Chapter 19
Malcolm’s words were overheard by John and Loretta as they walked inside.
John, feeling uneasy, turned to Loretta and said, “Malcolm Lindsey is here, too. Loretta, if you see him, just keep a distance”
John had a poor impression of everyone in the Lindsey family. Even though he had never directly crossed paths with Malcolm in the business world, the rumors he had heard about lum left him with the feeling that Malcolm was not a good
person.
Seeing John’s concerned expression, Loretta didn’t know what to say, so she simply nodded.
The vacation lodges in the area were all constructed as wooden houses, accommodating both individuals and families.
John had arranged for two adjacent cabins, one for himself and the other for Loretta, saying. “You’ve grown up, and you need your own space.”
Loretta didn’t mind at all. As she entered the cabin she would be staying in, she noted that the bedroom was on the second floor.
The decor was simple, but the standout feature was a large balcony outside the bedroom that faced the sea, allowing for breezy evenings spent gazing at the water and stars.
After taking a quick look around, Loretta went downstairs to join John as they headed toward the restaurant.
John told her, “The manager mentioned that there’s a barbecue party tonight, so try not to eat too much now. We’ll have barbecue later”
Loretta nodded and said, “Let’s have the chef save a few of the fish you caught. I’ll grill them for you later.”
John laughed and asked, “Can you really grill fish?”
Loretta lifted her chin slightly. “Don’t underestimate me, Dad. I’ve done barbecuing during student council team–building
events.
“Huh, I can’t wait for my baby girl to treat me to barbecue, John laughed.
“Okay,” said Loretta.
The restaurant was crowded when they entered, and once again, they became the center of attention, with some patrons whispering among themselves.
“Look, that woman is stunning.”
“I wonder if she has a boyfriend.”
“That man with her must be her boyfriend.”
“Really? They look somewhat alike; maybe they’re siblings.”
Hearing the word “siblings,” Loretta winked at John, who was sitting across from her. “Dad, did you hear that? Someone -thinks we’re siblings.”
John chuckled, “Foreigners think we Zyntarans look young. No one in Zyntara would ever mistake us for siblings.” “Don’t be so sure. You do look quite young.” Loretta said. Her comment made john laugh heartily.
women in the
In the restaurant, there were so many people looking at John at Loretta that neither of them noticed the two
1/3
12:17 Sat, Dec 21
Chapter 19
corner watching them intently.
岐:76%圖
These two seemed like ordinary tourists, dressed in the most basic clothes, and they looked rather unremarkable. They had ordered a few dishes, but their voices were low as they discussed a topic that set them apart from everyone else.
One of them glanced at Loretta and remarked. “She’s really beautiful. No wonder someone offered 15 million dollars to kidnap her. Do you think the person who paid us is coveting her beauty, wanting to possess her?”
“That’s not our concern. We just need to deliver her, the other replied.
“That’s true; no matter how pretty a woman is, she can’t compare to money, the first man added, and both men shared a knowing smile.
After finishing their meal, John and Loretta found that it was already dark.
The night sky was beautiful, with a blanket of stars shimmering over the sea. The refreshing sea breeze made it a perfect time to either take a leisurely stroll or sit and enjoy the scenery
The barbecue party was set up on the beach outside their lodge. The staff had prepared numerous grilling stations and laid out a variety of food and drinks. On the other side of the barbecue area, a large speaker was blasting music, and those who weren’t interested in grilling could enjoy drinks and dancing.
Loretta grabbed some vegetables and joined John at
grill.
After she accidentally burned her first skewer, John paused to guide her on how to cook. Loretta, unwilling to admit her grilling skills were lacking, responded, “I was just being careless, Wait and see, Dad! I’ll definitely nail this one.”
John chuckled and said, “Just make sure to sprinkle the salt evenly.”
Feeling a bit self–conscious at his comment, Loretta’s hand trembled.
At that moment, two attractive foreign ladies, dressed in light summer clothes and holding drinks, approached. Their target was John.
Seeing her dad surrounded by two beauties, Loretta secretly tossed the heavily salted skewer into a nearby trash bin and grabbed a new skewer to place on the grill. She couldn’t help but sneak a glance at John, who was politely rejecting the two women’s advances. When she saw he hadn’t noticed her mishap she let out a sigh of relief.
Unbeknownst to them, a group of men sitting nearby with drinks had witnessed the scene.
One brown–haired man nudged Malcolm, who was absentmindedly sipping his drink. “Look at that Zyntaran beauty, she’s so cute! I wonder if she has a boyfriend. I think I’ll go ask her for her number.”
Immediately, others chimed in, I want her number, too! A woman this beautiful and charming would be a lot of fun to pursue.”
Malcolm, wearing an indifferent expression, coldly replied, “If you want to pursue her, hurry up and go. Just don’t disturb my drinking”
The others suddenly realized that he was unhappy.
Another man turned to the two who had planned to approach Loretta and said, “If you manage to hit it off with that beauty. don’t bother hanging out with us. We’re not interested in your love stories.”
The brown–haired man scoffed, “If I actually manage to get her do you think I’d still have time to hang out with you guys?” He raised his eyebrows suggestively and added with a smirk, “I win her over, I’ll be spending my nights having fun with
2/3
12:17 Sat, Dec 21
Chapter 19
her.”
At that moment, Malcolm suddenly kicked him hard. The brown–haired man yelped, ‘Ouch! Malcolm, why did you kick me?”
Everyone looked at him sympathetically as he struggled on the ground, clearly winded from Malcolm’s forceful kick.
Malcolm swirled his drink playfully and said, “I was bored, and you were just nearby
The brown–haired man was shocked, and the rest didn’t know how to react.
Malcolm then added in a calm but menacing tone, Anyone who lares flirt with a girl while drinking with me better get lost. And don’t ever show up around me again.”
The group fell into an awkward silence. The brown–haired man finally managed to get up, grimacing as he spoke, “Malcolm, you can’t be serious.
“What did you say?” Malcolm glanced at him with a cold, dangerous gleam in his eyes.
Quickly retreating to a safe distance, the brown–haired man replied, “You can’t just assume that because you’re not interested in women, we have to be the same. A normal man would see a beautiful woman and want to take her to bed. He edged further away, clearly terrified that Malcolm might kick him again, still feeling the pain from the first one.
Malcolm eyed him with a steely gaze, making it clear that if he dared approach Loretta, he’d better stay far away from Malcolm forever.
The two men who had been eager to approach Loretta quickly gave up their plans. But just then, someone nudged the group and said, “Look! Someone’s already making a move on her
曲
