Chapter 21 First Meeting with Louis

"Here's some hot food to tide you over." Lawrence said.

Hazel was surprised as she looked at the bag Lawrence handed her.

He actually went out to get food for her!

A warm feeling flickered in her heart, as if something had strummed her heartstrings. Hazel's eyes curved into a smile.

Taking the paper bag from Lawrence, Hazel thanked him.

"Thanks, babe." Hazel said.

She opened the bag, and the aroma of the food wafted out. Hazel, who hadn't eaten much all day, was starving and didn't hesitate to dig in.

"How'd you know I hadn't eaten?" She turned to look at Lawrence and asked.

"The housekeeper mentioned it when you left." Lawrence's long fingers flew over the keyboard as he replied without looking up.

Remembering that she had asked the housekeeper to heat up some food, Hazel's lips curved slightly.

She hadn't expected Lawrence to be so considerate.

The car drove smoothly, with one person working and the other eating, creating a strangely harmonious atmosphere where they didn't disturb each other.

With her hunger abated, Hazel rolled down the window for some fresh air and realized she had never been on this road before.

"Mr. Johnson, where are we going? You're not planning to sell me, are you?" Hazel half-joked, half-teased.

Lawrence finally looked up at her, his expression a bit exasperated. "We're meeting a business partner."

Hazel was surprised. "Why'd you bring me along to meet a business partner?"

Hazel never got involved in Lawrence's work matters.

"Would you rather stay bored at the Johnson Mansion and risk running into Aunt Edith and the others?" Lawrence glanced at her with a faint smile.

Hazel shook her head immediately. "No, I think going with you to meet clients sounds much better."

Knowing Hazel's knack for flattery, Lawrence didn't tease her further.

Checking their location on her phone, Hazel noticed they had entered a different district. The car eventually pulled into a resort, where someone was already waiting for them.

Hazel and Lawrence got out of the car, and the driver went to park.

"Mr. Johnson, Mr. Martin has been waiting for you inside." The person didn't recognize Hazel, but standing next to Lawrence, her status was undoubtedly significant.

"Alright." Lawrence nodded and let the person lead the way, glancing back at Hazel to signal her to follow.

They were led into a luxurious, spacious private room where Louis Martin, dressed in a gray suit, was already seated. His eyes widened slightly when he saw Hazel behind Lawrence.

A flash of surprise and admiration crossed his eyes.

"I thought you always kept your distance from women, Mr. Johnson. When did you start bringing one along?" Louis spoke with a teasing tone, his heated gaze fixed on Hazel. "And such a beauty."

He was almost whistling at her.

Hazel felt uncomfortable with his flippant attitude.

"Louis, watch your mouth and your eyes." Lawrence's voice was cold and carried a warning.

Louis raised his hands in surrender. "Alright, I won't say another word. But I don't know this lovely lady's name yet. I'm Louis. May I know your name?"

Hazel had heard of him. Few could match Lawrence in business, and Louis was one of them.

Rumor had it he was a womanizer and lazy, and today he seemed to live up to that reputation.

Suppressing her urge to snap back, Hazel forced a smile. "Nice to meet you, Mr. Martin. I'm Hazel Anderson."

Louis said, "Ms. Anderson, please have a seat. Feel free to order whatever you like."

After Lawrence and Hazel sat down, Louis courteously slid the menu towards Hazel.

Having eaten a bit on the way, Hazel glanced at Lawrence. "Mr. Johnson, do you have any preferences?"

She moved the menu slightly towards Lawrence. He skimmed it briefly. "Order whatever you like. Ladies first."

Louis chimed in, "Don't worry, this meal's on me. Ms. Anderson, make yourself at home."

Hazel ordered a few recommended dishes, then excused herself to make a phone call, knowing the two men had business to discuss. "I'll step aside to make a call. You two go ahead."

She didn't want to overhear any confidential business matters and cause trouble for herself.

Lawrence understood her intention and let her go.

Hazel received a call from the real estate agent, who informed her that the renovation team could start work the next day.

Surprised by the quick progress, Hazel sent the agent some money to oversee the work.

The agent, pleased with the tip, readily agreed.

She texted Kelly about the update, and they chatted on their phones.

Meanwhile, Lawrence noticed Louis glancing towards Hazel from time to time, his expression darkening. "Mr. Martin, let's focus on business."

Sensing the displeasure in Lawrence's tone, Louis leaned back in his chair, looking nonchalant. "Mr. Johnson, our partnership is straightforward. I'm just curious. I heard you got married recently. Is Ms. Anderson your wife?"

Few knew about Lawrence's marriage, but it wasn't hard to find out with a bit of attention.

Louis had just connected the dots from some recent rumors.

Watching Lawrence's expression, Louis continued, "So it's true!"

Louis's eyes widened, looking almost like a curious puppy.

Lawrence didn't bother to respond, giving him an exasperated look instead. "So, keep your thoughts to yourself."

Louis finally settled down, slumping his shoulders in defeat. "Alright, got it. By the way, I heard you kicked Elliot and the others out of the Johnson Group. Aren't you worried they'll retaliate?"

As both a rival and a friend, Louis kept a close eye on the Johnson Group's affairs.

"They can try." Lawrence's face showed no anger, only calm confidence.

Having faced danger once before, he wasn't afraid of it happening again.

Louis hadn't expected his casual remark to be taken so seriously, but the Johnson Family did indeed dare to act.

When the food was served, Hazel returned to the table, noticing a significant change in Louis's attitude towards her.

She gave Lawrence a questioning look. He raised an eyebrow. "Let's eat. Weren't you hungry?"

Louis, sitting across from them, rubbed his arms. For some reason, he felt like a third wheel, excluded from their sweet atmosphere.

Having known Lawrence for years, Louis understood his temperament. It didn't seem like Lawrence had married just to appease his family's pressure.