I rolled my eyes and looked for a better spot further inside.
"Natalie, are you dining with Mr. Lewis? Why don't you join us?" Amanda said with a smile, pulling out a chair next to her.
Just as I was about to refuse, Andrew walked over and glanced at Joseph. "Ms. Harris, someone of your status shouldn't have to pull out a chair yourself."
Joseph snapped out of it and stood up. "Oh, look at me, too focused on eating." He moved to pull out the chair for me.
"Mr. Miller, no need. Natalie doesn't like to trouble others, so I'll do it," Andrew said with a smile.
I silently applauded him. Seeing the scar on my forehead that had just begun to heal, he likely pieced together what had happened to me.
I sat down, and Andrew casually handed me the menu. An eerie atmosphere hung over the table.
"I've already arranged everything. After this meal, you'll come to the studio tomorrow to practice," Andrew said.
I was taken aback. I hadn't even mentioned that I was planning a comeback, yet Andrew had already made the arrangements.
"Are you making a comeback?" Two voices spoke simultaneously from across the table. Joseph stared at me in disbelief.
Realizing she had lost her composure, Amanda quickly added in a soft tone, "Natalie, when did you decide this? I haven't heard Joseph mention it."
"Why would she need Joseph's permission for her own career?" Andrew shot back without a hint of mercy.
Amanda hadn't expected such a response from Andrew and looked visibly embarrassed.
"And what business is it of yours? Natalie is my wife. And be polite to Amanda," Joseph said, his eyes carrying a warning.
"So, you do remember that she's your wife," Andrew mocked. "I thought you'd lost interest by now."
Joseph clenched his fists, his entire demeanor suggesting that any moment now, he would hurl me to the ground and beat me with a stick. I was all too familiar with this behavior, and it was the prelude to one of his outbursts.
"Joseph, don't be rude to Mr. Lewis. It's true, I was out of line," Amanda said soothingly.
"I've made up my mind to return, and I simply forgot to discuss it with you. But even if you disagree, I'm still going to do it." I raised my eyebrows at Joseph.
"Ms. Harris, there's no need to calm him down. From what I know of him, he won't dare do anything here," I said, turning to Amanda with a sweet smile.
Amanda's face flushed, and she quickly withdrew her hand from Joseph's arm.
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