Chapter 59
He practically insulted Jameson to his face by challenging his integrity as a man.
Under the table, I tightened my grip on the napkin instinctively.
For a split second, I feared that Jameson might lash out and flip the table. My mind went blank and I instinctively reached to grab Tristan’s hand.
The moment my hands touched his, his fingers wrapped around mine firmly as if to reassure me that everything would be fine.
I instantly felt my stress melt away.
I lifted my gaze and saw Jameson’s expression darkened.
Moments later, he finally muttered, “You’re not aware of the full story, Mr. Zook.”
Tristan adjusted his glasses and replied, “I just returned to the country, so there are many things I’m not fully aware of. I won’t make rash judgments.”
He shifted his gaze toward me. “What I do know is that I won’t let her get hurt again.”
He then turned back to Jameson and added, “Do you think you can do that, Mr. Brown?”
The anger in Jameson’s eyes was instantly replaced with disbelief.
I couldn’t help but look at Tristan. He sat comfortably in his chair and was casually swirling his wine glass. His expression remained indifferent..
Yet, there was an aggressiveness in him that I had never noticed before.
Was he threatening Jameson?
I wasn’t sure if my guess was correct. However, I noticed that Jameson’s expression had turned serious and even Xandra had dropped her innocent act.
The dishes were served one after another. Suddenly, Xandra slid a mousse dessert toward me.
“Ms. Lambert, this dessert tastes delicious. I’m sure you’ll like it!”
I glanced at the fruit–topped mousse and coldly pushed it back to her. “No, thanks.”
“Ms. Lambert, don’t be shy. I ordered an extra portion especially for you. I know that there are some misunderstandings between us, but that’s alright. I’m sure we can clear them up,” Xandra insisted.
She pushed the mousse toward me once again.
“I said I don’t want
“I retorted.
Unable to suppress his anger any longer, Jameson snapped, “Wynonna, what’s your problem?”
I shot him a quick look.
“It’s just a mousse dessert. So tell me, Mr. Brown, what is my problem?” I drew out my words.
Jameson’s expression was filled with displeasure. “You’re not eating it because Xandra offered it to you, aren’t you? You’re deliberately trying to embarrass her.”
I sneered. “Do you really think I’m that petty?”
Jameson remained silent. Nevertheless, his silence spoke volumes.
Xandra put on her innocent act once again. “Ms. Lambert, I really don’t have any bad intentions…”
I ignored her and turned toward Jameson. “I could end up in the hospital if I ate that. Didn’t you know?”
Jameson’s expression darkened. “Wynonna, are you suggesting that Xandra is trying to poison you?”
I lowered my gaze. “I’m allergic to nuts! Oh, right. you didn’t know that, did you?” I asked sarcastically.
“Five years of marriage and you don’t know what I like to eat nor that I’m allergic to nuts. So why are you still insisting on holding on to this marriage?”
An unsettling tension lingered in the air.
Jameson stared fixedly at the crushed nuts on top of the mouse. His expression darkened.
“I didn’t know…” he mumbled.
At this point, I had completely lost my appetite. I forcefully set down my knife and fork.
Tristan suddenly got up, walked toward the restaurant manager, and whispered something to him.
Then, the restaurant manager approached Jameson and said politely, “Mr. Brown, I’m terribly sorry. We’ll be closing at 9:30 pm tonight. There’s about half an hour left… Shall I go ahead and cancel the rest of your order?”
Before Jameson could react, Xandra interjected, “This place is usually open till midnight!” Her voice was laced with displeasure.
The restaurant manager maintained his polite smile and explained, “Unfortunately, we’re closed tonight for a private event. I do apologize for the inconvenience.”
Despite his repeated apologies, it was clear that there was no room for negotiation.