Matthew was staring at her strangely.
There was something so intense and unfamiliar in his gaze that it made her cheeks flush, and she slowly pulled away from Jacob.
She bit her lower lip softly.
-C-congratulations… I hope you got what you wanted.
Matthew smirked crookedly.
+I did.
She let out a shaky breath.
-Good. That's… really good.
Her eyes dropped to her bare legs again, and she suddenly remembered she was supposed to tell him something.
+Go inside and change your clothes. You came out in this weather dressed like that?
Jacob glanced at her and chuckled.
_Aww… look at her socks though!
Ignoring them, Diana rested her hands on the railing, her gaze drifting over the yard.
-The weather's nice… so I'm fine! We should celebrate. Lots of wine and dancing…
She turned back toward them.
-Right?
Jacob was smiling at her, but Matthew's frown hadn't budged.
_Of course we should celebrate. It was a solid victory.
Diana's eyes widened.
-Obviously it was! Wait a second. Why… why am I acting like it was only for you two? Like I didn't do anything? It was me who made sure you got this project back. Tonight, I'll make you thank me for it. Hah… shameful!
She turned her back, grumbling.
-They took me hostage and I worked for them like some idiot! Did you think I didn't realize? Huh? I only did it because I felt sorry for you. You'd better make it up to me.
She asked herself why she couldn't act like a normal upset person.
Well, her situation was different. Sure, the reason she was in this mansion was unfair, but it was her own foolishness that had kept her here.
Jacob burst out laughing and went to her—it was one of those times when she just started rambling nonstop.
He scooped her up easily and slung her over his shoulder.
She let out a small shriek.
-Jaaake! Put me down! I'm gonna fall. Oh God...
Hearing his name shortened again from her lips made Jacob beam; he shot Matthew a mischievous look and waggled his eyebrows a few times.
Matthew scowled, pulled off his long coat, threw it over Diana, and growled:
+Stop kicking your legs! If my coat falls to the ground, you'll answer for it!
Once she stayed still, Matthew turned to Jacob and smirked before walking toward the elevator. He waited for them to catch up. After they stepped inside, he pressed his finger to the scanner and the elevator started moving.
-Jacob… put me down.
Jacob didn't respond.
Her voice softened.
-Hey… I'm serious. I think… ugh… I think I'm gonna throw up! I just got better.
Alarmed, Jacob quickly set her down, just as the elevator doors slid open.
Diana dashed out and stuck her tongue out.
-Heh-heh… fooled you! I'll go prep some things so we can head out and celebrate, okay? Find us a good spot!
She hurried down toward the first floor.
Jacob blinked.
_Then why didn't she just tell us to stop on the first floor?
Matthew shrugged.
+Told you… she's an idiot.
Now it was Jacob's turn to smirk and give him a pointed look.
_Yeah… and after what she just pulled, we'll see who the idiot really is.
Matthew was about to retort but let it go, muttering instead:
+Go pray you actually win the contest tonight.
_Oh, man. Tonight you're the one who's gonna stumble drunk back to your room.
Matthew just raised his middle finger.
Jacob grinned wickedly, pitched his voice lower to mimic Matthew's, and teased:
_What's wrong? Aren't you gonna tell me to put on a coat so I won't catch a cold?
Matthew, still walking ahead, gave a hidden smirk and raised his other middle finger too.
Jacob headed toward one of the guest rooms in the mansion to change without bothering to go all the way to his own estate.
. . .
Meanwhile, Diana was darting around the main kitchen, prepping everything!
Different sausages, meats, ham, steak. She turned to one of the staff.
-Could you wash those tomatoes and lettuce? And put some pickles out too?
They hurried to do it.
Her eyes fell on the walkie-talkie in the corner. She picked it up skeptically.
-How does this thing work? So everyone hears?
One of the guards explained.
-Oh… okay, thanks. Ahem…
She held the button.
-Can one of the guards come to the kitchen? I need some stuff carried out to the yard… please!
She glanced around. Some of them were biting back smiles.
Enzo's voice crackled over the radio as he gave instructions. Soon enough, a young guard walked in.
/At your service, ma'am.
-Oh, that was fast. Okay, put these in baskets with a few others. I'll tell you where to take them. Thanks!
She rushed upstairs and stopped at the glass doors. Matthew had been watching her again.
She grabbed her violin, slipped on her boots, and stepped out. Matthew was ready too, holding her violin case.
He glanced at her.
She clapped her hands together with a bright grin.
-Shall we? I'm ready!
That faint frown still lingered between his brows.
+Where?
Diana froze, crestfallen. She swallowed hard.
What was this? Was he not going to let her celebrate with them?