Chapter 997 Not My Place to Meddle

Astoria broke the silence, perhaps to ease the awkwardness. "Ms. Scott, the pasta is delicious." I offered her a smile. "Help yourself to more," I said, and then we lapsed back into silence. She nodded and added, "There's this great pasta place by Sunrise Gateway. Their bolognese is amazing. I used to go there all the time. We should check it out together sometime." "Sounds good," I responded, my tone neutral. At a loss for words, she glanced at Lucas, who was focused on his meal. She bit her lip and returned to her food in silence. Dinner was over in minutes. The silence was so profound one could have heard a pin drop. Astoria wolfed down her food and was done in no time. She laid her fork to rest and announced, "Ms. Scott, sir, please enjoy your meal. I'm finished and will go straight to my room." I nodded while Lucas just hummed in acknowledgment. With Astoria's departure, the mood at the table grew heavier. I kept eating, my face a mask of indifference. I was not in the m