Monroe Anne soon realized she had overthought the situation.
James had maintained a distant and aloof demeanor towards her from the startâcool and casual.
Throughout her life, because of her looks, most guys had bent over backwards for her.
But this guy? Agreeing to have dinner with her only to bring two women along was a new one.
And then to act like he couldn't care less? What was the deal?
Monroe Anne felt a flicker of annoyance.
After leading them to a private room, she excused herself under the pretense of checking if the dishes were ready and left.
James and his group surveyed the room.
It was charmingly themed like the private booths of ancient inns.
A screen at the entrance blocked the view, with traditional ink paintings of landscapes adorning the walls.
The wall facing the river was completely opened up to extend a balcony, with a wooden railing that emitted a faint blue glow.
From the balcony, the view of the river and its colorful reflections was stunning.
Timmy was enthralled, pulling Amanda outside to see the view.
James and Tailsa followed.
The night breeze was cool, and the scenery was breathtaking.
Tailsa shivered slightly and wrapped herself around James's arm for warmth.
"How do you find that owner lady, huh?"
"Meh, she's just average," James replied nonchalantly.
"I think she's quite lovely. Gorgeous with a big bustâexactly the type you guys like," Tailsa teased, her smile mischievous.
"Too big and out of proportionâdoes nothing for me," James retorted, trying to sound dismissive.
"Hah, you guys say one thing and mean another," Tailsa said, unimpressed.
"Really, your figure is what I consider the perfect shape."
With unexpected boldness, James reached out as if to measure Tailsa's dimensions, asking seriously,
"You're probably an E, right?"
Caught off guard, Tailsa hesitated before swatting his hand away with a blush,
"Come on, I'm just an average D."
"Mmm, D is just perfectâI like it," James said, grinning.
Flustered, Tailsa turned her attention to the view.
Amanda had overheard their conversation about sizes and glanced down at her own chest.
She said nothing, but a hint of despondency crossed her face.
Noticing her mood shift, James took a calculating glimpse at her. Her curves were similar to Tailsa's, just not as pronounced.
Realizing he should do something to comfort Amanda, he wrestled with the thought for a couple of seconds and then decided to go for it, come what may.
James, summoning his courage, slowly and deliberately reached around and wrapped an arm around Amanda's waist.
She tensed for a moment, then gradually relaxed, taking note of James's anxious expression and sneaking a look at the oblivious Tailsa, gently teasing,
"Little brother is quite bold, isn't he~"
The remark caught Tailsa's attention.
James had discreetly hugged Amanda, not wanting Tailsa to notice and start getting upset again.
As Tailsa was about to turn, he quickly moved in and kissed her, adeptly timing it with Tailsa's attempt to look over, so she couldn't see Amanda.
From the afternoon's practice with Amanda, James had grown skilled at this, soon causing Tailsa to close her eyes in response.
Meanwhile, he kept Amanda close, cocooning her on his right to keep her out of view.
Under the dim light on the balcony, with the evening breeze, James basked in the moment of holding both women in his arms, feeling an indescribable joy.
That's when Monroe Anne returned carrying the dishes, and she happened to witness the whole dramatic scene.
She was utterly astounded.
There was James, nestled between two women, kissing one on the left while holding another on the right.
Both women were rare beautiesâone in a cute short dress and the other in an elegant long gown, each showcasing distinct allure.
If she captured this on camera and posted it online, it would rattle the countless admirers following her.
Monroe Anne realized this dinner had nothing to do with her; she was merely an extra.
Having never been too fond of James, seeing him flaunting with two women only cemented the image of him as a player.
Yet she wasn't particularly upset by it.
Wealthy young men like him always had groups of sisters and friends around.
If she could, she'd test what she herself might be worth.
She needed money desperately.
But seeing James multitasking like that, he must be fully occupied.
Quietly putting down the dishes, she turned to leave.
James caught a glimpse of her departure and was puzzledâhadn't their interaction angered her enough to drop affection points? Truly remarkable.
His wandering eyes were caught by Tailsa.
Following his gaze, she noticed Monroe Anne's retreating form.
A small wave of jealousy hit her.
Even caught in an embrace and still looking at other women? Who was he kidding about not being interested?
She gently pushed James away, huffing,
"You weren't even focused during the kiss."
James tried to explain, "No, I was just..."
"Hmph."
Ignoring his protest, Tailsa turned to head back inside.
James almost went after her to appease her but remembered it might not be wise to always be led by the nose by the campus belle like this.
Plus, with his newfound wealth, he could afford to let loose and not be overly concerned about her potential cashback.
With careful and timely investments, affection points would surely rise again.
Time nurtures feelings, after all.
Amanda, smiling brightly, mused, "Naughty little brother, have you thought about how to make it up to her?"
Seeing James hadn't pursued Tailsa made her think he was strategizing his next move.
She pondered whether to offer him some advice.
James, more relaxed now, noticed Amanda's alluring lips, even more tempting than those of Tailsa, and couldn't help but lean down to kiss her.
Amanda's foxy eyes narrowed, barely catching her breath before sinking into the moment.
Once satisfied with a soft taste, James pulled back and spoke tenderly,
"Sis, it's great being with someone who is so understanding, unlike someone we know."
Amanda gently licked her lips, amused by his flattery, and joined the verbal sparring.
"Haha, she's pure and innocentâof course she's entitled to act up a bit, unlike an old wilted flower like me. Alas~"
James affirmed earnestly,
"Whoever says that? In my eyes, sis is the best woman."
"Then why, if I'm so great, are you trying to flirt with other girls?"
Amanda's sudden question caught him off guard. Her sharp, foxy eyes stayed fixed on James, unblinking.
He was startled.
This was a dangerously tricky questionâanswering poorly might cost him more points tonight.
After a pause to think back over a book he'd once read, he carefully replied,
"First, let me make one thing clearâI'm not a player."
"Secondly, I just feel that I can provide a warm and happy home for the girls I care about."
"Lastly, I have a big heart; there's room for all of you."
He tried to sound as sincere as possible, though he knew the words themselves sounded rather unconvincingâa true player's line if there ever was one.
Amanda listened in silence, an inscrutable smile in her eyes.
"Then, if both Tailsa and I were drowning, who would you save first?"
"..."
Oh boy, here it is.
The age-old dilemma.
James furrowed his brow in deep thought, eventually delivering this answer:
"I'll always prioritize your safety and do everything I can to prevent such a situation from ever happening."
"But, if I had to choose right now, I'd save you first."
Because you gave me money, and your affection points are higher.