Chapter 213:
Caden’s expression darkened slightly. “I’m used to dining alone.”
Despite anticipating his reluctance, Yolanda couldn’t mask her disappointment. Since childhood, she had harbored a crush on him, and his current success and composure only deepened her affection. Recently, she had begun to understand his reserved nature better. His cool demeanor belied a meticulousness that intrigued her, drawing her even closer.
“Caden, I’ve been here in Warrington for days without leaving Joy Residence much. I’d love to explore some local cuisine,” Yolanda proposed, her eyes filled with hope. “Will you join me for dinner?” she pressed.
Caden’s face remained stoic. “It’s too cold outside. Don’t be stubborn.”
“We have a car, right?” Yolanda quickly countered. “It won’t take much of your time. Besides, we have some business matters that we could discuss over dinner,” she reasoned, leaving him little room to decline.
Caden massaged his temples. “Fine, choose a restaurant. I’ll take you there.”
Yolanda’s face lit up with delight. “Thank you, Caden,” she responded warmly. She picked up her tablet and quickly made a reservation using a restaurant booking app.
Lатєst ϲhαptєrs ιn g𝒶l𝑛οvєl𝑠.ｃοｍ
While Caden returned to his paperwork, Yolanda chose the highest-rated restaurant, unconcerned about the menu but eager to spend time with him. After confirming the booking, she settled into the sofa, sneaking glances at Caden. She thought she was subtle, but Caden caught her observing him.
He put away his pen decisively. “Let’s leave now.”
Yolanda, caught off guard by his prompt readiness, stammered, “Now? So quickly?”
“Yes,” he confirmed curtly.
Caden often found the presence of women unpleasant. During work, and while he maintained his focus, it was bearable, but in quieter moments, his discomfort was palpable.
Yolanda rushed to grab Caden’s coat, but he was quicker, donning it smoothly.
As she hesitated, pulling back her hand, Caden addressed her health concerns with cool detachment. “From now on, let’s handle work-related matters via phone or video chat. You don’t need to come to the office.”
Yolanda’s expression dimmed slightly. “It’s really not that far for me.”
“I’d prefer it this way,” Caden responded firmly, his tone tinged with a sternness that discouraged further discussion.
Yolanda nodded, masking her disappointment with a forced smile. “Understood, Caden.”
She regained her composure and followed him to the car, choosing to remain quiet in the backseat. Once warned about overstepping in the office, she opted for silence, instead observing the plush interior of the car.
Her gaze was drawn to a scarf tucked in the backseat drawer—a brand-new men’s scarf.
Excitedly, she asked, holding the scarf delicately, “It’s quite chilly. May I use this scarf?”
Caden, focused on the road ahead, responded nonchalantly, dismissing the scarf’s significance. “It’s yours.”
Thrilled, Yolanda draped the scarf around her neck, carefully adjusting it. She remained unaware of its significance to Caden—it was a gift from Alicia, now forgotten by him.
The evening progressed with a dinner at a luxurious, top-floor restaurant, chosen by Alicia for its opulence. She hoped to impress her investors with her dedication.
Aware of the often alcohol-laden business dinners, she had the foresight to bring an assistant skilled in managing such situations.
As they boarded the elevator from the basement, Alicia cautioned her assistant, “Pace yourself with the drinks. If I give you the sign, stop immediately. Your health isn’t worth risking.”
Her assistant questioned, “Aren’t you allergic to alcohol?”
“I’ve taken some pills to manage it. It’s a minor allergy, nothing serious.”
“I’ve got this, don’t worry,” her assistant confidently replied. The elevator halted at the first floor.
Upon looking up, Alicia locked eyes with Caden standing outside.
A wave of surprise washed over her.
Next to him stood Yolanda, the woman from the airport. Alicia quickly averted her gaze as Caden’s eyes briefly met hers.
Her assistant, recognizing Caden, expressed surprise. “Mr. Ward? Are you dining here as well?”
Caden, unfamiliar with the assistant but aware of her connection to Alicia, simply nodded. “Yes.”
Despite Yolanda standing beside him, Caden’s attention remained fixed on Alicia.
Noticing Yolanda’s presence, Alicia’s assistant asked with a playful smile, “Is this your girlfriend, Mr. Ward? She’s quite attractive.”
Yolanda’s cheeks flushed, but she remained silent. Caden responded dismissively, “She’s just a friend.”
The two parties made their way to the restaurant’s top floor, renowned for its panoramic views and premium pricing—a serendipitous yet awkward coincidence.
As the elevator ascended, Caden casually broke the silence. “Ms. Bennett, fancy seeing you here. Business or pleasure tonight?”
Before Alicia could answer, Yolanda turned sharply, her eyes scanning Alicia’s face for any hint of a reaction.
