“Have you forgotten you're not supposed to be drinking this stuff right now?!"

‘What? Oh, I forgot I'm on my period. He's so thoughtful.’ Erica was genuinely moved, but thought her husband was being overprotective.

“It's just one cup. It'll be all right," she said mildly.

That only increased Matthew's fury. Coffee jumped over the rim of the mug as he jerked it from his wife's grasp. All the same, he chugged it in a matter of seconds.

His three companions watched, mortified and dismayed.

Had they really witnessed Matthew doing such a childish thing?

After taking the last gulp, Matthew felt that he couldn't sit still anymore. He was afraid that he might try to strangle Watkins if he had to spend another minute in his presence.

Glancing at Harmon, he pushed his chair back and said, “My wife and I are leaving now."

Harmon was stunned, wondering why Matthew was in such a hurry. But he didn't protest. He simply waved at them and said, “Bye!”

Matthew took Erica by the arm and led her toward the door.

“Uncle, Watkins, goodbye!" she called over her shoulder.

Harmon shook his head helplessly. ‘Matthew is so possessive of Erica!' he thought. ‘And what a temper he has!'

Watkins shrugged and took a long, unhurried drink of his coffee.

He had met Harmon before, but they didn't know each other well, and it didn't take Long to find that they didn't have anything to talk about.

“Well, Watkins, I have work to do," Harmon said after a moment.

"Enjoy yourself here!"

Watkins nodded at him.

“Thank you, Harmon. Have a good day!"

Harmon left the cafe after paying the bill. Watkins passed a few moments alone, and then left without finishing his coffee. He had a lot on his mind.

Meanwhile, the Emperor car was cruising the streets.

Owen held back his laughter as he Listened to Erica trying to coax his boss in the back seat.

“Matthew, honey, don't be angry," Erica was saying, her head bowed, trying to placate her husband.

“You know that was just a white lie. I didn't mean to hurt you."

But Matthew wasn't having it.

"A lie is a lie!" he declared.