Suzy's plea for Chris to slow down was met with compliance, and soon they found themselves on the path of the main highway. She released her grip on his hand and stared at his retreating figure. "I have every right to be furious with you. Your actions could have tarnished our reputation, Chris," Suzy remarked.
Running his fingers through his sleek, black hair, Chris pivoted to face her. "Can you tell me what you talked about with Nikolas? Why did he decide to drop the charges?" he inquired.
"Chris, what's your issue? How can you argue with me considering what you've done?" Suzy's inquiry held a mix of frustration and disbelief. "Whatever conversation I had with Nikolas, it shouldn't concern you. What you need to explain is why you resorted to violence against him?" Her persistence for an answer grew stronger.
"I'm hungry," Chris mentioned casually, evading her question as he checked his phone to book a cab. However, unexpectedly, Daniel maneuvered the car their way and brought it to a stop.
"Get into the car," Daniel said to both of them.
Suzy firmly guided Chris into the backseat, shutting the door behind him. She settled into the passenger seat beside Daniel and fastened her seatbelt. Once Suzy was ready, Daniel set the car in motion.
"Why did you choose to sit at the front?" Chris inquired of Suzy.
"I was planning to–" Suzy's response was cut short as Daniel interjected.
"I assumed you were headed to a lawyer's office to initiate the divorce proceedings. Instead, I find you engaged in a physical fight with the CEO of Kostakis Group," Daniel remarked.
"I'm not speaking with you, so stay away from my conversation with Suzy," Chris affirmed.
"Never. I will never let you hurt Suzy the way you hurt my sister," Daniel angrily said.
Chris clenched his fists as he controlled his anger toward Daniel. He decided to stay quiet rather than argue with him.
Suzy glanced at Chris from the rearview mirror and found a bruise on the side of his lip. "Did Nikolai raise his hand at you?" she asked, showing her genuine concern.
Chris remained silent, grappling with his emotions and the weight of his actions. He felt a deep sense of regret, having never questioned a woman's character in such a manner before, and also for not being able to confront Nikolas more forcefully.
Daniel gazed at Suzy, perplexed by her concern for Chris despite his behavior.
"Daniel, if you spot a restaurant nearby, could you please drop us off?" Suzy asked in a subdued tone. About fifteen minutes later, Daniel gradually slowed the car and applied the brakes, bringing them to a stop outside a restaurant.
Chris swiftly exited the car, his frustration evident as he slammed the door shut.
"I'll meet you tomorrow. I don't believe I can stay apart from him," Suzy expressed.
"I'll come to pick you up in the evening. Make sure you're prepared. I won't allow you to live with him," Daniel stated firmly.
"Don't you want me to punish him for what he did to your sister? I assure you, if the situation becomes too much to bear, you'll be the first person I call," Suzy assured before stepping out of the car. Daniel observed them briefly before driving off.
Outside, Chris waited for Suzy by the entrance. As he caught sight of her reflection in the glass, he proceeded inside, Suzy following suit. They settled at a table, and Suzy handed the menu to Chris.
"Feel free to order whatever you'd like," Suzy offered.
"Why? Don't you want to dine together?" Chris questioned.
"I already had lunch earlier," Suzy responded.
"Join me for lunch. My treat," Chris offered.
"What?" Suzy chuckled. "I won't be eating because I'm already full," she reiterated.
Chris placed the menu down on the table with a hint of frustration. "Well then, I won't eat either," he declared, interlocking his fingers determinedly. The waiter observed them, seemingly prepared for any potential argument.
"Alright, I'll have an iced tea. Just that, nothing more," Suzy stated firmly, directing her gaze toward the waiter, who jotted down her order. Chris, on the other hand, requested a hamburger along with a soft drink. The waiter departed to process their orders.
"I thought you were uncomfortable around me," Suzy said. "Now, you are treating me a lunch. Is this your way to apologize to people around you?" she queried.
"Why would I apologize to you?" Chris mumbled, unwilling to admit that his invitation was indeed a form of apology for his hurtful words.
"It's quite clear through your actions," Suzy asserted.
"You're overthinking," Chris muttered.
"Nikolas had proposed a sexual favor in return for a substantial investment in my company, which could've rescued it from bankruptcy. I am far from a gold digger. I hold my dignity in high regard. Opting to marry you was the most reasonable choice I had to save my company," Suzy revealed. "I hope you'll one day extend an apology to me," she emphasized.
"I-I am so-sorry," Chris spoke softly.
"What was that? I didn't catch that," Suzy asked, wearing a smile as she looked at him.
Chris clenched his fists. "It's nothing. I didn't say anything," he clarified.
"You said sorry. That's quite a significant step forward, achieved in just one day," Suzy remarked, her smile growing wider. "I understand that someone as stubborn as you don't often apologize," she added.
The server arrived with the iced tea for Suzy and wished her to enjoy it. Simultaneously, another server appeared, placing the hamburger and soft drink in front of Chris.
"I'm not a brat," Chris retorted.
"Oh, you definitely are!" Suzy confirmed with a playful tone.
"Whatever," Chris muttered, taking a sip of his cold drink.
"Chris, I'll grant you forgiveness on one condition – if you begin attending college daily starting tomorrow. Your actions today weren't those of a mature man. I'll make sure Grandpa Arthur doesn't find out about this incident," Suzy presented her condition.
Chris let out a chuckle. "Nikolas Kostakis might have already spilled the beans to Grandpa by now. As for college, I'll be attending it from tomorrow onward since I do need to maintain my attendance," he replied and took a large bite of hamburger.
Suzy's gaze fell upon his bruised knuckles, which sparked her confusion. She spoke up, "If you won't tell me, I'll inquire from Nikolas about why you engaged in a fight with him."
Chris gradually stopped chewing the food. He lifted the glass of his soft drink to his lips, taking a sip from the straw.
"I shouldn't have questioned your character. Forgive me," Chris uttered, then swiftly diverted his eyes from her, triggering a small, amused smile to form on Suzy's lips.