Chapter 97
It was autumn.
He was dressed all in black with a matching light windbreaker. The morning sunlight touched his side profile, and the early breeze tousled his neatly trimmed hair, making him exceptionally handsome.
Perhaps sensing Zoe's gaze, Mason slightly raised his head, and their eyes met. Neither of them looked away. Mason even squinted as if trying to see her more clearly. He saw his wife standing in the soft light, facing the sun, and he could glimpse her radiance.
Mason took a deep drag of his cigarette. His cheeks were deeply indented due to the effort, exuding a strong masculine charm. Then, he chuckled, seemingly mocking her.
At this moment, Ava came out from the foyer, carrying luggage. The driver placed the luggage in the trunk, and only then did Zoe realize that Mason was going on a business trip. Her phone rang in the bedroom.
Zoe walked back to check. Surprisingly, the call was from Ava, who was polite but somewhat distant. "Mrs. Zoe, could you please bring down Mr. Mason's cold medicine?"
Zoe knew that Ava would not dare to give her orders now. It was Mason's decision.
She did not say much, changed into a slightly more formal outfit, and tidied up the medicine box scattered on the couch last night. When she was about to leave, her gaze froze.
Last night, when Mason had forced himself on hre, he had left stains on the couch. There was a small white mark upon closer inspection. Zoe thought she needed to clean it herself. She did not want the household staff to see it. After all, it would become gossip during their post-dinner chats.
Mason had already gotten into the car when she reached the parking lot. However, the rear window was rolled down.
Zoe handed the medicine box to him, softly instructing him to take one pill twice daily.
Mason listened absentmindedly. When Zoe finished, he spoke indifferently, "You're not going to ask where I'm going on this business trip or how many days I am going for?"
He was intentionally making things difficult, and Zoe knew why.
She replied amiably, "Take care out there. Ava, please take good care of Mr. Mason!"
The car window rose in front of her.
In front of the driver and secretary, Mason did not show Zoe any respect. He was probably still upset. Zoe did not know what had irritated him.
'It is possibly an early onset of a midlife crisis,’ she thought.
Mason went on a business trip, and Zoe finally had some peace.
Of course, she still conscientiously took care of her husband, reminding him to take medicine and be mindful of the autumn chill. She appeared to be the perfect wife, and Mason's colleagues in the business world occasionally heard praises for Mrs. Lockwood, saying she knew how to take care of people.
Mason hung up the phone, his eyes slightly cold.
He wondered if she really did. He was sure that she was cursing him right now.
Some gossip stirred up on the fourth day of Mason's business trip.
The previous night at 9 PM, when Zoe called him, a young woman answered.
"Mr. Mason is taking a shower. It might be inconvenient to answer the phone. Do you want me to call him?"
Zoe confirmed it was not Ava. But she was not surprised. After all, Lilith was not exceptionally beautiful, and for Mason, being young and energetic, seeking other companionship was quite normal.
Without revealing her identity, Zoe spoke gently, "Mason has a slight fever. Advise him not to engage in strenuous exercise."
The woman on the other end blinked in surprise. She guessed it was Zoe, interpreting her intentions...
The phone was snatched away.
It was Ava, who was feeling a bit flustered. Mason had been discussing an endorsement deal with a leading female star when a waiter accidentally dirtied his shirt. He booked another suite to clean up in the bathroom, and Ava went to deliver fresh clothes.
Unexpectedly, the female star took a call on Mason's private line.
Ava glanced at the phone. The call had already ended.
It was Zoe who had called.
Ava was unsure how to handle the situation.
Mason walked in and, with a casual tone, asked, "Did Zoe call? What did she say?"