Intimidated by Mason Lawson’s power, Regina Shaw, though indignant on Eve Vaughn’s behalf, didn’t dare to speak her mind directly.

So, she looked at Mason Lawson with a half-joking expression and said, "My mom says that Evie is my only friend, and when you two get married, she’s going to give Evie a huge red envelope!"

Mason Lawson asked with a faint smile, "Was that your mother talking, or was that you?"

Regina Shaw froze, about to argue that her mother really had said it. But then she suddenly realized, ’This Mason Lawson is so sly! He’s trying to change the subject.’

However, Regina Shaw wasn’t one to give up easily. "It doesn’t matter who said it," she pressed. "What’s important is, when are you planning to marry Evie?"

Eve Vaughn’s earlier surprise turned to nervousness, and she even held her breath.

She gazed quietly at Mason Lawson.

’Even though it feels a bit soon to be talking about marriage—I’m just a university student and don’t have any plans to get married yet.’

Still, she wanted to hear Mason Lawson’s answer.

’At least this way, I can find out if Mason has any intention of marrying me at all.’

Mason Lawson fell silent for a moment before saying, "Evie is a university student. Things like marriage and children would only hold her back."

It wasn’t a direct answer, but it also made it very clear that he had no intention of getting married for the time being.

Eve Vaughn lowered her gaze, her long lashes hiding the disappointment in her eyes.

Regina Shaw’s expression soured. "Evie will graduate eventually," she said, unwilling to drop the subject. "If not marriage, you could at least get engaged."

Unexpectedly, Mason Lawson turned the question back on her. "Miss Shaw, you’re not so young yourself. At 25, you could be a mother of several children by now if you lived in the countryside. So, when do you plan on settling down?"

Regina Shaw was left speechless. ’You’re not my mom or dad, so why are you meddling in my business?’ she wanted to retort.

But the words died on her lips, and she kept her mouth shut.

After all, she was the one who brought it up first.

She had wanted to win some ground for Eve Vaughn, but in the end, Mason Lawson had turned the tables on her.

For the rest of the journey, the three of them were lost in their own thoughts, and no one spoke again.

The silence in the car was a bit oppressive.

They finally arrived at Crimson Spring Resort. Eric and Mia Kendall had gotten there half an hour before them.

Unexpectedly, Hamilton Hale was also there today, along with Jonah Spencer.

Eric Kendall was overjoyed. "I can’t believe everyone made it today! It’s rare for us all to get together. And we have a new friend joining us: Miss Regina Shaw."

As soon as Eric Kendall finished, Mia Kendall immediately burst into applause. "Welcome, welcome! A very warm welcome!"

Although Regina Shaw usually had an outgoing personality, their enthusiasm made her a little embarrassed.

Afterward, Eric Kendall introduced Hamilton Hale and Jonah Spencer to Regina Shaw.

When Hamilton Hale was introduced, Regina Shaw’s eyes suddenly lit up. "So you’re Doctor Hale? I can’t believe it. I’ve looked everywhere for you, and here you are! I never thought I’d get to meet you here."

Regina Shaw’s tone suddenly became deferential, and she stared intently at Hamilton Hale.

’I can’t believe it. The legendary Doctor Hale, the leading expert in cardiology, the one who’s published multiple papers in top international journals... he’s so young and handsome!’

Eric Kendall gave Regina Shaw a baffled but intrigued look. "Can you tell us more about your history with Hamilton Hale? Because from the looks of it, he doesn’t seem to know you."

Next to Hamilton Hale, Jonah Spencer whispered, "Bro, you didn’t have some kind of fling with this Miss Shaw, did you?"

All eyes turned to focus on Regina Shaw and Hamilton Hale.

Hamilton Hale frowned slightly and said, "Miss Shaw, I don’t believe we’ve... met."

Regina Shaw said with a wide smile, "Of course we haven’t. How would I ever get the chance to meet someone of your stature? But I’ve read all the articles you’ve published! They’re in top international journals—getting published in those is my dream!"

Everyone breathed a sigh of relief, though they were a little disappointed.

’So, after all that, she’s just one of Hamilton Hale’s admirers.’

And here they were, thinking there was some juicy secret!

But after all she had said, Regina Shaw only got a single sentence in reply from Hamilton Hale: "Then you should keep working hard, Miss Shaw."

Regina Shaw looked at Jonah Spencer and said sheepishly, "Lawyer Spencer, could I switch seats with you?" 𝗳𝚛𝗲𝕖𝕨𝕖𝗯𝚗𝚘𝕧𝕖𝗹.𝗰𝗼𝕞

The implication was that she wanted to sit next to Hamilton Hale.

The looks of eager spectators returned to everyone’s faces.

"Sure, it’s all yours!"

Without a second thought, Jonah Spencer quickly gave up his seat for Regina Shaw, watching them with a knowing smirk.

Hamilton Hale was completely ill at ease. ’Why am I, a single guy, the center of attention?’

Eve Vaughn found herself admiring Regina Shaw. ’She’s so bold!’

’Good thing she wasn’t interested in Mason,’ she thought. ’If she came on this strong and threw herself at him, I don’t think his old bones could take it!’

Wanting to give Regina a helping hand, Eve Vaughn chimed in, "Doctor Hale, Senior Shaw is a Ph.D. student, and a total brainiac! It seems like she’s been admiring you for more than just a day or two."

Hamilton Hale didn’t say anything.

’I used to think Eve Vaughn was such a well-behaved kid,’ he thought. ’Why is she getting involved in this mess?’

Finally, he had no choice but to stand up and say, "Excuse me, I need to use the restroom."

Hamilton Hale had only taken a few steps when he heard laughter from the table behind him.

He felt a sense of resignation. ’Who did I piss off to deserve being mocked by the entire group?’

From beginning to end, he had been in a state of complete confusion.

And just as bewildered as he was, was Regina Shaw, still sitting at the table.

"What... are you all laughing at?"

Regina Shaw looked at them in confusion.

Eric Kendall gave her a suggestive look. "Come on, we’re all friends here, no need to be shy. If you’re into Hamilton Hale, just say the word. We’ll help you figure out how to land him! Don’t let his serious expression fool you; he’s actually the quiet, passionate type!"

It finally dawned on Regina Shaw, and she flushed beet-red. "What are you guys even talking about! Am I crazy or something? To fall for someone at first sight and decide he’s the one?"

Eve Vaughn asked awkwardly, "Then... what was all that about? We’re a little confused."

Regina Shaw explained with a perfectly straight face, "Doctor Hale’s research team is recruiting next year. I was just trying to cozy up to him to see if I could get a spot on his team after I finish my Ph.D."

"That’s it?"

Eric Kendall looked at her, unconvinced. "Nothing else?"