SWNOVELS Chapter 230: First Confrontation
Today, Azure returned again, sitting in the same spot, ordering the same food, and still alone.
Meredith observed from the second floor. Reese couldn't help but comment, "Meredith, if she doesn't like our food, why does she come every day? I see her rinse her food several times with water, she can't handle spicy, yet she always orders a spicy fondue. It's really odd."
Meredith had also noticed Azure's peculiar eating habits. She chose vegetables most of the time. It made sense for a dancer concerned with maintaining her figure, but her insistence on ordering spicy food despite her dislike for it was truly bizarre.
Because of Azure's daily visits, the restaurant's business improved significantly. Many people came just to see the beautiful woman. One day, a man at the next table was caught by his wife looking at Azure. Ignoring the public setting, the wife loudly scolded him, "What are you looking at? Trying to pick some wildflowers home now? Your wife is right here, and you're ogling another woman, do you want to sleep on the sofa for the nights?" Sheepishly covering his ears, the man pleaded, "What are you saying? There are so many people watching."
"I was wondering why a man who hates cheese would suddenly want to come here for some cheese fondue. It must be because of the woman," his wife continued relentlessly.
"Let's go home, we're not eating," she declared, dragging her husband away. As they passed by Azure, she sarcastically remarked, "What kind of decent woman dresses up like she's going on TV just to eat fondue? Little hussy." Azure's face fell at these words, which seemed to strike a nerve. She covered her face briefly, looking flustered. She then called the server, "Excuse me, I need some water, thank you."
Meredith had witnessed the entire incident and decided to approach Azure, driven by curiosity. "Hello, I'm the owner of this restaurant. Would you like me to move you to a private room?" While Azure did attract a lot of business in the lobby, Meredith considered the dining experience of her customers.
Azure stared at Meredith for a long time. She knew who Meredith was - Terrence Sterling's wife, which was why she had come here. Up close, Meredith looked even more radiant. Pregnant, her skin glowed, and she was naturally stunning. Meredith's scent was of mild mint, which Azure noted, knowing Terrence liked that fragrance. Perhaps that was one of the reasons he married Meredith.
While Azure evaluated Meredith, Meredith also scrutinized her. Azure's gaze made Meredith feel as if she were already familiar to her. "No need," Azure finally responded, "I'm fine here."
"Okay then," Meredith smiled, then asked, "How do you find the food? Please feel free to give any feedback."
"It's quite good," Azure said, looking around the cheese fondue restaurant before returning her gaze to Meredith. "From the decor to the dishes and the service, it's clear you take great care with this place." "Thank you!" Meredith responded politely, knowing Azure was just being courteous and not genuinely impressed.
Azure's tone was cool and somewhat disdainful, "This place is quite new and located in such a busy area, you must have a very supportive husband."
Her words implied that Meredith's success was dependent on her husband, a slight sneer mixed with envy evident in her tone.
Feeling a bit awkward and unsure of what to say, Meredith was saved by the arrival of Harvey Fieldmouse with a group of friends. "Mrs. Sterling, do you have any private rooms left? I've brought some friends." Harvey's loud greeting caught everyone's attention. Meredith told Azure to enjoy her meal and then moved to greet Harvey and his friends. "We have a room available on the third floor."
"Great, I'll take my friends up..." Harvey began, but as he followed Meredith's path, his eyes landed on Azure sitting quietly by the window. His surprise was evident, and he stopped mid-sentence.