Chapter 50

The two of them chatted easily from kids to life in Seryndal, with Maria fully relaxing as the conversation flowed. Just then, James walked over, face clouded, and abruptly cut in, “Maria, this your friend or what?” He had already spotted her chatting and laughing with that guy earlier—smiling like he’d never seen her smile before. He told himself it was nothing, but the way they were getting along so well just got on his nerves. Maria’s smile faded when she saw James, but she quickly made introductions. “This is Noah, my junior from abroad. And this is Mr. Bennett, my boss.” Noah held out his hand, excited. “Mr. Bennett, I’ve heard so much about you!” James gave a half-hearted handshake, replying flatly, “Have you?” His face said it all: he was clearly unhappy. Maria had no idea what had gotten into him and didn’t feel like engaging. She cut straight to the point: “Mr. Bennett, did you need something?” “I’m done here. Whether you’re coming or not, that’s on you.” With that, he turned