Chapter 84

Zoe allowed him to touch her. Compared to the past, she appeared

more compliant, but Mason still felt she was different now. He could not

figure out what had changed.

Perhaps it was because Zoe now treated her role as Mrs. Lockwood as

a job, fulfilling his needs and taking care of household matters, but

without love. Men could actually sense love and the absence of it.

Mason thought he did not mind. It was just slightly discomfiting.

Zoe did not speak up, so he spoke instead. "I saw Cecil earlier. Is he

the reason you seem so unsettled?"

Zoe looked up. Their eyes met, conveying a sense of mutual scrutiny.

After a while, Zoe spoke softly, "Mason, you don't need to doubt me all

the time. That wasn't a secret rendezvous. It was just a coincidence."

Mason's gaze turned analytical. After a while, he lightly touched her

face and said, "I believe you, Mrs. Lockwood. Now, can you come

home with me and have dinner?"

Before Zoe could nod, he had already lifted her into his arms.

She did not know what had upset Mason. While they were still in the

car, he kissed her as he grabbed on to her waist. After a while, she felt

the change in his body, the imposing pressure against her.

It made her uncomfortable.

She turned her face away, her delicate features exuding a hint of

feminine charm. "Didn't you say we were going back for dinner?"

Mason's dark eyes were profound. He was about to let her go when the

phone in the glove compartment rang. He picked it up and saw that it

was Leslie calling.

Leslie got straight to the point. He said, "Gabriela is back. We're

celebrating her birthday today. Mason, come over. We're all waiting for

you!"

Mason held Zoe's waist, answering the call. His dark gaze stared at

Zoe as he listened. When Leslie finished speaking, Mason chuckled. "I

have to check with Zoe first, see if she allows it."

Leslie was caught off guard by this. "Mason, you really—"

"I'l be there in a bit. Send me the address."

Mason hung up and tossed the phone aside. He did not really need to

inform Zoe. In their marriage, the roles of men and women were clear.

He glanced at Zoe and casually said, “I'll take you home first."

He knew that Zoe had heard it. He also knew that Gabriela’s identity

was somewhat special, especially since she had pursued him for a few

years back then. If he cared enough about Zoe, he would not go.

Perhaps it was a test. He agreed to go, but Zoe did not respond.

On the way back, both of them remained silent and somber.

Mason dropped Zoe off at the villa. Instead of getting out, he leaned

over to open the car door for her. After a pause, she smiled lightly.

"Have fun, Mason."

After saying this, she got out of the car.

Mason did not immediately drive away. He sat in the car and lita

cigarette.

Twilight illuminated his face through the windshield, casting a more

three-dimensional shadow on his well-defined profile.

A touch of crimson between his long, slender fingers rose and fell.

Gabriela’s friends gathered at the VIP room of the Yorkshire Nightclub.

The friends who came to celebrate Gabriela's birthday were all part of

their close-knit circle and very familiar with each other.

The atmosphere was lively.

After Mason arrived, he leaned against the corner of the couch,

smoking and occasionally checking his phone.

Leslie came over with a cup. He approached Mason and said, "Mason,

you're playing the mysterious guy act. You could at least show some

respect and say a few pleasant words to make people happy. We've

known each other since we were kids. There's no need to act so aloof.”