Chapter 170
Myra’s heart fluttered. Tony’s smile held too many emotions, leaving her confused. What did he mean by that? Was he upset because she had tried to draw a line between them in front of Kris?
As she placed the first draft on the coffee table in front of Tony, she tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear and asked, “How about a cup of black coffee?”
From the time they had spent together, Myra knew that when he was working, Tony had the habit of drinking black coffee.
Tony met her gaze, and a fleeting tenderness appeared in his sharp eyes. However, it quickly shifted to irritation. He placed the cigarette back between his lips, turned his attention to the drawings on the table, and replied curtly, “Sure.”
His cold response stunned Myra, but Kris seemed to find it amusing. “Sis, please hurry and bring a cup of black coffee. Don’t keep our distinguished guest waiting too long.”
Her words were laced with mockery, her icy stare directed at Myra.
Myra’s heart tightened, but she turned and walked out of the office. Before leaving, she overheard Kris’ voice, deliberately softened to sound overly sweet. “Director Hart, I’m quite flattered that you came to the Stark Group to find me in person today. As for the Elsinore Garden Project…”
Myra didn’t stay long enough to hear more.
She quickly returned with the black coffee, noticing the change in the office atmosphere. Tony was still smoking, his focus on the design draft, while Kris smiled brightly, seemingly glowing with satisfaction.
Myra placed the coffee next to Tony. Without looking up, he continued discussing the designs with Kris. Watching his indifferent profile, Myra’s chest tightened. She wanted to leave but couldn’t quite bring herself to. She hesitated, standing there for far longer than necessary.
Kris, who had been silently watching Myra, finally spoke up. “What are you doing standing there?” she asked, her tone sharp with mockery. “Miss Myra, you can leave now. I have some important things to discuss with Director Hart.”
Clenching her fists, Myra replied, “I just revised the first draft of the design yesterday. If there’s something you don’t understand, feel free to ask me.”
“If I don’t understand, I’ll ask you to come in and explain it.” Kris was well aware of Myra’s intentions. She gave Myra a knowing glance and then shifted her gaze back to Tony, a smile creeping across her face. “Miss Myra, I’m sure by now your new boyfriend has already sent you flowers and chocolates again, right? No need to stay here entertaining us. I’ll handle the design draft with Director Hart.”
At the mention of “new boyfriend,” Myra instinctively glanced at Tony. To her dismay, he didn’t spare her even a glance. He was completely absorbed in the draft, as though Kris’ comment had nothing to do with him.
The two had reconciled last night, so why had their relationship reverted to its previous state so quickly? Did she do something wrong last night?
She tried to recall the events from the night before. After the emotional exhaustion, she had fallen asleep right away. But then she remembered the dream she’d had. Had she said something while sleeping that made Tony upset? Could it have been something about… that man?
Her thoughts were interrupted by Kris, who had already moved on from the conversation. Kris’ voice grew even sweeter. “Director Hart, this is the Stark Group’s vision for the Elsinore Garden Project. Of course, if you have any suggestions, please feel free to share them. The Stark Group will ensure it’s completed perfectly to meet the Hart Group’s requirements.”
Tony, now more distant than ever, barely acknowledged her words. He nodded curtly, stood up, and glanced at the watch on his wrist. “I believe I’ve gained enough understanding of the design draft. I should be going.”
Kris, clearly disappointed, rushed to follow him. As she walked behind him, she noticed just how tall and imposing Tony was. His presence was magnetic, almost overwhelming. Despite her admiration, she couldn’t help but feel a sense of frustration. She knew her father valued Tony, but at this moment, she couldn’t help but think of Myra.
“Director Hart,” Kris suddenly said, “it’s almost time for lunch. If you don’t have any other plans, how about joining me for a meal at the Ritz Carlton? The Stark Group would be honored to treat you.”
Kris had been sure that Tony would decline. After all, he wasn’t known for being easily invited out. It was already surprising that he had even come to the Stark Group in person.
But to her surprise, Tony gave a small nod. “Since you’re being so kind, Miss Kris, I’d be rude to decline.”
Myra, passing by the hallway on her way to the pantry, overheard Kris’ invitation. She cast an accidental glance at Tony, unsure of what to make of the situation.
It seemed that despite the tension between them, Kris and Tony were still continuing their professional exchange. Myra couldn’t shake the feeling that things weren’t as they seemed.