Female Novel
Chapter 2179
Sylvia didn't hesitate, she sat down with an air of comfortable grace.
Eugene smoothly took the seat to Sylvia's left, his protective stance quite evident.
Dannis gave a sheepish smile, picked up his plate, and scooted back two seats to let Leonard jointhem. He took the opportunity to introduce himself and his comrades-in-arms to Sylvia and hercompanions.
As Dannis introduced each person, Sylvia smiled and nodded in acknowledgment. However, whenit came to Gabriel, Sylvia rose to her feet, her voice carrying a blend of elegance and respect, "Mr.Carnes, a pleasure to meet you!"
Gabriel gave a slight nod in return.
Dannis and the others looked at Gabriel in astonishment. Could it be that some people justcommand a presence? Sylvia, ever the diplomat, had singled out Gabriel with a standing greeting.
The waiter came over to pour the wine, and Eugene leaned in to whisper to Leonard, "Why didn'tyou give me a heads-up that we were meeting a baron?"novelbin
Had he known they were meeting a baron, he would never have brought Sylvia along.
Leonard replied with a light chuckle, "Eugene, Ms. Jarvis is in business. Can she really afford to turndown clients? Unless you're planning to marry her and keep her at home, how are you going to stopher from mingling with other men? If not Mr. Barlow, it will be someone else. Can you really preventit?"
Eugene shot him a frosty glance, "I might not be able to stop her, but I won't be the one to push herinto the fire. Leonard, and to think I've always considered you a friend!"
Leonard quickly retorted, "Eugene, Mr. Barlow is genuinely looking to collaborate with a PR firm.You're reading too much into it!"
Eugene scoffed, "Am I? Maybe I should think a bit more about what benefits he has promised you!"
Before Leonard could defend himself, Baron suddenly stood up, raising his glass towards Shirleyand the others, "I'm terribly sorry for imposing on your reunion by adding a few extra guests. It's justthat I've been swamped with work and couldn't split myself in two. Let's not discuss business today;instead, let's celebrate our camaraderie. Ms. Jarvis and the other two friends, consider this anopportunity to meet everyone. I propose a toast to new acquaintances!"
Dannis immediately stood up in agreement, "We understand. You're so busy and yet you've treatedus to a meal—we're flattered! Making new friends is always a pleasure. I'll drink to that first!"
The others also stood up, whether reluctantly or not, offering the due courtesy.
Amidst the standing crowd, only Gabriel and Sylvia remained seated, conspicuously so.
Baron didn't mind Sylvia's sitting, but he shot an unsatisfied glance at Gabriel.
Dannis said, "Gabriel, Baron is toasting. Let's give him some respect, eh?"
Before Gabriel could respond, Sylvia interjected with a light laugh, "I apologize, I have a bit of a legdiscomfort and must remain seated for the toast. Thank you, Mr. Carnes, for joining me!"
Gabriel looked up at her, his eyes unfathomable, "Of course, you're welcome."
With Sylvia's intervention, no one else could say much more, so they drank and sat down.
Eugene felt a pang of irritation—why had he stood up in the first place?
As soon as Baron sat down, he turned to face Sylvia, his arm adorned with a diamond-studdedwatch resting on the table, and smiled, "I hear Ms. Jarvis isn't originally from J City. It must havebeen quite the struggle to make it on your own here, hasn't it?"
Sylvia smiled, "Yes, it's been a few years, but thankfully, with everyone's support, my company isdoing well."
A beauty's smile can enchant an entire city, and Baron, observing Sylvia up close, found himselfincreasingly captivated by her, his gaze growing more infatuated, "We should have met sooner.With me in J City, I'm sure I could make things go smoothly for Ms. Jarvis."
Sylvia's smile remained gentle, "Indeed, I've long heard of Mr. Barlow's renown."