Chapter 1909 Keep An Eye Out
“Nonsense! A wedding remains your top priority no matter what other obligations you have!” “Precisely because it’s a top priority is why we must take our time,” Maya responded firmly.
Rodney gazed at her, speechless with surprise. Why is she placing Wilbur on probation? Is the boy failing to satisfy his woman? There is no time to waste in securing our alliance with the Seet family!
“We know what to do, Dad,” said Wilbur quietly, leaving no room for negotiation. “You will be the first to know when we set the date.”
Rodney was not appeased to hear that. However, a hint of delight flashed across Janice’s eyes. Excellent! Don’t set the date! Plenty of time for another woman to swoop in and snatch Wilbur up!
“Maya is right,” she chimed in. “A wedding is no laughing matter. Their engagement counts as a period of time when they—”
Catching Rodney’s furious glare from across the table, Janice stopped talking abruptly as she did not want to offend Rodney, whose approval she sought to solidify her position within the Simpson family.
Without another word, she kept her gaze on her plate meekly. Maya was still disturbed to be addressed that way.
After dinner, Wilbur took Maya up to his study to discuss the matters within the company. After taking their seats, Wilbur glanced at the door before speaking. “Janice is awfully nice to you all of a sudden. I want you to be cautious around that woman. There must be a reason behind her friendliness.”
“I thought so too,” Maya agreed. “She was always fond of you, wasn’t she? So much so that she thinks of me as a threat. Today was the first time we sat down for a meal together without her hurling insults at me. Why is she being so nice?”
“To make you drop your guard, that’s why.” “I understand, Wilbur. I’ll keep an eye out for my safety.”
At that very moment, Janice, who had concocted an excuse to visit the study by offering to bring a tray of tea up to them overheard their conversation. Maya’s defensiveness will lead to a big problem. I need to gain her trust.
With the tray still in her hands, Janice fell silent outside the study as she mulled the problem over. Any sacrifice I make to be with Wilbur will be worth it.
Upon making up her mind, she strode into the study and placed the tray on the desk. “Maya, I’ve brought you some tea. I can see that you’re busy. Please, carry on.” With one last smile at Maya, Janice departed the room without another word.
“She came up all the way here to bring us tea?” Maya’s brows were knitted with confusion. Wilbur gazed thoughtfully at the intricate design of the porcelain. “What else were you expecting her to do?”
“I thought she would have headed straight to you and made small talk like she usually would. It’s not like her to leave without putting up a fight.”
“Hence why I think she’s acting abnormally. Everything she does at this point is a surprise, being so far out of her usual character. You need to be on your toes all the time around her.”
Maya nodded. “I understand.”
After several more words were exchanged regarding the business in the studio, Wilbur sent Maya back to Imperial Garden. Nicole finished filming her scenes very early the following evening.
As there was nothing left for her to do in the studio, she opted to stay and watch Joy and Zayden’s scene, which was scheduled for that same night, instead of heading home.
She glanced at her watch while awaiting their arrival. The children should have gotten off school by now. They will be here any minute.
Sure enough, she heard Joy’s voice calling out to her ten minutes later. Nicole gazed up and saw two tiny figures bounding excitedly toward her. Following in their wake was Evan.
Nicole and Evan had heard the night before that Joy and Zayden were going to begin shooting their scenes. Evan had been giving words of encouragement to his daughter and constantly reassuring her that she would do a good job. He had even kept his promise of watching her by showing up on time.
“Joy, Zayden, go get your makeup and costumes done. You’re due in half an hour!” “All right!”
“I can’t wait to begin filming!” The two children bounded excitedly after the makeup artist.
