Chapter 50 Since Meeting Clara, When Has He Ever Been Normal?
Imperial Hotel, rooftop terrace.
Mason Reed reclined on a large lounger. Today was not a good day; the distant sea was shrouded in heavy fog, as thick as the knot in his heart that he couldn't untangle.
"You're not interested in Third Master?"
"If he took a liking to you, wouldn't that be a step up!"
...
Mason tightened his grip on the wine glass, his knuckles turning white.
He had meant it as a joke, but he hadn't expected the little woman to react so strongly.
For the past few days, not only had she not let him into the bedroom, but she had also treated him with cold, polite distance.
She still cooked and cleaned the house, but there was an icy formality between them.
The atmosphere was suffocating Mason, who was usually calm and composed.
If he could turn back time, he would strangle the careless version of himself!
A helicopter slowly descended onto the nearby helipad, its rotor blades stirring up a gust of wind that tousled Mason's hair and lifted the corner of his shirt.
Jasper stepped off the helicopter, excited to see Mason on the terrace, and ran over to him.
But as he got closer, he noticed that something was off about the big boss.
The white truffles and caviar that Jasper had specially ordered for the hotel, Mason hadn't touched at all.
Jasper had learned his lesson and quietly sat in the chair opposite Mason, saying nothing, his eyes darting to Chase Ye, hoping for some hint or clue.
But Chase couldn't fathom Mason's thoughts either, so he quietly sipped his coffee and looked over his documents.
Finally, unable to bear the oppressive, eerie atmosphere, Jasper forced a laugh and tried to make conversation.
"Uh, Third Brother... Clara's sales proposal was reviewed by several of my directors, and they were all praising it, saying it was very professional.
Ha, they even said the person who made it is a talent and they want to poach her to our company! "
He had thought that mentioning this would cheer Mason up.
But Mason's expression darkened even further, and he shot Jasper a chilling glare.
Jasper's heart raced.
"Uh... my assistants also said that we can talk about this collaboration. Rainbow Trade has been trying to schedule a meeting with me these days. Third Brother, what do you think, should I go or not?"
Mason coldly retorted, "It's your family's business. Why are you asking me?"
Jasper was confused again.
Mason asked, "Did you arrange for Clara to be at the banquet at Sterling Manor?"
"Yeah," Jasper paused. "Wasn't that what you wanted? Don't let her get tangled up with the Bennett Family at the entrance. Let her come in, eat well, drink well, and rest well, as long as she doesn't see you. So, I had her taken to a room..."
Mason angrily said, "You got her in there, but couldn't you have sent a stylist to help her get ready and attend the ball?"
"But that would have exposed your identity!"
"She's going to find out sooner or later! What difference does it make if she knows earlier or later!"
Jasper licked his lips, looking puzzled.
That wasn't what Mason had said before! Why the sudden change of heart?
"Can't even handle a simple task! You're really useless!" Mason suddenly stood up, glared at him, and strode away.
Jasper remained stunned for a long time, watching Mason's figure disappear from view before turning to Chase, who looked equally baffled.
"What's his deal? Is he having another hormonal imbalance?"
Chase smirked and said nothing.
"Old Chase, is he really going crazy?" Jasper shrugged helplessly. "He's been so unpredictable and erratic lately!"
Chase looked at him with a meaningful gaze. "Since he met Clara, when has he ever been normal?"
...
Clara Bennett spent the entire day staring blankly at her computer, not touching the sales report at all.
Even when Anna called out to her, it took her a while to snap back to reality.
"What's wrong with you?" Anna asked as she packed her bag, looking at her. "It's time to go home, and you're still sitting here!"
Clara looked dazed and suddenly looked up to see that the office was indeed empty, with only her and Anna left.
And Anna was shutting down her computer, ready to leave.
"Clara, I've noticed you've been off these past few days," she said with concern. "Did something happen? Did you have a fight with your husband?"
"No," Clara forced a smile. "Just a small misunderstanding."
"If it's just a small misunderstanding, just clear it up!" Anna laughed. "My mom always says that couples who bicker and make up often have stronger relationships. Newlyweds should argue at the head of the bed and make up at the foot!"
Clara paused, feeling a bit embarrassed, and laughed helplessly.
Since they got married, she was still a virgin. There was no head or foot of the bed to argue and make up at...
Thinking about it, her brows furrowed.
Maybe Mason said those things that day because of this? They'd been married for so long, and he hadn't touched her. Any normal man would find that hard to bear.
So, he might have started doubting her, bringing up Third Master and talking about climbing the social ladder.
Clara bit her lip lightly, feeling a pang of guilt that washed away the disappointment and resentment she had felt over the past few days.
She had her share of the blame too, not fulfilling her duties as a wife.
Maybe tonight...
Her face flushed, her heart racing. Just as she was about to leave work, she saw Jason Ford approaching her.
"Clara, stay for a moment!"