Chapter 55: Informed extension

DAY 23

Patrick entered the living room, where Phina sat and chatted with her friends, quietly saying, "Excuse me."

They were all gazing up at him. The young man's eyes moved over his physique. And the woman he'd noticed, too chatty for his image, looked at him as if she'd just laid eyes on a famous person.

When he realized they were staring at him, he said, "Hello."

At last, he looked away as Ethan said, "Good morning." He seemed astonished that he had welcomed him.

Everyone turned to face Avery as she cleared her throat. With a questioning look, she opened her eyes wide and shrugged.

When she realized that Phina was quiet, she introduced them, saying, "Good morning. You must be Mr. Patrick. I'm Avery, Phina's friend. That's Ethan, our closest male friend." With a sly smile on her face, she gracefully crossed her legs.

With reluctance, Patrick nodded as she saw him glance at her.

Patrick said, "Hello."