Norbert Rhodes was also attracted by the sound from upstairs and exclaimed, "Third Brother?"
Seeing Thea Lynch unmoved, Ian Preston raised his voice, "Want me to come down?"
Under the gaze of the man upstairs, Thea Lynch took a deep breath and walked toward the second floor.
The solid wood staircase in the restaurant seemed to be aged, as stepping on it elicited a faint sound.
She lowered her head and deliberately slowed her pace, attempting to stall for a moment longer. But there weren't many steps, even slowing down, she soon reached the top.
Just as she stepped onto the final stair, a pair of black leather shoes suddenly appeared in her view, followed by impeccably tailored dark trousers.
Finally waiting for her to come up, Ian Preston stepped aside, giving way. Thea Lynch's heart sank as she followed him as if resigned to her fate.
The second floor consisted entirely of private rooms, somewhat more tranquil compared to the bustling hall.
As her gaze wandered, she inadvertently noticed a broken, unextinguished cigarette on the windowsill opposite, with traces of ash scattered around, reminding her that Ian Preston hadn't been out for long.
She majored in electronic engineering in college and had already secured a job offer from a foreign company upon completing her doctorate. She didn't plan to stay long on this visit back home, having chosen this timing knowing Ian Preston had been stationed at the southern branch recently.
She thought running into him here was unfortunate enough, and now, she was even caught.
Utterly unlucky.
Noticing that the person in front of her kept staring at her, Thea Lynch chose not to avoid it anymore, and with a beaming smile, raised her eyes, "I didn't expect to run into you today; last time we met seemed like seven years ago."
Third Brother… Ian Preston savored the address, feeling somewhat uncomfortable.
While many in Coronet referred to him this way, she used to address him differently back then.
Back then, she had just gone through a crisis, relying on a hearing aid and temporarily losing speech. He patiently taught her to speak, and each time she would look up at him with moist eyes, stammering out his name, Ian Preston. Not like how she was now.
"How have you been, Third Brother?"
From his nose came a light chuckle as he mimicked her languid tone, "How good could I be without you?"
"..."
After years apart, what was with this person's sarcastic tone? Particularly when saying "Third Brother," he stressed it almost as if grinding his teeth.
Thea Lynch dryly chuckled twice, puzzled by his odd demeanor.
The next instant, Ian Preston inadvertently noticed the bracelet on her wrist, his brows relaxing.
That bracelet was his.
She actually still wore it, showing some trace of sentiment...
"Did you return last night?"
"Yes, indeed." As she nodded, a strand of hair fell to the side of her face.
Ian Preston raised his hand, expertly hooking the stray strand behind her ear, "Why didn't you inform me in advance so Third Brother could welcome you properly."
This gentle demeanor was rarely seen, the fervor in his eyes and his gestures bore the intimacy of lovers.
Thea Lynch's face relaxed momentarily, feeling as if she had returned to seven years ago, her heart slightly collapsing. Yet, she quickly recalled him telling her mother that he wouldn't like a girl who was both deaf and mute...
She inherited her mother's features, her palm-sized face fair and delicate, under the spotlight her features appeared more defined, adding a touch of warmth.
As she looked up at him, those smiling eyes were as bright and clear as before, curved slightly with a hint of a grin. Yet the words she spoke seemed barbed, piercing straight into his heart:
"I was planning on visiting you after my blind date today; I didn't expect to run into you now."
The tone playful, even slightly provoking, deliberately reminding.
As soon as she finished speaking, Ian Preston's expression turned angry, his voice harbored a trace of irritation, "That person downstairs, is he your blind date?"
Without waiting for her to introduce, Ian Preston's lips curled into a sharp sneer, "After spending years overseas, your taste has surely worsened."
"..." Thea Lynch almost laughed from anger.
Indeed, her taste was poor. Otherwise, why would she have liked him back then?
She secretly clenched her hand, deliberately opposing him, "I don't see it that way, Third Brother. He's quite good, gentle in appearance, decent character, also young and promising. Quite suitable for me."
"Young and promising." Ian Preston repeated the words, sneering, "Someone like him young and promising? Clearly better options are available, yet you chose him."
Thea Lynch was puzzled, almost instinctively retorting, "Who's the better option?"
Ian Preston: "Me."
"!"
The heartbeat blanked out along with his words.
Just like that, the jerk loved saying ambiguous words leading to misunderstandings back then.
Afraid he might notice her unease, Thea Lynch diverted her gaze, her tone rigid, "Third Brother is not just young and promising; you're a favored son of heaven and perfectly paired with the Sinclair Family's lady."
Ian Preston looked deeply at her, keeping silent for a good while before following her words, "Why bring up others."
"How can it be others, isn't she your fianc…" Noticing his assistant approaching, Thea Lynch swallowed her words smoothly, "It's getting late, I wouldn't disturb Third Brother any longer."
Without any hesitation, she turned around, secretly breathing a sigh of relief.
As she lifted her foot to step down, her wrist suddenly tightened, soon after brought back forcibly by someone.
Her rigid back collided with the man's chest, close enough to smell his lingering tobacco scent.
After instructing his assistant, Ian Preston disregarded her struggle, pulling her downstairs.
"Hey! Th-Third Brother!" Thea Lynch helplessly followed along.
Passing through the hall, Thea Lynch happened to notice the table that earlier gossiped about Ian Preston, settling the bill.
Exchanging glances silently.
The emotions in their eyes became increasingly complex, revealing shock.
Thea Lynch covered her face with her hand. This time, without Ian Preston dragging her, she picked up her pace, even leading the way.
At the restaurant's entrance, Norbert Rhodes hadn't left yet, "Lynch…" catching sight of Thea Lynch's shadow behind her, he flattered, calling out Third Brother.
Upon hearing the voice, Ian Preston halted, sneering coldly at him, eyes filled with icy disdain.
Ordinarily, he thought nothing of this address, it's fairly common among acquaintances. But hearing Thea Lynch and Norbert Rhodes call him this together today, he found it utterly displeasing.
Ian Preston remained silent, leaving Norbert Rhodes at a loss. Sensing this, Thea Lynch broke the awkwardness, "Are you still waiting for me?"
"Oh yes, I wanted to drive you home, it's late and I'd worry about you going back alone."
"Alright." Thea Lynch smiled slightly at him. Better to ride with Norbert Rhodes than to be taken away by Ian Preston. She extended her other hand, like clutching at a lifeline, trying to grasp Norbert Rhodes's arm,
"Where's your car parked? We could…"
Norbert Rhodes was surprised she agreed so quickly this time, just about to hold her hand, when Ian Preston suddenly yanked her back into his arms, coldly stating, "Today's date doesn't count."
With those words, Ian Preston tugged Thea Lynch towards the car parked on the street.
Pushed into the back seat, Thea Lynch's mind was still dazed, realizing the driver had already locked her side as she came to.
Turning to the other side, Ian Preston just happened to settle in.
Glancing at Norbert Rhodes outside looking stunned, Thea Lynch lowered the window, waving at him, "Norbert, let's meet again soon."
Norbert Rhodes immediately nodded, "Let me know when you arrive!"
"Okay."
The window was raised by someone unknown, but Thea Lynch paid it no mind. Turning back, her gaze met Ian Preston's piercing eyes, not intimidated at all, she turned her head slightly, challenging with a smile.
Ian Preston: "..."