Her mind was racing with panic now.

"Please, don't smile at me like that. I'd rather you yelled at me; at least then I wouldn't feel Like I'm on the brink of a disastrous end," she muttered under her breath.

Ariana felt the tension and cleared her throat. She felt somewhat guilty even though she had done nothing wrong.

"What a coincidence, Mr. Collins! Are you eating here, too?" Ariana said.

Maxwell raised an eyebrow and said, “Just the two of you eating here? Why don't we share a table?"

Sonia nudged Ariana, who quickly blurted out, "Sure."

The moment the words left Ariana's mouth, both women felt the awkwardness set in.

Maxwell smoothly took a seat across from them, and Sonia felt a sudden surge of anxiety, clutching at her chest like she might have a heart attack.

With Maxwell's eyes on her, Sonia let out a nervous Laugh and buried her face in the menu.

After placing their orders, Ariana tried to lighten the atmosphere with occasional small talk.

Shortly after, their meals were served. As they ate with lowered heads, Sonia was taken aback to hear Maxwell reciting aloud, “The top-grade man was a sight to behold, enticing three women to throw themselves onto the bed. Their skillful hands traced his taut abdominal muscles and chest. Bewitched by the desire to touch him down there, they..."

Sonia stopped abruptly, her spoon suspended near her mouth.

She realized that Maxwell was reciting a passage directly from her spicy novel.

She was so embarrassed now. What was Maxwell thinking? Who would be so shameless as to recite such explicit content here?

While Sonia was stunned, Ariana went into panic mode. She swiftly covered Melon's ears, lifted him up, and said, “I'll head to the dessert area with Melon and find something else to eat."

She then hurriedly left the table with Melon.

Maxwell arched an eyebrow and casually watched Sonia's flushed face.

After a brief moment, Sonia glared at Maxwell and exclaimed, “What on earth are you doing? You scared my son."

Maxwell was momentarily taken aback. Then, with surprise, he inquired, "Is that boy your son? What about Ariana? Didn't the boy call Ariana mother?"

Sonia set down the spoon she was holding, rolled her eyes, and replied, “Well, I'm his godmother."