin kept in touch with Shannon via WeChat, updating her on the situation.

After sending a video of the restaurant environment, she didn’t reply, probably because she didn’t have time to look at her phone, as it would be impolite to keep checking it while dining with elders.

Erin assumed there would be many people at the table, but upon arrival, she found it was only the two brothers and Zoe, making the atmosphere feel awkward instantly.

Mrs. Rhodes had obviously recognized her but didn’t mention it because of the big picture.

"Now that you’ve both found partners, I have nothing to worry about. You two were born together, why not take the opportunity to hold a wedding on the same day?"

Ronan and Erin exchanged glances, Zane appeared indifferent, lost in thought, while Zoe enthusiastically nodded in agreement, "Sure! I’ve been thinking about it. It’d be lively and fun to do it together."

Erin secretly gave Ronan a look, and Ronan, afraid of marriage himself, quickly said with a grin, "Mom, Rona and I aren’t in a rush. We’re both busy with work and haven’t thought about a wedding yet. Besides, Rona wants to travel and take wedding photos, and I haven’t had the time to accompany her yet."

"What about you two? Any plans?" Mrs. Rhodes turned to ask Zane and Zoe.

Zoe glanced shyly at Zane, "I’m fine anytime, I’m looking at Zane."

Only then did Zane speak up, and what he said stunned everyone present: "Mom, I’m just friends with Rona, she’s just here to hang out."

More than Mrs. Rhodes, Erin was the one surprised, not knowing what to feel, her heart a mess.

Zoe frowned dissatisfiedly, throwing a pouty tantrum at Zane, like a couple having a minor spat.

Mrs. Rhodes laughed awkwardly, quickly smoothing things over, "I’m not forcing you to get married right away, no need for such words, they hurt Rona’s feelings."

Zane seemed uninterested in arguing, choosing not to speak further. Mrs. Rhodes feared further discussion might be unpleasant, so she steered away from the topic.

Zane’s earlier words left Erin feeling unsettled.

He said he and Zoe weren’t in a relationship. What does that mean?

She dared not think, afraid it was just wishful thinking.

Maybe they just had an argument and would soon reconcile, or perhaps he was just making excuses not to marry quickly. After all, they’ve been together countless times, and Ronan had said they lived together, never once denying Zoe was his girlfriend.

The meal went quite smoothly, not awkward, thanks to Mrs. Rhodes being there.

After the meal, when Zane went to pay, Mrs. Rhodes stood up, specifically asking Erin to accompany her to the restroom.

"Rona, you remember me, don’t you?" Mrs. Rhodes asked on the way to the restroom.

Erin pressed her lips together and nodded, "I remember."

"I won’t interfere with your young people’s choices. I’ve always thought you were a good girl, whether past or present, whether you’re with either of them."

Erin, feeling a bit guilty, lowered her head, wanting to explain but unsure where to start, fearing making matters worse, so she said nothing.

"The two brothers, they might look alike, but they’re very different otherwise. The older one is quite wooden, doesn’t talk much, you’ve known that, he’s not good with words, can’t sweet talk you. The younger one has a sweet mouth, always saying the right things."

Erin was puzzled, not sure what Mrs. Rhodes meant by all these comments.