The Runaway Groom
Chapter 1057

Irene simply smiled while Zachary was left seething. "I'm not talking toyou. All you people ever do is bully me."

He strode off, but he had not walked more than a few paces when hestopped and turned since Irene was not stopping him. "Aren't you goingto sweet talk me? Are you actually my friend?"

Irene simply remained where she was. "Sweet-talk you?"

Right now, she was at a loss of how to sweet-talk Isaac—did she evenhave time for Zachary?

"Sweet-talk yourself. I'm busy," she said bluntly.

Zachary was left speechless. "You people have no conscience anddon't care about me. Fine! Playtime is over—I'm taking my daughterhome."

"See you," Irene said without even looking his way.

Zachary was left speechless again, but he soon returned and satbeside her. "I refuse to leave just because you want me to."

Irene simply got up and left him alone to play with her children, thoughZachary did not seem upset and simply watched quietly.

After a long while, Mrs. Watson arrived outside with Jean, and he tookher baby daughter back inside—she was still too young to stay outsidefor too long and had to return indoors after playing for a while.

James and Erin came to the castle for dinner as well, having learnedfrom someone that Irene returned.

Pierre also asked the kitchen to prepare a lot of Zidonian dishes, agesture to welcome Irene back.

"Since Irene has been gone for a while, let's have a drink to celebrate,”Zachary suggested.

James was the first to argue. "No drinking."

"Why?" Zachary asked.

"You won't get it. Only married people would,” James replied.

Zachary was speechless. "Trying to ostracize me?! I have a daughter!Do I wave it in your face?!"

What was so impressive about getting married anyway?!

“Yes, you have a daughter, but you don't have a wife!" James retorted.While Zachary was speechless, Erin could not help nudging James inthe arm. "Come on. Stop upsetting him already."

Irene chimed in, "He is blessed, having a daughter when others can't."Zachary loved hearing that. "That's right. I have what you don't have.""And you don't have what I have either," James countered, insisting onrubbing salt into Zachary's wound. “I have a wife, so I'll eventually havechildren. You may have a daughter, but you don't have a wife—theadvantage is mine."

Zachary sighed. "I don't think I have an appetite.”

"Alright, I'm just kidding," James said, sliding a shrimp onto Zachary'splate. "Let's have a drink."

“Forget it. You haven't recovered yet."

Despite all the banter, they did care for each other.

Just then, Irene asked Pierre to bring some liquor, leaving Zachary andJames gaping at her.

Still, it was not as if she wanted to drink—she just thought that sinceeveryone except Isaac was there, she needed something to fall asleep.Call it capricious or whatnot.

Zachary leaned in to ask quietly, "Having a fight with Isaac? Can't sleepbecause he's cold-shouldering you?"

Irene shot him a glare. "Move. I'm eating."

Zachary pursed his lips but said, “I'll drink with you."

James began, "Me—"

Erin suddenly cut him short. "No."

James smiled. "Actually, I just wanted to say I'll stick to eating."

Erin was preparing for her pregnancy after all, and James would stickto a diet with her.