The Secret Engagement

Chapter 5: Can't take a joke

CHAPTER 5

The Hudgeman and Hawks took their seats and ate quietly and comfortably. Just like the rest of the house, the table was grand and big. Both of the families sat at the first three chairs at the side so as to level each other out. The maids served the food to them, plating it beautifully and even getting their drinks.

Angela could tell that Kyle kept staring at her. He didn't take his eyes off her. How could he? The very girl that embarrassed her in front of his friends was sitting in front of him. What's more, she was the daughter of none other than Zachariah Hudgeman and she was going to be his fiancee. Is this what she meant by watching his back that night? She already knew of him and he just stood there dumbly, not even recognising the face of his betrothed.

Angela calmly ate her food and made light conversation with Kyle's parents.

"So, Angela, I heard from your father that you seem to be very interested in the business," Mr Hawk commented.

"Yes sir, I've been looking at some of the finances of some of our hospitals and hotel services and learning about how they're being budgeted. I've also been involved in some of the discussions with my father," Angela explained. "It's not much, but I hope to one day have a bigger hand in the decision-making of the corporation."

Kyle looked at her, arching his eyebrow. He did not expect her to be interested in her father's business. Much less want to take over it. Even Mrs Hawk looked impressed. "That's wonderful. I'd thought you'd be more interested in the fashion world like your mother. You're both so beautiful after all."

Angela blushed, not used to receiving such flattery by people upfront. Kyle eyed her with interest. He wanted to see more. Mrs Hudgeman giggled.

"Aww, Val, you flatter us too much!" Mrs Hudgeman joked.

"It's true though, I've seen the draft for your page in Elle Magazine for this month, Angela. You looked absolutely stunning in the issue." Mrs Hawk smiled. Angela blushed harder.

"Right, that issue..." Angela trailed off. She remembers the photoshoot Mrs Hawk was talking about. Her mom signed Angela up for that spread when the editor called her personally. Something about wanting to introduce the world to the 'young and beautiful' heir to the Hudgeman Corporation.

Kyle looked lost in the conversation. He had no idea what they were talking about but he wanted to see the magazine. It must be something if Angela's reacting that way. He needed to get his hands on it as soon as possible... for research purposes, of course.

Just then, Angela looked up from her plate and made eye contact with Kyle. They held each other's gaze. Angela raised her brow, her flushed expression from earlier completely gone. What're you looking at? Kyle was about to ask a question but before he could, he was cut off. The moment was lost.

"Kyle himself has also been dabbling into the business himself, isn't that right son?" Mr Hawk smiled, proud of his son.

Kyle gave a small smile, happy to be praised by his dad. "Yes, it's quite fascinating and challenging, though it's nothing I can't handle."

Angela resisted the urge to roll her eyes. Show off. Kyle glanced at her but she had immediately plastered a professional smile on her face and took a bite of some bacon. Kyle didn't know what her problem was, but it was clear to him that she had some sort of problem with him, though he can't for the life of him figure out why.

If it's about her car from last night, then she's probably more petty than he thought. He wasn't going to apologise for something so small.

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