Mnie nced at the man who said that indifferently and replied nkly, “Considering your level


    of concern for LeapCo, you’re more likely to be believed to be the chief secretary.”


    Simon choked for a moment and was about to say something else when Stephen interjected, “Are we having a barbecue tonight?”


    Realizing that Stephen was trying to change the subject, Joshua quickly added, “Yes, the weather’s been nicetely. It’ll be fun to have a barbecue at night.“>


    The topic shifted, and Simon could no longer bring it back. He clicked his tongue, adjusted his cor, and then sat down on the nearby sofa.


    Mnie asionally added a few words to the conversation with Stephen. The discussion continued until another car pulled up outside, and Joshua smiled. “Eugene is finally here.”


    It was Joshua’s birthday, and Mnie knew that Eugene would definitelye. Vi followed Eugene out of the car. She had changed her clothes since the hospital visit and was wearing something different from what she had on during the day.


    Mnie nced at her briefly before looking away, casually sipping on a ss of juice. She heard Simon asking Eugene, “Didn’t you say you were busy today and wouldn’te?”


    Eugene’s voice was calm. “I finished my work and came over.‘


    11


    Joshua also leaned in and said, “Eugene is seizing the opportunity to drink. We should toast to that.”


    “Are you hungry?” Stephen’s gentle voice sounded from beside Mnie. She looked up, only to see him smile. “You’ve been eyeing this piece of cake.”


    Mnie snapped back to reality. She was still standing by the long table. Her gaze had been fixated on the cream cake in front of her due to her momentary distraction.


    Stephen raised an eyebrow teasingly. “If you want to eat it, go ahead.”


    Just then, they heard Joshua calling them, “Stephen, Mnie,e over for some barbecue.”


    There were three grills prepared, but Mnie was not very interested in barbecue. She took a look around, found a corner with a swing, and took a seat.


    Xander had previously added her to the studio’s group chat, where asional messages were sent. With nothing else to do, Mnie casually browsed through the chat.


    Suddenly, a shadow cast over her, and Mnie looked up to meet Eugene’s expressionless face.


    Her throat tightened, and she subconsciously asked, “What?”


    The scent of cedar emanated from Eugene as he gradually approached and leaned down, staring directly at Mnie.


    Mnie’s brows furrowed. She was about to say something when Eugene extended his arm behind her and picked up a coat.


    In a cold, low voice, Eugene asked with a hint of a sneer, “What are you hiding from?”


    Mnie knew that her recent behavior might make it seem like she was overthinking things. She looked down to hide the look in her eyes and replied, “I thought I was blocking you.‘


    A somewhat vague smile crossed Eugene’s face. “You came with Stephen?”


    “You came with Vi,” she replied.


    As if on cue, Vi came up to them and grabbed Eugene’s arm. “Eugene, would you like me to grill some meat for you? Simon just said it tastes great.” She pulled Eugene away without even ncing at Mnie.


    It looked like she was still holding onto the incident at the hospital earlier.


    Left alone, Mnie sat there quietly. However, the host came around to where she was after circling the ce.


    “Everyone is having fun over there. Come join in the celebration,” he said.


    Since Joshua was the birthday boy, Mnie could not say no and reluctantly went over.


    A considerable crowd had gathered by the three grills. As Mnie approached, she heard Vi’s cheerfulughter.