Chapter 489
Ian finally got it. The uneasiness he’d felt since meeting Samuel.
It was jealousy.
Hearing the guys vividly describe their experiences in bed with women,n felt the air in the room
became stifling.
Tyler noticedn’s offbeat mood tonight and gently nudged his shoulder.
“Maybe we should bounce?”
Tyler was used to their unfiltered banter. They were all part of this circle, usually acting all prim and
proper and talking about stocks and business. But once they let their guards down, the conversation
became pretty raunchy.
It wasn’t a dig at anyone. It had nothing to do with background or education. It was just human nature.
But when Tyler suggested this ton,n just sat there, not budging.
Tyler was puzzled and about to ask him what was up when the door to the booth opened and Maja
walked in, sketchpad in hand.
Seeing her, Samuel jumped up immediately and said, “Penny.”
He called out and quickly walked towards her.
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“You’re here. Hope it’s not too noisy for you?”
Maja shook her head, her sharp gaze falling onn not far off, instantly understanding Samuel’s
intention..
“Not noisy. I told you, you pick the ce.”
Samuel loved Maja’s take–it–or–leave–it attitude. He had prepared a seat for her and cleared some
space.
“No need to go all out; a sketch will do.”
O
For someone of Maja’s caliber, sketching was basic. Even if she was really focused, she could finish in
about an hour. Samuel was just trying to make things easier for her, in case she wasn’t digging the
vibe here.
Maja breathed a sigh of relief and smiled at him.
“Thank you.”
Maja didn’t go over to greetn. She just sat down and started to draw in earnest.
There was a brief silence, then the guys started to rib Samuel.
“Mr. Brown, is this some new form of entertainment?”
Samuel waved them off, not wanting them to tease Maja with their crude jokes.
“She’s Herbert’s protégé. You guys better watch your mouths.”
Hearing she was Herbert’s protégé, the jokers instantly zipped it, unable to resist asking, “Isn’t she Mr.
Raymond’s designer?”
Samuel smirked proudly, saying, “Designing is just a side gig for her. Once she finished her project,
she quit. So, I’m letting her practice here first. Even in this rowdy environment, she brings calm. Truly a
star pupil of Master Herbert.
Samuel winked at Maja as heplimented her.
Maja smiled back at him, then quietly focused on her sketchpad, ignoring everyone else.
Everyone pretty much got Samuel’s game. He wasn’t testing Maja’s drawing skills; he was subtly
pursuing her.
By introducing Maja to this circle and letting everyone know she’s Herbert’s protégé, if anyone wanted
a painting in the future, she’d be the first one they’d
think of.
Somepliments were thrown around, and then everyone went back to their drinks, but this time
there were no more crude jokes about women.
Jan watched Maja intently, noting how she’d been talking to Samuel ever since she walked in and how
they wereughing and looking at each other.
Hé felt a surge of anger rushing from his feet up to his chest.
But he didn’t say anything; he just quietly gripped his drink.
Tyler, next to him, got it.n was still here because he knew Penny wasing.
“Itold you before, a girl who’s willing to have an affair with you might also have things going on with
other guys. Irresponsible men and women are the same, always chasing something new.”
What he meant was that maybe fan wasn’t tired of her yet, but she got bored of him first, and now she
was looking for someone else.
“Do you think I really care about her?”
He refilled his drink, but his voice was firm.
Tyler smirked. He hadn’t realizedn was such a tough guy.
“If you don’t care, why are you getting pissed at me?”
“I’m not.”n downed another drink. “I’m just messing around with her.”