After discussing work for a while, they paused for a short break and some casual conversation. Just then, Celeste’s phone rang.
It was Jordyn.
After excusing herself, Celeste stood up and stepped outside as she answered. “Jo, what’s up?”
“Shanice is back in Baumond. We’re having dinner tonight. Do you want to come too, Mom?”
Celeste replied, “Sorry, I have a work engagement tonight and can’t get away. I won’t be able to join you.”
As she spoke, she pushed the door open and walked out.
She truly was busy and couldn’t leave. After chatting briefly with Jordyn, she returned to the room and resumed discussing work with Trevor and Quincy.
Once the meeting wrapped up, Celeste and Kieran left.
Trevor stayed behind a little longer to talk with Quincy before heading home to pick up Jordyn for dinner.
Jordyn hadn’t seen Shanice in a long time and had prepared a pile of gifts. She was practically buzzing with excitement.
When Trevor got back, she eagerly had everything loaded into the car before saying, “Dad, I called Mom to invite her, but she has a work engagement and can’t make it.”
Trevor nodded. “I know.”
Jordyn blinked in surprise. “Huh? You knew?”
“Yes. I was right next to her when she took your call.”
“Oh…” Jordyn frowned slightly, a hint of disappointment crossing her face.
“Then why didn’t you help me convince Mom to come?”
Trevor smiled, ruffled her hair, but didn’t answer. Instead, he glanced at the stack of gifts. “You prepared quite a lot.”
That immediately shifted her mood. Beaming with anticipation that Shanice would love everything, she said proudly, “Of course!”
The dinner was hosted by Beck.
By the time they arrived at the restaurant, Beck, Shanice, Miles, and Wynn were already there—though Beck and Wynn had only just arrived themselves.
Noticing that Wynn hadn’t come with Trevor and Jordyn, Miles casually asked, “Why didn’t you come together?”
Jordyn hadn’t seen Wynn in a while either, so she greeted her first. “Hi, Wynn.”
Then she answered, “Dad had to go home to pick me up.”
Miles had only asked in passing and didn’t think much of it.
Beck assumed Trevor and Wynn had separate work arrangements, which was why they arrived separately, so he didn’t press further.
Since Jordyn and Shanice hadn’t seen each other for quite some time, both had prepared plenty of gifts.
After a quick round of greetings, they happily began exchanging presents.
When it was time to sit down, Wynn naturally took the seat beside Trevor.
Of course, she hadn’t been invited by Trevor or Jordyn. Earlier that afternoon, Beck had simply tagged everyone in the group chat.
After sitting down, Wynn spoke to Trevor as if everything were perfectly normal. “I’ve met two of the people you recommended—they’re indeed very capable.”
Trevor nodded in acknowledgment.
Wynn continued, describing the strengths of the two specialists he had suggested, clearly trying to draw him into a longer conversation.
She had barely said a couple of sentences when Miles couldn’t help but complain, “Isn’t it enough that you two whisper to each other every day? Now you’re ignoring the rest of us even at a gathering—isn’t that a bit much?”
