Averi didn't hear what Milo said to Dallas when he got into the car, but she noticed his unusual behavior as soon as she stepped out. She glanced at him sideways while they rode the elevator.
Milo met her eyes and gave a teasing smile. "What's the matter? Just now realizing how charming I am?"
Averi withdrew her gaze and smiled, "You've always been charming."
Averi rarely evaluated someone based on personal preferences. Whether she liked or disliked someone, Milo's charm was objectively present, and she never denied it.
Like Cristopher, if one simply attributed the willingness of women to be his mistresses to materialism, it would be overly simplistic. He certainly had his charm, though it was built on wealth. Of course, he had his own charm, though it was built on a foundation of wealth. But who's to say that the generosity and elegance that money brings aren't legitimate forms of charm?
Milo had heard such flattery until it was almost routine, usually brushing it off with a smile. If the speaker was a woman, he'd pull out his credit card directly.
Today was the first time he heard these words from Averi, and the novelty brought a surprising joy that even he found startling.
But when he turned to look at her, he saw that the woman beside him was smiling generously, without any hint of flirtation.
Milo gazed at her nearly perfect profile, his expression growing increasingly complex.
After dinner, Milo called for the bill, and Averi sensed something, quietly looking at him.
Milo spoke calmly, "I've booked a room upstairs."
His single-lidded eyes met hers, calm yet filled with hidden intentions.
She had no reason to refuse, did she?
Averi smiled slightly, maintaining a measured reserve.
Milo guided her into the elevator, the strong, masculine scent of his cologne enveloping Averi, leaving her with nowhere to escape.
Upon entering the room, Milo remained a gentleman. He removed his jacket and poured each of them a small glass of whisky, swirling the crystal glass and asking, "Shower first?"
The large round ice cubes clinked against the glass, sounding like a countdown.
Averi took a sip, the potent alcohol burning its way down her throat.
"Okay."
Milo's eyes gleamed with heat, "You first?"
Averi lowered her gaze, seemingly in thought, then said, "You go first."
Her voice was soft.
Indeed, there was no logic in making a woman sit by the bed waiting after a shower.
Milo nodded and finished his drink in one gulp. He then pulled out something from his pocket and placed it on the bedside table.
The bathroom soon filled with the sound of running water.
On the dresser were a phone, a wallet, and two condoms. The black packaging glowed a faint blue under the lamp light.
Averi stared numbly, holding her glass as she walked to the bed and sat down.
The bed was soft, and her bottom sank into it. Averi thought that doing it on such a bed would likely result in a sore back the next day.
After some time, the phone screen lit up, casting a blue glow across her vision.
It was a text message from an unknown number. Milo's phone seemed to come alive, vibrating vigorously.
Averi immediately recognized the flashing number on the screen as the same one that had just sent the message.
She had a rough idea of what was happening, staring at the digits, a thought flashing through her mind. She picked up the phone and pressed the answer button.
"Hello, Milo, you're back?" The woman's voice was incredibly pleasant, brimming with unrestrained joy. "Don't blame me. It wasn't him who told me. I ran into Jaylon Burch yesterday, and he said he saw you at the J University anniversary. That's how I found out you were back."
Averi didn't speak. After a brief silence, the woman cautiously spoke up, "Are you still mad? I'm sorry, it's all my fault, I know I was wrong, please don't be angry anymore? Last time, it was because of my period, my mood has been off, which is why I acted that way... You've been gone so long, I think about when you'll come back every day..."
The sound of water in the bathroom stopped. Averi watched the shadow moving on the glass door and continued to remain silent.
Receiving no response, the woman's voice turned playful. "Why don't you come over for dinner tonight? I made beef stew, simmered it for two hours while keeping an eye on it in the kitchen until it turned rich and hearty. I'll also make a couple of your favorites... maybe some sautéed green beans and a mixed mushroom medley. How does that sound?"
Milo hastily dried his hair, pushed open the bathroom door, and saw Averi sitting on the edge of the bed answering a call, looking at him with a peculiar expression.
He examined what she held in her hand more closely, realizing it was his phone.
Milo froze, momentarily stunned.
Averi never touched his phone; even if she saw something she shouldn't, she would simply turn away and pretend she hadn't seen anything.
Averi managed a faint smile and handed over the phone, "Someone's inviting you over for beef stew."
The woman on the other end of the line finally sensed something was off, pausing for a few seconds before softly calling, "Milo?"
Milo quickly furrowed his brow, took the phone, and without looking, hung up straight away.
Averi stood up, smoothing the creases in her dress. "I'm heading back now. Let's talk again once you've dealt with this," she said.
And with that, she seemed ready to leave.
Milo strode forward and grabbed her wrist, "Averi."
Averi paused and turned to look at him. "Don't waste her effort." Her eyelids lowered and lifted slowly as she added in an even tone, "Simmered for two hours, rich and hearty beef stew—even I'd want a taste."
Milo was taken aback, scrutinizing her face carefully.
As he looked, the tension in his lips eased.
In this moment of being caught red-handed, he felt an urge to laugh.
Her expression was calm, but the clear anger and sarcasm lurking in her dark eyes were unmistakable.
It was a look Milo recognized well, having seen it on many girlfriends' faces, but it was the first time he saw it on Averi's. She was more secretive and restrained, but ultimately, she was a woman too.
