Chapter 346: Chapter 346: Completely at Ease
Ashley Shaw realized when she saw Owen Sinclair that when Shane Coleman asked her to bring more dumplings, he meant to bring two for Owen as well.
She mistakenly thought she was supposed to bring enough for the whole law firm, so both she and Ariana Grant each carried a bag of dumplings.
"Very thoughtful, very thoughtful."
Shane Coleman handed two dumplings to Owen Sinclair, kept two for himself, and then instructed his assistant to distribute the rest.
"I was wondering why you two took so long to arrive. Turns out you were off making dumplings."
Ashley Shaw shrugged, saying, "You should’ve been clearer! Just tell me, are the dumplings tasty or not?"
"Delicious! I swear, these are the best dumplings I’ve ever had."
"You’re a lawyer, you can’t lie. Everything you say... What was it again?"
"You have the right to remain silent, but anything you say can and will be used as evidence in court."
"Yes, yes, that’s it..."
Everyone burst into laughter.
After finishing the dumplings, Owen started explaining why he was there.
He’s planning to take on a TV series about lawyers, so he’s here to gather material.
"If you don’t mind, can I attend the courtroom hearing this afternoon?"
Ashley Shaw looked at Ariana Grant, who immediately nodded, "Come on, I’ll feel more confident with you there. I was a bit nervous before."
Owen Sinclair smiled and said, "Thank you."
"Thank you for what? It’s an open session anyway. Not just you, anyone can attend."
"As long as I’m not causing you any trouble."
"Of course not."
That’s what was said, but when Ashley Shaw and Ariana Grant were alone, Ariana couldn’t help but ask, "Ashley, do you think Actor Sinclair has a thing for you?"
Ashley Shaw was momentarily stunned, then laughed and denied it, "Do you think I’m like some dollar note everyone would fancy?"
"But if he didn’t like you, why would he show up so often recently, and even want to attend my case..."
Ashley jokingly said, "Is there a possibility that it’s you he’s interested in?"
Ariana got goosebumps.
"I wouldn’t mind, but Actor Sinclair isn’t blind."
"I just don’t know; all I can say is he only has an elder’s affectionate care for me, nothing romantic."
"How do you know what’s in his heart?"
"Just a sixth sense. Look when I call him Uncle Owen, does he seem upset at all?"
"Not at all, he seems rather pleased."
"Exactly. If he really had feelings for me, he wouldn’t like being called ’Uncle’, unless he’s a pervert."
Ariana promptly said, "Well, Actor Sinclair is absolutely not a pervert."
"Then there you go. He’s friends with Shane Coleman, and it seems he’s hired Shane as his legal advisor. We’ve been visiting Shane a lot, so that’s why we keep running into him. Don’t overthink it, or people might think we’re a pair of narcissists."
Ariana was reassured.
"That’s good. Although Actor Sinclair is handsome, he’s somewhat older. If he’d had kids early, they could be our age now."
"Exactly. In the entertainment industry, he’s seen all kinds of beauties. Would he be interested in two little brats like us?"
"It’s you, not us. There’s nothing wrong with his eyes."
"Don’t belittle yourself; if you slim down, you’d definitely look better than me."
"If you keep saying that, I might start believing it. And if I slim down and don’t end up looking as good as you, you’ll owe me emotional damages."
"Eh? Now you’re just looking to start something."
At that moment, Shane Coleman and Owen Sinclair pushed open the door and entered the room where the two were resting.
Shane Coleman immediately asked, "Who’s trying to start something?"
Ashley Shaw pointed at Ariana Grant: "Her! Senior Attorney Coleman, you’d better stand up for me."
"Well, isn’t that nice, more business for me."
Ariana feigned anger: "Hey, hey, you’re ganging up on the nice person."
After a bit of banter, Owen Sinclair interrupted them and said, "I feel bad for crashing your meal last time. Now that I’ve bumped into you again today, let me treat you this time."
Before Ashley and the others could reply, Shane Coleman already agreed.
"Well, isn’t that great, another free meal for me."
As he spoke, he winked at Ashley Shaw: "Why not take advantage of the capitalist? Let’s go?"
Ashley Shaw couldn’t spoil Shane Coleman’s fun, so she agreed.
As for Ariana Grant, she just followed along with Ashley Shaw.
Since Ashley agreed, she had no reason to refuse, and besides, who doesn’t love a free meal?
Plus, Xavier Quincy had taken them to The Nocturne, and she was curious about where Owen would take them to eat.
When they arrived, Ariana was taken aback.
It turned out to be an ordinary, very ordinary small restaurant.
Furthermore, the restaurant was located in an old residential building.
While Owen was talking to the restaurant owner, Ariana whispered to Ashley Shaw, "It’s my first time seeing a building in Westcroft more run-down than our apartment complex."
Ashley Shaw made a gesture for silence and whispered, "Some of the best food comes from hole-in-the-wall places. Only true foodies find such spots. Just wait and be amazed."
Ariana thought it made sense, and her impression of Owen choosing this restaurant improved.
To truly wealthy people, there’s no need to seek out fancy places for show.
Just then Shane Coleman arrived, a bit out of breath.
"Owen, parking is a nightmare here! I had to park on the street. If I get fined, you have to reimburse me!"
Owen laughed, "Sure, I’ll cover it. It’s only a hundred and fifty. My treat."
"You’re so generous, boss!"
Just then, the grey-haired restaurant owner approached.
"It’s a weekday, so it’s quiet. Sit wherever you like..."
He paused and glanced at Ashley Shaw, then smiled at Owen Sinclair: "Your daughter, right? She looks just like your wife."
Ashley Shaw immediately felt awkward.
She wasn’t Owen’ daughter, and Owen had just recently gotten divorced. This was embarrassing.
But when she looked at Owen, he didn’t seem awkward in the slightest. He just smiled and said, "Remember to go easy on the spice; the kids can’t handle it."
He didn’t deny that Ashley Shaw wasn’t his daughter.
The owner naturally assumed Ashley Shaw was Owen’s daughter and gave her a kindly smile.
Ashley instinctively returned a smile.
After the owner left, Owen told her, "It’s too complicated to explain. Let’s just let it be and consider it as me taking some advantage."
Ashley anxiously waved her hands, "No, no, I’m taking advantage of you. If you were actually my dad, I’d be thrilled."
Owen’s eyes deepened for a moment, "Really?"
Ashley laughed, "Of course, who wouldn’t want their dad to be a big-time actor? Right, Ariana?"
Ariana nodded repeatedly.
After that moment, she felt completely at ease.
If Actor Sinclair could let others think Ashley was his daughter, it meant he truly had no improper thoughts.
She felt relieved.
It’s not that she didn’t like Owen Sinclair; rather, their age gap was significant. If they did end up as a couple, wouldn’t they be criticized by millions of fans?
She certainly didn’t want her friend Ashley to be scolded by so many people.
But now it’s clear that such a thing will absolutely never happen.