One night stand with my president( chapter 173)

 Chapter 173: A Complete Outsider

When Adeline arrived at the photography studio, she noticed that the shoot was still ongoing.

However, Eleanor was now much more cooperative than before.

She followed Daphne's instructions without resistance.

Yet, Eleanor seemed to struggle with controlling her expressions, as her smiles appeared stiff and forced Even Adeline could notice this, let alone Daphne, who was a professional photographer.

Daphne's frown deepened as she continued to work.

Adeline also observed that Harrison was sitting nearby.

Just as her gaze fell on him, he looked over at her as well.

Adeline had no choice but to approach him.

Harrison glanced at his watch, frowned slightly, and asked in a low voice, "Why didn't you sleep a little longer?"

Adeline smiled wryly and whispered, "I've slept long enough. Mr. Thomson, why did you turn off my alarm?"

"Did I?" Harrison asked calmly.

"It's your office, your resting room. Who else would dare to come in?"

"Oh, maybe it was me, but I can't quite remember."

Adeline couldn't help but laugh at how shamelessly he was lying.

"How's the progress?" Adeline asked. "Will they finish shooting today?"

Harrison glanced at Daphne and said, "It doesn't look like it."

No sooner had he spoken than they heard

Daphne say, "Take a break."

She had just finished another set of photos.

But after reviewing them, she was still dissatisfied.

Although Eleanor was finally willing to cooperate, her resentment was evident, affecting her ability to perform naturally, especially with her facial expressions.

Moreover, Daphne felt that while Eleanor's photos were beautiful, they lacked the vibe she was looking for.

Daphne continued to sort through the photos taken that afternoon.

At that moment, Harrison and Adeline approached her.

Daphne sighed and said, "There aren't many usable photos from this afternoon."

She smiled at Adeline and said, "Ms. Hensley, would you mind helping me choose a few?"

"Ms. Hensley doesn't know anything about this. Why are you asking her to choose?" 

Eleanor walked over and asked irritably.

Daphne rolled her eyes and said, "I want her to choose. Got a problem with that? Ms. Hensley works for the Thomson Group, and this is their endorsement shoot. Why shouldn't she have a say?"

Eleanor's face turned pale as Daphne's words hit home. Seeing that Harrison wasn't going to speak up for her, Eleanor had no choice but to remain silent.

"Ms. Hensley, please help me pick the best ones."

Daphne's playful demeanor made it hard for Adeline to refuse.

Daphne gently pressed Adeline down to sit beside her.

Adeline carefully reviewed the photos taken that afternoon.

Eventually, she selected two.

"I think these two are pretty good," Adeline said.

Daphne clapped her hands in excitement. "I agree! These two are the only ones worth keeping. Ms. Hensley, we're so in sync!"

"Just two usable photos after an entire

afternoon?" Eleanor's face darkened.

"What did you expect?" Daphne scoffed, "The rest are practically worthless. Even these two were picked as the best of a bad lot."

"Is it all my fault the photos turned out poorly?" Eleanor snapped, "Don't you bear some responsibility too?"

Daphne nearly retorted that if she was responsible, she was at fault for not smashing Eleanor's head in.

Ever since she turned her passion for photography into a career, no one had ever questioned her abilities.

Given Eleanor's performance that afternoon, it was a wonder they even got two decent shots.

Any other photographer might have lost their temper entirely.

Seeing that another argument was about to erupt, Adeline discreetly tugged on Harrison's sleeve.

"Let's just keep these two for now," Harrison suggested.

"Alright," Daphne agreed.

She checked the time and couldn't help but yawn.

"I'm exhausted. Let's call it a day," Daphne said.

Adeline had heard a bit about Daphne's work habits.

She never worked more than two hours at a stretch unless she was deeply engrossed in a project.

As a world-renowned photographer, Daphne had earned the right to set her own rules.

But today, she had worked well past her usual hours, likely out of respect for Harrison.

"Okay," Harrison said. "When are you available next?"

Daphne sighed, "I promised to do this for you, so I can continue tomorrow."

"Mr. Thomson, I'll come early tomorrow," Eleanor quickly interjected.

"Alright, it's settled then."

"Let's go eat," Daphne suggested to Harrison. "I bet Sam is already tired of waiting."

Harrison nodded, and then glanced at Adeline out of habit.

Adeline was still focused on the photos and didn't notice his gaze.

However, Daphne did.

Her eyes twinkled mischievously as she turned to Adeline, looping her arm through hers, and said, "Ms. Hensley, you've worked hard today. Why don't you join us for dinner?"

Adeline was taken aback.

Had she worked hard? It seemed like she'd slept most of the day.

"Come on, come with us," Daphne pleaded, tugging on Adeline's arm. "I'll feel out of place with just these two guys. If you're there, I'll feel much more comfortable."

Harrison felt a headache coming on.

Daphne's excuse was flimsy at best.

Given her personality, she wouldn't feel uncomfortable dining with two men she had known since childhood.

But Adeline couldn't resist Daphne's coaxing and, unsure of how to refuse, looked to Harrison for help.

Harrison feigned indifference and said, "You should join us."

Adeline had no choice but to nod in agreement.

The three of them had made their plans.

Meanwhile, Eleanor stood on the sidelines, feeling like a complete outsider.

She still held onto a faint hope that Harrison might invite her to join them.

But Harrison didn't even glance in her direction as he turned and walked away.

Adeline and Daphne followed suit.

As the staff began tidying up the studio, Eleanor stood there alone, feeling pitiful even to herself.

Her assistant wanted to inform her that the car was waiting outside, but seeing Eleanor's current state, she realized Eleanor was likely in a foul mood.

Fearing she might become the target of Eleanor's anger again, the assistant quietly stayed to the side.

When Harrison, Daphne, and Adeline arrived at the restaurant, they found Sam already waiting in a private room.

"Finally, you're here! I'm starving. Oh, Ms.

Hensley, you're here too," Sam said.

"Mr. Juarez," Adeline greeted him politely.

"No need to be so formal. We're all friends here; just call me by my name."

As Sam spoke, he gave Harrison a knowing look.