CHAPTER 273: CHAPTER 273: FRIENDS’ GATHERING

"I have a friend gathering tomorrow night. Want to come with me?" Landon Sutton said to Shannon Quinn as they were about to sleep.

Since reuniting, neither of them had attended a private gathering, so Shannon Quinn couldn’t help but ask, "What friends are these?"

"They are old friends of mine. We talked about getting together when we heard about the wedding and finally settled on this weekend when everyone was free."

"Is it alright for me to go to your friends’ gathering?"

"I just want them to meet you."

Despite what she said, Shannon Quinn secretly hoped Landon Sutton would introduce her to his friends. Initially, she thought Landon Sutton was just asking out of courtesy, and she was even considering giving him some personal space to hang out with his friends.

Hearing his words, Shannon Quinn agreed readily.

Leo was left with his great-grandfather again. He was already used to spending weekends there.

Having successfully diverted the child’s attention, Shannon Quinn went with Landon Sutton to the gathering venue.

Initially, she thought it would be at a bar or KTV, but the car drove to the suburbs, where there were luxurious villas, an outdoor pool, and a parking lot filled with luxury cars.

Shannon Quinn, fearing she might get bored, invited Skylar Vance and Erin Bishop. Erin had offered to come, hoping to have a chance encounter with a suitable man, but didn’t expect Zane Rhodes to also be there.

After making a round of greetings with Landon Sutton and his friends, Shannon Quinn found Erin Bishop and Skylar Vance.

As soon as she approached, she teased Erin Bishop, "Is it because your first love is here that no other man can catch your eye?"

Erin Bishop scoffed, "I see a pretty good guy over there. He seems to have a nice body."

Shannon Quinn turned to follow Erin Bishop’s gaze to where Landon Sutton was with Shawn Pierce and another slightly shorter, thinner man. Naturally, she ruled out Landon Sutton, so the one with the nice body must be Shawn Pierce.

"He’s a fitness coach. I’ve dealt with him a few times, and he’s quite nice," Shannon Quinn promoted Shawn Pierce, thinking they would make a good match.

Erin Bishop asked in surprise, "You know him?"

"He’s an old friend of Landon’s. I’ve met him a few times. Want his contact info? I have it."

Erin Bishop played coy, flicking her hair, "What girl would take the initiative to ask for a guy’s contact info? I’ll just go and meet him."

Shannon Quinn commented, "Oh, not initiating would mean using WeChat, but you directly go for a flirt."

Erin Bishop giggled, walked over in her high heels without a trace of shyness. After all, she’s a seasoned player in love and isn’t fazed by such situations.

They saw her seamlessly grab two glasses of champagne from a table and strike up a conversation as the other two walked away.

Skylar Vance and Shannon Quinn sat there, smiling and watching how things unfolded.

"I really like Rona’s personality. If it were me, I definitely wouldn’t dare."

Shannon Quinn chuckled, "I wouldn’t either. She’s always been like this, seeming carefree and very straightforward."

"She once talked to me about her past, and I felt it was quite similar to mine. To be together that long and end up with nothing, it feels quite regrettable."

Knowing Skylar Vance was recalling those sad memories, Shannon Quinn cheerfully changed the subject, "Want something to eat? I’ll get us some snacks."

On the other side, Zane Rhodes sat on the couch talking to another man, but his eyes frequently glanced toward Erin Bishop, always watching her but never choosing to approach.

"Bro, did you see that?" Ronan Rhodes came over with a glass of wine, sat on the armrest of the couch, and hooked his arm around Zane’s shoulder to ask.

Zane Rhodes sat upright, unmoved, "See what?"

Ronan pointed toward Erin Bishop’s direction, "She’s here too. I saw her chatting and laughing with Mr. Pierce for quite a while. Do you think there’s something going on?"

Zane just glanced over and looked away, coldly saying, "Mind your own business."

Ronan sighed, "You’re all alone now, even pushed Zoe away. What are you thinking? Do you plan to live with me forever?"

"Take care of yourself. You’re always messing around, and now you want to meddle in my affairs."

"Stop pretending, bro. I saw her picture in your drawer the other day. If you like her, just go for it. Don’t wait until she marries someone else, and then you get drunk and call me in the middle of the night to drag you out of the bar. Aren’t you tired of that?"

Zane said nothing and got up, using the restroom as an excuse to leave.

He had given up on her so many years ago. What right did he have to return to her side?

A little girl, about two years old, caught Shannon Quinn’s attention. Most attendees were either single or didn’t bring their families, so the little girl stood out.

Landon Sutton often talked about wanting to have a daughter. Shannon Quinn, feeling that Leo wasn’t very close to her, also wanted a daughter to nurture a bond and avoid getting sidelined by father and son.

At first, Shannon Quinn was curious about whose daughter the little girl was. She wanted to get the parents’ permission to hold her, so she watched carefully and saw Caleb Grant approach, bend down, and pick the little girl up.

The girl wrapped her arms around his neck, mumbling something. Caleb Grant just nodded and walked toward where Shannon Quinn and others were at the food area.

Just then, Landon Sutton walked over, and Shannon Quinn curiously asked, "Is that your friend who owns the bar?"

Landon Sutton glanced in the direction Shannon Quinn pointed to, nodded, and said, "Yes."

"Is he married?"

"Why do you care?"

"I’m just curious."

"No one knows how the kid came about. According to Ronan, one day he just showed up with the child and has kept her around ever since."

Shannon Quinn "Ohhh"-ed, not prying into his private matters, and said with a smile, "I think his daughter is adorable. We could help take care of her so you guys can relax and have fun, right?"

Landon Sutton took the chance to say, "If you like kids so much, why not have one yourself?"

"It’s not just up to me, you know."

Landon Sutton furrowed his brow, "What do you mean? Are you saying I’m not trying?"

"No, no, you go on."

Landon Sutton gave her an annoyed look and walked directly toward Caleb Grant, then Caleb just glanced over at her direction, and Landon Sutton extended his hands and took the little girl.

The girl wasn’t shy and sat obediently in Landon’s arms with a small snack, looking absolutely adorable.

"Her name is Peach. Take good care of her. We’ll go have a drink."

Shannon Quinn smiled, holding the little girl in her arms and reminded Landon, "Drink less."

"I know what I’m doing. Enjoy your food and watch the kid."