CHAPTER 215: CHAPTER 215: GOOD INTENTIONS, BAD RESULTS

Rosalie angrily bit into an apple, feeling upset about the day’s events, but couldn’t discuss them here.

Fortunately, setting up the hotpot wasn’t complicated, and soon it was served on the table.

They had just finished all the preparations when Austin and Irene arrived fashionably late.

Everyone threw gossip-filled glances at their tightly held hands.

Only Seraphina remained unfazed, as she had long known the two had an affair; it was only a matter of time before they got together, though she hadn’t expected it to happen so quickly.

Rosalie was just about to pick up a bowl and eat when she saw the scene, her gossip-loving spirit igniting instantly: "What’s going on? What’s the deal, Austin? You silently got Miss Rowe? You’ve got some skills!"

Quentin gave a thumbs-up to Austin: "Worthy of being my sister-in-law’s godson, impressive! Even managing to land Vice President Rowe, now that’s truly commendable."

When it came to a businesswoman like Irene, beautiful, capable, mature, and charming, the fact that she would fancy a naive boy like Austin was something Quentin had never expected.

The others didn’t say much, but all carried traces of curiosity.

Desmond, however, showed no interest at all; his eyes seemed fixated solely on Seraphina, without sparing even a glance at anyone else.

"Well done, Austin, getting my Irene so quickly? I thought you’d have to chase her for three to five years, but how long has it really been?" Seraphina pretended to seriously count on her fingers.

Irene felt embarrassed and stomped her foot shyly: "BOSS!!!"

Seraphina disapprovingly looked at her: "At your age, why act shy? What’s there to be embarrassed about in dating? My Austin is a good boy; if you dare to bully him, don’t blame me for turning against you."

"Shouldn’t you be saying that to Austin? I’m the girl here!" Irene incredulously looked at Seraphina, bewildered that she was the one being threatened.

"It’s the same for both of you; if Austin dares to bully you, I won’t spare him either." Seraphina waved her hand, advising Irene not to dwell on these details.

Irene resigned herself with a sigh.

She thought Seraphina had a point—as far as others were concerned, she appeared to be the stronger side; Austin was seen as a freshly matured boy, and if anyone were to be the heartbreaker, it would logically be her.

Seeing the two still standing around, Seraphina quickly urged them to sit: "Stop standing, take a seat."

Everyone settled in when the doorbell rang again. Quentin stood up from his seat outside: "I’ll get the door."

Quentin paused when he saw Marcus standing there: "How dare you come here, aren’t you afraid Master Fairchild will kill you?"

The incident hadn’t even blown over for two days yet; was this guy on a death wish to show up here?

"Sister-in-law asked me to come, why shouldn’t I?" Marcus naturally smirked and pushed past Quentin to enter.

Upon seeing Marcus, everyone’s expressions subtly shifted.

Everyone had seen yesterday’s news, with media alleging Marcus was Seraphina’s new flame, both chatting and laughing while mall-shopping—images still lingering in their minds.

Although everyone recognized it as nonsense, Desmond was hardly a man known for his tolerance.

Even if he knew it was all a misunderstanding, Marcus was likely still unwelcome. Yet Marcus seemed fearless about stirring things up at such a tense moment.

"Sorry for being late," Marcus held a bunch of gifts, smiling calmly as he introduced himself, "I’m Marcus Vance, a friend of Master Fairchild, please take care of me."

No one responded to him, but Seraphina stood up proactively: "Coming is enough, why bring so many things? We were just missing you, hurry and take a seat."

She had also called Felix, but he was on a business trip so couldn’t make it to Bayside City.

Sitting at Seraphina’s right-hand side, Rosalie leaned in after Seraphina sat down, whispering: "Miss Sinclair, are you out of your mind? Did you forget the news about you two? Aren’t you afraid President Fairchild will get jealous?"

"Innocence will speak for itself; I’ve explained to Desmond clearly that there’s nothing between me and Marcus." Seraphina seemed unbothered.

"It’s not just your explanation, sister; we all believe there’s nothing between you two. But men can be irrational; even with no real connection, I think President Fairchild would still be jealous." Rosalie thought she understood Desmond quite well.

This man was so possessive, even when she stuck closely to Seraphina, he would get jealous.

Hence Marcus showing up now seemed untimely, leaving Rosalie puzzled about Seraphina’s thoughts.

Of course, Seraphina understood; she sighed: "I know, but this matter has to be resolved eventually, or it’ll become a sore spot for him. Besides, they’re good brothers, and will have to meet again; I can’t make them break ties because of me, right?"

"That sounds logical, but look at the atmosphere—you don’t think it’s awkward?" Rosalie nearly rolled her eyes to the ceiling.

She didn’t know what to say to Seraphina; she felt Seraphina had the right idea, but used the wrong method. If the issue needed resolving, it would be between the brothers privately; her interference might make Desmond think she had an interest in Marcus.

In reality? She had absolutely no thoughts about Marcus.

Was she just causing herself more trouble?

While Rosalie thought about this, she glanced at Desmond, only to find his expression unchanged.

Could it be she was wrong?

Indeed, Desmond’s expression hadn’t changed; his demeanor was as impassive as usual.

Everyone was used to his cold face, unable to distinguish any difference from usual, assuming he was just being himself.

Only those sitting next to him, Seraphina and Jude, could feel the chill radiating from him.

Seraphina inwardly thought this wasn’t good, she might have messed up with good intentions.

Just as she was about to speak, Desmond unexpectedly opened his mouth, albeit with a cold, fake smile directed at Marcus: "Since you’re late, do I need to remind you what to do?"

Marcus, understanding, stood up straight away, filled a glass to the brim with wine, smiling apologetically to everyone present: "Indeed, I was late today, disrupting everyone’s dinner; I’ll penalize myself with three glasses first."

The wine was top-notch, quite strong; taking slow sips was fine, but gulping down three glasses consecutively would definitely pack a punch.

Several women couldn’t help casting sympathetic glances at Marcus; truly, a man’s pettiness could be even more ruthless than women’s.

Watching Marcus down those three glasses with no expression change, everyone relaxed.

Thinking that was the end, yet no one expected it to merely be the start. Only Quentin threw a sympathetic glance at Marcus, yet couldn’t dare help him fend off the drinking, lest he be the one getting drunk instead.