Reborn As Mr. Coldwell's Wife
Chapter 54: What’s The Best

Chapter 54: What’s The Best

Mason extended his hand, a small smile on his face as he shook hands with his business partner. The lunch meeting had gone exceptionally well, and the continuity of their partnership was secured. As they exchanged final pleasantries, Philip walked beside him, already discussing their next steps.

"Well, Mason, we have a few hours before we need to head to the construction site. Do you want to go back to the hotel first?" Philip asked, glancing at his watch.

"That’s a good idea," Mason agreed. He felt the weight of the day settling in and could use a quick break. They headed outside where their car was waiting, the driver promptly opening the door for them.

The ride back to the hotel was smooth, and Mason stared out the window, his mind drifting to thoughts of Ellen. She had fallen asleep in his room last night, and the sight of her peaceful slumber made him smile a little.

When they arrived at the hotel, Mason and Philip walked through the lobby, exchanging nods with staff members who recognized them.

Once they reached Mason’s room, Mason quickly shrugged off his suit jacket and tossed it onto the couch. He glanced around the room, noting its neatness. "She’s not here anymore," he muttered, almost to himself.

Philip, initially confused, caught on quickly. "Oh my god, Mason, did you let Aubrey stay in here? What the hell were you thinking? Aren’t you afraid of raising a scandal?" Philip’s disbelief was palpable.

Mason turned to look at him, rolling his eyes. "Aubrey never stepped foot in here," he said dismissively.

Philip’s eyes widened slightly as he tried to piece together Mason’s cryptic comment. "So who did you mean?" he asked, genuinely curious.

"Ellen," Mason replied simply, a flicker of something unreadable in his eyes.

Philip’s face lit up with relief at the mention of Ellen’s name. "Thank God," he said, exhaling a breath he didn’t realize he was holding. "It would have been a disaster if it was Aubrey."

Philip then looked at Mason, curiosity sparking in his eyes. "So Ellen was here last night?"

Mason nodded. "Yeah."

Philip’s eyebrows shot up, and he leaned forward slightly. "Did she spend the night here?"

Mason’s gaze flickered to the side. "She only slept here, there’s nothing going on."

Mason looked away, not wanting to meet Philip’s teasing gaze. His jaw tightened as he struggled to keep his composure. He could feel Philip’s eyes on him, the amusement practically radiating off his friend.

Philip raised his hands in mock surrender, a mischievous grin spreading across his face. "And one thing, I never said something was going on, Mason."

Mason shot him a sidelong glance, trying to ignore the heat rising in his cheeks. "Can we focus on something else?"

Philip chuckled softly as he walked over to the couch, leaned back, and crossed his arms. "You’re making this too easy, Mason. You should see your face right now."

Mason walked over to his office chair and sank into it, his gaze fixed on Philip who had settled on the couch. "Did you give her my schedule?" Mason asked, his voice carrying a hint of accusation.

Philip raised his hands defensively. "I swear to God, I didn’t know how Aubrey found out you were here. It must be someone else, some informant she has."

"Not Aubrey," Mason interrupted, his eyes narrowing slightly. "Ellen."

Philip’s expression shifted from defensive to puzzled before he remembered. "Oh, right. Yeah, I gave it to her," he admitted, trying to sound nonchalant. "She’s your wife. I figured it was only natural."

Mason’s glare hardened. "I don’t want anyone meddling in my business."

Philip sighed, clearly frustrated. "I’m just doing my job, Mason."

The room fell silent for a moment, the tension thick between them. Philip leaned back on the couch, studying Mason’s serious look. "I don’t know what kind of game you’re playing right now, but it doesn’t look good from any angle I try to see it," Philip said finally. "You should be pushing Aubrey away, not giving her hope."

Mason’s jaw tightened. "So this is all because of Aubrey?" he shot back.

Philip didn’t back down. "I hope you weren’t the one who asked Aubrey to come here personally," he said, his voice firm. "Did you?"

"No, I didn’t," Mason replied, his tone clipped.

Philip sighed again, rubbing his temples. "Assuming I trust you on that, it means Aubrey won’t give up on you easily. What are you planning to do about it? You need to stop this if you don’t love her anymore. Or do you still have feelings for her?"

Mason didn’t answer immediately. He turned his gaze to the window, the city of Paris sprawling out before him. The silence stretched, heavy and telling. Philip watched him closely, frustration etched on his face.

"You can’t keep doing this, Mason," Philip pressed. "You’re hurting everyone involved. Ellen doesn’t deserve to be caught in the middle of this."

Mason’s shoulders slumped slightly, a rare sign of vulnerability. "I know," he said quietly. "It’s complicated."

"Make it uncomplicated," Philip urged. "You need to make a decision and stick to it. For everyone’s sake."

Mason’s mind raced as he stared out the window. The cityscape seemed to mock his indecision, the bustling life outside contrasting sharply with the turmoil inside him. He knew Philip was right, but acknowledging the truth and acting on it were two very different things.

Philip softened his tone, sensing Mason’s internal struggle. "Look, I’m your friend. I just want what’s best for you. But you need to take control of this situation before it spirals out of control."

Mason finally looked back at Philip, a mixture of gratitude and resignation in his eyes. "I appreciate your concern, Philip. I really do."

Philip nodded, relieved to see some semblance of acknowledgment from Mason. "Just think about what I said. You owe it to yourself and everyone. Thinking about how Ellen will feel sad and jealous if this continues."

Philip just didn’t notice the subtle shift in Mason’s expression at the mention of Ellen—the smirk that flickered and then vanished like a shadow.