Now Audrey wasn't alone anymore as Eric had returned.
There were also many people his age in the circle that he knew, but he hadn't gone to find them. Instead, he went over to Audrey, who was sitting alone in the corner.
"Are you just lounging around by yourself?" Eric asked Audrey.
Audrey passed him a plate of pastries and said, "I don't really have anything to do. These pastries are good, want some?"
Eric looked at her with a mix of emotions, didn't reach for the plate, and only said, "You're about to start filming soon, and you're still eating recklessly? Be careful that you won't look good on screen when the time comes."
Audrey pulled her hand back and smiled, "I'm paying attention to that. I've been working out these days, so I'm just indulging a little right now."
Eric snorted twice, "No discipline at all. What kind of actor are you going to be?"
Hearing this, Audrey set the plate down and said, "Then I won't eat."
As the two of them conversed, they didn't notice several pairs of eyes on them.
Evans saw them chatting amicably and casually said to Abner, "Your younger brother and sister seem to get along well."
Abner didn't say anything. Everyone in the circle knew that their relationship as siblings was far from harmonious. However, things seemed a bit different these days. From his observations, Eric and Audrey were getting along very well and often seemed to huddle together in conversation.
Aside from them, there was someone else observing them.
Charlotte looked at Eric and Audrey with some disbelief, wondering when the two of them had gotten so close.
After joining the company, she rarely went back to the family estate. Her mother Fiona kept urging her to return home more often.
She didn't want to. On one hand, she didn't like anyone in that house, and on the other, she resisted Fiona's arrangements.
Fiona was always controlling everything, even choosing her clothes and jewelry for her. She felt like a puppet in Fiona's hands.
Eric was originally in the middle of talking to Audrey. Sensing that someone was staring at them, he looked over and saw Charlotte. He joked, "Oh, I thought you wouldn't show up today."
Charlotte walked towards him and stopped not far away. She scoffed, "Heard you've been playing the good and filial son and coming home every day lately?"
Audrey had been sizing up Charlotte until she heard this, causing her to burst out laughing.
Both of them who had been playfully bantering earlier turned to look at her simultaneously.
Audrey immediately shut up as an awkward smile appeared on her lips.
[Eldest Miss is awesome. You hit the nail on the head. That's great.]
Charlotte's expression froze, thinking that she was seeing things. She closed her eyes and looked up again. The line of words above Audrey's head was still there.
Under her gaze, the line of words slowly disappeared.
Charlotte's scrutiny left Audrey a bit uncertain.
[Why are you staring at me? Could it be that I'm wearing too much today? However, Missy's outfit and her otherworldly aura are simply too beautiful. She's the best in the entire venue.]
Charlotte composed herself and shifted her gaze to the others. Everyone else seemed normal. What was going on?
Eric knew that these two had never been on good terms. If it were before, he'd definitely enjoy the spectacle, but this time, for some reason, he didn't want to see them argue.
He urged them, "A lot of people have arrived at the party. We can't keep hiding here. Let's go."
Charlotte didn't say anything and walked ahead.
She had always been the object of others' flattery – a member of the Lance family, plus having such an excellent brother. Many affluent young ladies had been keeping their eyes on her ever since she entered.
Of course, quite a few affluent young gentlemen were also interested. Marrying Charlotte was akin to gaining the support of the Lance family, and they knew how to calculate the benefits.
Moreover, Charlotte's looks and temperament were both top-notch.
After Charlotte left, Audrey still didn't feel like moving.
Eric raised an eyebrow at her. "What's wrong? Do you want to keep hiding here?"
Audrey sighed, "You know well. Those affluent young ladies don't like me. We don't have any common topics, so I won't go."
Eric looked at her with a puzzled expression. "Really? You weren't like this before. In the past, whenever you had the chance, you wouldn't give up. You'd always find a way to stand out and make everyone notice you."
Audrey wasn't offended; after all, Eric was speaking the truth. She responded, "You said it yourself, that was in the past. Right now, I'd prefer if no one paid any attention to me."