'How dare she speak for another man!' Fury was written all over Matthew's face, but he controlled his voice.

"Don't forget that you are a married woman. You can't simply go around making friends with another man, and going out to drink coffee alone with him. It's not normal or proper." As Erica listened, she realized for the first time in her life that even an aloof CEO like Matthew could make trouble out of nothing.

Noticing the awkward atmosphere between them, Harmon hurried over, hoping to mediate the dispute. "Hello, Erica. I'm Harmon Lu!" he said with frantic, false cheer. "I'm your mother-in-law's cousin, which makes me your husband's uncle. So you can call me 'Uncle' as well!"

'Huh? So he's actually Matthew's uncle!' thought Erica. 'I thought he was hitting on me before! How awkward!' With a strained smile, she remarked, "Uncle, you look so young! How old are you? You must be around the same age as Matthew."

In fact, what she said was true. Harmon looked like he was in his early twenties, but he was already Matthew's uncle.

To her slight relief, Harmon seemed genuinely amused by her question. "Oh, that's so sweet of you to say!" he chuckled. "Actually, I'm already in my early thirties."

"Oh, I see!" Erica said, nodding.

Harmon turned around and signaled to the waiter. "Bring our coffee here."

"Yes, sir."

Harmon took a seat next to Watkins and asked, "Well, I know you didn't mean to meet us here, but can we join you for coffee? You wouldn't mind, would you?"

Watkins did mind, but obviously he couldn't say that. Shaking his head, he indicated the table with a gentlemanly flourish of his hand. "Of course not! Mr. Huo, Erica, by all means take a seat."

Matthew was in a similar predicament. He didn't want to stay either, but it simply wouldn't be proper to rebuff such company.

historical

He sat opposite to Watkins and practically dragged Erica into the chair beside him.

The waiter brought coffee, but ironically, no one was in the mood for the stuff at that moment. While Watkins and Harmon tried desperately and futilely to sustain a conversation, Erica noticed that Matthew was staring at her. "What is it?" she asked in a low voice.

"The coffee's here," he explained icily. "Isn't that what you came for? Just have your coffee and we'll be on our way." He would take her home and lock her up.

That would teach her not to go hanging out with Watkins behind his back! 'Why is Matthew acting so strange today?' Erica asked herself.

With a shrug, she was about to lift the mug to her lips when Matthew's hand clamped around hers. "What are you doing?" he hissed, his face livid. "Have you forgotten you're not supposed to be drinking th

up with him.'

"Okay, I'll do that. Will you still be angry then?" she asked.

It was not until then that Matthew finally looked her in the eye. "We'll see about that."

'Ugh! How mean!' she cursed inwardly.

When they finally arrived at the villa, Matthew stayed in the car, so Erica got out first. "Tomorrow, I'll be going on a business trip to the neighboring city," he said at length, right as she was about to close the door.

'So what? Is he asking me if I want to go with him?' thought Erica. "I'm free tomorrow!" she said quickly. Truth be told, she would be happy to go with him any day of the week.

Matthew coughed and gave her a cold look. "I was asking you to pack my luggage."

"What? Aren't you going to take me with you?" Somewhat pitifully, Erica held the car door open and started playing with the window button.

She thought she should break it if her husband refused to take her with him.

Matthew sighed and looked away. "I always keep my word!" Indeed, he had promised to take her on his trips if she wanted to come.

'So does he mean that I can go with him?' thought Erica. The bright smile returned to her face. "Oh, don't beat around the bush. If you want me to go with you, just say it!"

To her dismay, Matthew looked at her with disgust. "Close the door!" he ordered. He was still angry at her, so he wasn't going to say what he wanted plainly. He wanted her to guess.

Erica snorted and slammed the door.

After the car started and began to leave, she made a face at it.

However, Matthew happened to see what she was doing from the rearview mirror.

His face contorted with even more contempt than before.

'She's the one who went to have coffee with another man, ' he fumed silently. 'How could she have the nerve to get angry with me?'