?Chapter 213:
Caden’s expression darkened slightly.
“I’m used to dining alone.
”
Despite anticipating his reluctance, Ynda could not conceal her disappointment.
Since childhood, she had harbored a crush on him, and his current sess andposure only deepened her affection.
Lately she had begun to better understand his reserved nature.
His cold demeanor concealed a meticulousness that intrigued her, drawing her even closer.
“Caden, I’ve been here in Warrington for days now without leaving Joy Residence much.
I’d love to explore some of the local cuisine,” Ynda suggested, her eyes full of hope.
“Will you join me for dinner?” she insisted.
Caden’s face remained stoic.
“It’s too cold outside.
Don’t be stubborn.
”
“We have a car, right?” Ynda quickly countered.
“It won’t take up much of your time.
Besides, we have some business matters we could discuss over dinner,” she reasoned, leaving him little room to refuse.
Caden massaged his temples.
“Okay, pick a restaurant.
I’ll take you.
”
Ynda’s face lit up with joy.
“Thank you, Caden,” she replied warmly.
She grabbed her tablet and quickly made a reservation using a restaurant reservation app.
While Caden went back to his paperwork, Ynda picked out the top-rated restaurant, unconcerned about the menu but eager to spend time with him.
After confirming the reservation, she settled down on the couch, stealing nces at Caden.
She thought she was being subtle, but Caden caught her watching him.
He put away his pen resolutely.
“Let’s go now.
”
Ynda, surprised by his ready disposition, stammered: "Now? So fast?"
“Yes,” he confirmed curtly.
Caden often found the presence of women unpleasant.
During work, and as long as he remained focused, it was bearable, but in quieter moments, his difort was palpable.
Ynda rushed to grab Caden''s coat, but he was quicker, putting it on without any problems.
When she hesitated, withdrawing her hand, Caden addressed her health concerns with cool detachment.
“From now on, we’ll be dealing with work-rted matters over the phone or video chat.
You don’t need toe into the office.
”
Ynda''s expression darkened slightly.
"It''s not that far away, actually.
"
“I prefer it that way,” Caden replied firmly, his tone tinged with a severity that discouraged further argument.
Ynda nodded, masking her disappointment with a forced smile.
“Understood, Caden.N?velDrama.Org is the owner.
She regained herposure and followed him to the car, choosing to remain quiet in the backseat.
Having been warned at the office about overstepping her boundaries, she opted for silence, rather than taking in the car''s luxurious interior.
His gaze fell on a handkerchief stored in the backseat drawer, a new man''s handkerchief.
Excitedly, she asked, holding the scarf gently, “It’s quite cold.
Can I wear this scarf?”
Caden, focused on the road, replied indifferently, ignoring the importance of the scarf.
“It’s yours.
”
Excited, Ynda put the scarf around her neck and adjusted it carefully.
She still didn''t know what it meant to Caden: it was a gift from Alicia, now forgotten by him.
The evening continued with dinner at a luxurious restaurant on the top floor, chosen by Alicia for its opulence.
She hoped to impress her investors with her dedication.
Aware that business dinners are often alcoholden, he had the foresight to bring along an assistant who was an expert in managing such situations.
As they got into the elevator from the basement, Alice warned her assistant: “Don’t drink too much.
If I give you a signal, stop immediately.
It’s not worth risking your health.
”
Her assistant asked, "Aren''t you allergic to alcohol?"
"I''ve taken some pills to control it.
It''s a minor allergy, nothing serious.
"
"I''ll take care of it, don''t worry," his assistant replied confidently.
The elevator stopped on the first floor.
Looking up, Alice saw Caden standing outside.
A wave of surprise washed over her.
Next to him was Ynda, the woman from the airport.
Alicia quickly looked away when Caden''s eyes briefly met hers.
His assistant, recognizing Caden, expressed surprise.
“Mr.
Ward? Are you dining here too?”
Caden, who didn''t know the assistant but was aware of her rtionship with Alicia, simply nodded.
"Yes.
"
Even though Ynda was by his side, Caden''s attention remained fixed on Alicia.
Noticing Ynda''s presence, Alicia''s assistant asked with a yful smile, "Is this your girlfriend, Mr.
Ward? She''s quite attractive.
"
Ynda''s cheeks flushed, but she remained silent.
Caden replied dismissively, "She''s just a friend.
"
The two parties headed to the top floor of the restaurant, famous for its panoramic views and top-notch prices, a fortuitous but awkward coincidence.
As the elevator ascended, Caden casually broke the silence.
“Mrs.
Bet, what a coincidence to see you here.
Business or pleasure tonight?”
Before Alicia could respond, Ynda turned sharply, her eyes scanning Alicia''s face for any hint of reaction.