Chapter 13: Are You Even Jealous of Men?

Eliana blinked at him, warning him not to speak out of turn, or else her efforts tonight would be in vain. Behind her, Pumphrey's voice suddenly sounded apologetic, "Yes, I think I've had enough to drink too. Let's settle this matter." He picked up the pen, swiftly signed the contract, and then handed it to Eliana. "Eliana, the contract is signed. Nice work with you!" Eliana looked at the signed contract, her eyes widening. Did Pumphrey really sign just because of a casual remark from Chase? "Today was fun, but I should head out now. We can catch up on all the cool stuff me and your dad saw on those business trips some other time." Colin got up to see Pumphrey off, while Chase helped Eliana pack up the contract on the table and put it into her briefcase. "Can we leave now?" "Why did I get this weird vibe from Pumphrey when he looked at you?" It was just odd how there was a touch of fear in his gaze toward Chase. Eliana looked at him with a puzzled expression, unable to understand why Chase would inspire fear in Pumphrey. Chase chuckled, raising his hand to lightly tap her forehead with his fingertips. "Are you even jealous of men?" Eliana didn't mean it that way at all. What was he thinking? "Jealous your ass." She grumbled and walked out the door. Outside, she saw Colin waiting for her. "Tonight wasn't in vain. You drank quite a bit. Let me make some sobering soup for you before we head back." "No need, you can go back. I'll cook for her." Chase handed the briefcase to Colin. Colin felt a bit uneasy. He was the one usually taking care of Lena. But Lena and Chase under the same roof? He felt concerned. "She's difficult to take care of when she's drunk. I'd rather go look after her. Would you mind driving?" Colin handed him the car keys, then sat with Eliana in the back seat before moving to the front passenger seat. Chase took the keys and went around to the driver's seat, driving back to the apartment. Colin turned on the music in the car and cranked up the air conditioning to the maximum. Then he turned to look at Eliana lying down. "Pumphrey can really hold his liquor. He almost got you drunk." "These kinds of people just like to take advantage of dinners and women. Spending a little money on dinner can get things done." Eliana said before closing her eyes to rest. Colin shifted his gaze to Chase. "Do you have anyone at home?" Chase didn't like others prying into his personal life, but he could tell Colin was being cautious. "My parents are divorced. I was raised by my grandfather, and I have a younger brother and sister. They're all in Boston." "How many girlfriends have you had? Do you have someone special here? Now that you and Lena are married, I need to understand your situation clearly, or else it'll be troublesome if anything comes to light in the future." "I've never had a real girlfriend." Eliana heard his words and couldn't help but scoff inwardly. Did he have to be so hypocritical? Even if he said it, she wouldn't mind. Colin was taken aback. This man, whom even he recognized as handsome, had never had a girlfriend? He cleared his throat. "Do you guys practicing martial arts also practice abstinence?" Chase frowned at him and continued driving. Colin felt even more worried. Could he have encountered a playboy who didn't settle down with anyone? He became even more anxious. "So you don't have a fixed partner? Listen, Lena is not just any woman." Did he look like someone who was promiscuous? Chase patiently replied, "I'm not seeing anyone now. You can rest assured." Colin still found him unreliable and suggested, "I'll rent another apartment for you next to Lena's. It's not very appropriate for you two to live together." Chase gave a cold smile. "Sure, since my family won't unexpectedly show up at your place, it's fine for you guys." Right. What if Camille and Vanessa unexpectedly showed up for an inspection? Living in separate places would take big risk. Eliana went to take a shower, Colin went to the kitchen to cook the sobering soup, and Chase went out to the balcony, closing the glass door behind him to make a phone call. After Eliana finished her shower and sat at the dining table, Colin served the sobering soup and then brought a hairdryer to blow-dry her hair. "Lena, did that guy do anything with you?" "Uncle Colin, what are you thinking? We sleep in separate rooms. Besides, do you think he would dare to make a move on me?" She had some 'good stuff' hidden in her bedside table. Colin worried, "I'm not worried about him, I'm worried about you. You're still a young woman, and you don't have any experience in love. He's handsome and fit, what if he tries to seduce you?" Eliana burst into laughter, "I have a heart of stone, his seduction wouldn't work on me." Colin wanted to say more but was urged by Eliana to leave quickly. Outside on the balcony, Chase lit a cigarette and listened to the plaintive voice coming from his phone, "We swore in Cambridge that we wouldn't get married until we were thirty. Now you're leaving me to get married. You've betrayed me!" "That's what you said, I never agreed to it." Chase snorted lightly, exhaling a puff of smoke. The light fell from above, hiding half of his face, making it like a movie scene. "You heartless man, you don't feel a shred of guilt. I'll fly over to LA to punish you betrayal!" The voice on the other end sounded mournful yet somewhat pleased. Chase sneered, “Don’t use me as excuse to escape the blind dates your mom set.” "Alright, don’t mention her. I’ve had enough headache. It's settled, I'll fly over to find you tomorrow." "Whatever. Just don't cause me trouble. Gotta go." The voice quickly stopped him, "Why are you in such a hurry? Aha, I know what’s in your mind. Can’t leave your beautiful wife alone in bed, right? I know exactly what kind of person you are." The voice continued to chatter, sharing experiences with him, but Chase furrowed his brow and cut off the foul language. Back in the living room, Colin's figure was nowhere to be seen, only Eliana sitting at the dining table in her pajamas, drinking something. The open door let in a gust of wind, which stirred her long hair, adding a touch of softness to her delicate cheeks. After finishing the soup, Eliana saw Chase walk in. They exchanged a glance, unsure of what to say, like two people living together for too long. After standing still for a few seconds, Chase went into the bathroom, while Eliana went upstairs. As soon as she lay down, her stomach began to rumble. She hadn't eaten much earlier, so now she felt hungry. She had intended to endure it and wait for the breakfast, but her stomach wouldn't agree, growling louder and louder. Eliana had no choice but to go downstairs and grab a bite, just to fill her stomach. As soon as she reached the first floor, she heard the sound of the door opening, followed by a waft of steam. Then came the sound of footsteps, and Chase walked out, water droplets still dripping from his body. With his long legs, taut muscles, and a scent of hormones emanating from him, especially his mature male 'signs' hidden in the grass, all flooded into Eliana's eyes. He actually walked out without wearing any clothes! And she saw everything! Eliana's face flushed red, and she covered her eyes, calling out, "Chase Wilkinson, what are you doing?!"