Chapter 817 - 801: Is There Medicine for Regret in the World?

Chapter 817: Chapter 801: Is There Medicine for Regret in the World?

Ever since Howard Rhodes brought over a carton of cigarettes, Archie Lockwood had been smoking nonstop.

He didn’t know how to describe the complex, unbearable feeling welling up inside him, nor did he know what he could do to force himself to stop overthinking. He was nearly forty years old, yet he was still so unsettled, as impatient as a hot-headed youth.

Outside, the sky had grown completely dark, but his boss was still sitting on the sofa, smoking. Howard frowned and gave Louise Jordan, who was standing nearby, a pointed look.

Louise sighed. Stepping forward, she braced herself and said, "Mr. Lockwood, you have a dinner date with Miss Vance tonight."

At the mention of Miss Vance, Archie looked up, casting a mild glance at Louise. "What time?"

"Oh, I believe you said you would pick her up at eight."

"What time is it now?" If he remembered correctly, the Vance family and the Ross family were neighbors.

Louise raised her wrist to check her watch. "It’s already seven-forty," she replied urgently.

Archie’s expression turned exceedingly grim. "I only have twenty minutes?"

"Yes. Would you like me to call Miss Vance now, Mr. Lockwood, and tell her something came up and you won’t be able to make it?"

"There’s no need," Archie said coldly, standing straight up from the sofa. He shot a freezing glare at Howard and the others. "We’re going to pick up Shannon Vance right now."

"Yes, sir."

At the Vance residence.

Ever since Shannon Vance returned home in the afternoon after her meal with Archie, she had been picking out clothes. Come to think of it, this was the first time Archie had invited her out for such a proper, formal dinner. She had to dress the part so she wouldn’t embarrass him.

Yvonne Tate walked into the room to find her daughter still picking out clothes. Smiling, she went over to her. "Shannon, you haven’t decided what to wear yet?"

"Mom, come look! Which one looks better on me?" Looking up, Shannon grabbed a dress and walked toward Yvonne.

Yvonne gazed at her precious daughter with a smile. "In my eyes, you’ll look beautiful in whatever you wear."

"Hmph, I knew you’d say that. I’m your daughter, so of course you think everything looks good on me."

Seeing the blissful smile on her daughter’s face, Yvonne couldn’t help but feel a twinge of worry. Shannon was incredibly stubborn; once she set her heart on someone, she wouldn’t change her mind easily. Moreover, Archie Lockwood was a man with a rich romantic history, making Yvonne even more concerned that her daughter was being deceived.

"Shannon, let me ask you: is Archie really treating you well?"

Hearing her mother’s question, Shannon instantly knew what she was worried about. "Mom, stop fretting. Archie really is wonderful to me. Besides, he promised that once we’re married, he’ll give me a thirty percent share of his company. He definitely won’t mistreat me."

"Thirty percent? That much? Did Archie really say that to you? Shannon, whatever you do, don’t let him fool you."

Feeling guilty, Shannon feigned anger and let go of Yvonne’s arm. "Mom, how can you not believe your own daughter?"

If Archie was truly willing to marry her, she would gladly pay out of her own pocket for the privilege. But she certainly didn’t dare say that out loud.

"Alright, alright, don’t be mad. I won’t nag you anymore. It’s just... Shannon, that man has been married before. It’s best to keep your guard up in the future."

"Yeah, I know."

"Hurry up and get dressed," Yvonne urged. "He should be arriving any minute."

"Okay, Mom."

Yvonne left Shannon’s bedroom and went downstairs.

A woman was currently sitting in the living room. Upon seeing Yvonne coming down the stairs, she quickly stood up and called out with a smile, "Mrs. Vance."

"Oh, Rowan, you’re here. Are you looking for Shannon?"

"Yes, Mrs. Vance. I heard Shannon returned to the country, so I came over specifically to hang out with her."

Yvonne smiled warmly. "Mhm. Have a seat first, Rowan. Shannon will be down in a moment."

"Okay, Mrs. Vance."

Just as Rowan finished speaking and was about to sit back down, a young maid came rushing in.

"Mrs. Vance, Mr. Lockwood has arrived. He’s currently waiting outside for Shannon."

Hearing that Archie had arrived, Yvonne glared at the maid in dissatisfaction. "Since he’s already here, show him in."

What was the meaning of arriving but refusing to come inside?