Chapter 38 Mark’s Displeasure

Lyla followed Arden to an Italian restaurant, and the waiter led them to the table they had reserved. The restaurant was a couple’s restaurant. The warm light and elegant style gave the restaurant a romantic atmosphere. It was lunchtime, but there were not many people inside. When Arden and Lyla arrived, they immediately attracted the attention of others. The man was aloof and handsome, while the woman was beautiful and lovable. Arden ordered well-done steaks because Lyla did not like them rare. He still remembered her preference. Later, he thoughtfully cut the steak for her and placed it in front of her. “Lyla, hurry up and eat.” Lyla smiled at him. “Thank you, Arden.” Arden looked at Lyla. The most captivating part of her was her eyes, which were clear and void of impurities. He seemed to feel calm when he looked at her. The girl from seven years ago had become more beautiful now, yet she was still as pure as ever. Both of them chatted as they ate. “How have you been recently?” Arden smiled and asked. “Not bad,” Lyla answered indifferently. “I never thought that you would join M.K. Corporation after you came back. If I had known, I would have definitely poached you to our company!” Arden said. Lyla smiled. “You’re flattering me, Arden.” “I’m not flattering you. J.P. Corporation will always welcome you!” Arden declared. “All right. If I’m driven into a corner, I will definitely join J.P. Corporation!” “We’ll always welcome you!” The two of them continued to chat as they ate, while Arden looked at Lyla with a loving smile. In his opinion, Lyla was his treasure. He had fallen in love with her from the moment he met her. He would be by her side and guard her back then, but she left after that. Since then, he had never seen her. Over the years, he remained single because he wanted to wait for her. And now, she had returned. He felt that it was a chance given to him by God. He would definitely treasure this chance. As Lyla looked at Arden, she found that he was more mature and reliable than before. Even so, the feeling that made her feel warm and secure in the past did not change at all. She smiled at Mark and started to eat. They dined and conversed pleasantly. While Lyla ate, her long hair fell down loosely. Just as she was about to fix it, Mark subconsciously reached out first. His gentle movement stunned Lyla. “Thank you, Arden.” She looked down and spoke softly. Arden looked at her with doting eyes. However, not far away, a pair of sharp eyes were fixed on them. Mark narrowed his deep eyes slightly, and they were unfathomable. He had noticed them since they entered. A beaded curtain just separated the space between them. Lyla’s profile happened to be visible to Mark from his seat, but she could not spot him easily. Mark frowned in displeasure when he saw them chatting and laughing. What was their relationship? If he was not mistaken, that person was J.P. Corporation’s president, Arden Pattinson. Lyla had gone to find him for work matters, so why were they there? Was she using any unsavory methods? However, Arden’s gaze on Lyla was simply full of love and admiration. They did not seem to be meeting for the first time. Were they lovers? The thought flashed through Mark’s mind. He looked at them coldly and suddenly felt angry. Mark and Arden were competitors in business. Even though both companies had different targets, they were involved in various sectors. It could be said that the two of them had issues with each other. Arden seemed gentle, mature, and generous, but in fact, his true colors were far more wicked. But right then, he was looking at Lyla gently and lovingly. His gaze, smile, and movements displeased Mark! Yet, Lyla did not seem to hate it. Both of them looked like a passionate couple when they talked and laughed sweetly together. If Lyla was really Arden’s woman, why did she join his company? Was she conducting corporate espionage? The realization made Mark sneer, but when he looked over and saw them move closer to each other, he burned with rage. ‘Damn it! Why are they sitting so close?’ Mark looked at Lyla’s dazzling smile. It was totally different from the way she would look whenever she faced him. In front of him, she would always be expressionless and cautious. She would avoid him like the plague but happily smile at another man in a sincere manner. This damned woman! It felt like his treasure was being coveted by others, and it made him upset. Kathleen sat opposite Mark. When she noticed his absent-minded demeanor, she called out to him but did not get a response. He had been looking in a certain direction. When she turned her head and followed his gaze, she saw the figures not far away from them. Were they not Arden and Lyla? Kathleen was slightly taken aback when she saw their intimate interaction. Then, she thought of the case she had given to Lyla and sneered. It turned out that this was her so-called confidence! She was just a woman who used her body to complete tasks! Although Kathleen had such thoughts, she would not say it out as she was the Turner family’s daughter who had a good upbringing. The most important thing was that Mark did not like scheming women. Over the years, she had learned how to suit his fancy. She turned her head back and looked at Mark. “Isn’t she our company’s new designer, Lyla Lowe?” “Yes!” Mark replied coldly and continued to eat his steak. “It looks like the case that I’ve given to her isn’t difficult for her,” Kathleen said ambiguously. She was still putting on a proper and gentle smile. After Mark heard her words, he glanced at her with his deep and incomprehensible eyes, but he did not continue the conversation. ‘Mark didn’t say anything,’ Kathleen thought to herself. ‘It would be great if Arden and Lyla are really a couple. Kathleen did not know why she had such a thought. If that were the case, she would be more at ease. On second thought, she suddenly remembered something. Mark kept looking in that direction just now, and he exuded a faintly visible cold aura. What was the reason behind it? Was it because of Lyla? The realization made Kathleen extremely uncomfortable. She suddenly raised her head and looked at Mark. After some consideration, she asked, “Mark, what were you looking at just now?” Mark raised his beautiful eyebrows once he heard her question. He looked at her with his deep eyes and asked, “Why?” “Were you looking at Lyla?” Kathleen asked cautiously with a naughty smile. She was afraid that Mark would be angry. Mark raised his head once he heard her inquiry. He glanced at Lyla inadvertently and looked at Kathleen after that. Then, he cocked an eyebrow charmingly. “Why? Are you jealous?”