He didn’t want herbeled as “the other woman” nor did he wish for her agency to suffer any bacsh.


    Thus, he and Xiomara orchestrated a spectacle for the online audience.


    Despite the sting of Sumner’s harsh words, Lindsey recognized his good intentions.


    He had a generous heart and couldn’t bear seeing her downcast.


    Yet, with each favor Sumner extended, Lindsey’s difort grew.


    She feared umting a debt of gratitude too vast to ever repay.


    ncing at her watch, she noted thete hour.


    After a long stretch and a rub of her aching shoulder, she collected her thoughts and left the office.


    Outside, standing by the roadside, Lindsey hoped to hail a taxi when a familiar sedan pulled up.


    The window rolled down, revealing Sumner.


    Surprised, she instinctively stepped back.


    “Looks like you’re burning the midnight oil.


    I was just passing through and figured I’d drop you off at your ce.


    Hop in,” Sumner offered with a friendly smile.


    Lindsey bit her lip.


    Their homes were in opposite directions.


    His offer didn’t make any logistical sense.


    Attempting to politely decline, she shook her head.


    “I’ll catch a taxi.


    That’ll be just fine.


    ”


    Sumner’s response caught her off guard.


    “What? After all I’ve done, you’re going to decline my offer without so much as a thank you?”


    Lindsey hesitated.


    “So, about the news of you having dinner with Xiomarast night…”


    “It was a publicity stunt,” Sumner admitted.


    “I requested photographers.


    ”


    It was just as she had expected.


    Emboldened, Lindsey cut to the chase.


    “How can I repay you?”


    Sumner nced at his watch.


    “Actually, I’m famished.


    Care to grab a supper?”


    “Just a supper?” Lindsey raised an eyebrow.


    “Would you rather marry me?” Sumner chuckled.


    Lindsey fell silent, a little worried.


    Chatting by the roadside during a media frenzy wasn’t ideal.


    But if they were caught having a supper together? That was a recipe for disaster.


    “Rx,” Sumner soothed, noticing her hesitation.


    “There’s no paparazzi.


    I already checked.


    ”


    Refusing again would be awkward.


    He had been a huge help, and yet she was hesitating.


    With a sigh, Lindsey climbed into Sumner’s car.


    The sedan zipped off into the night.


    Momentster, an unassuming taxi parked nearby flicked on its headlights.


    The driver, d in ck, removed his mask and lit a cigarette.


    His eyes glowed in the faint light.


    He dialed a number.


    “They’re on their way,” he rasped, his voice devoid of emotion.


    “Both of them.


    ”Belonging ? N?velDram/a.Org.