Done with Cheater's Coldness Shine in Rival's Arms novel Chapter 167

Chapter 167 Matchmaking Attempt

Finished

Quinn had never shortchanged anyone. Ever since the two studio projects stabilized, she’d given Mia a generous bonus. That’s why their relationship had grown so strong over time.

They’d hit it off right from the start, always looking out for each other. Their partnership worked so well precisely because they cared about one another’s well-being.

That evening, the two of them headed to the restaurant to meet Leo for dinner.

“Happy birthday, Mr. Harrison!” Mia said nervously. Shed practiced her opening line over and over on the way there.

But the second she laid eyes on him, her mind went blank. All she could manage was those simple words.

“Thank you.” Leo replied politely.

“Mr. Harrison, this is a birthday gift I picked out for you I hope you like it,” Mia said, forcing herself to sound calm despite her racing heart. “It’s just a small token of my appreciation. I know you probably have everything you need.”

Leo raised an eyebrow, impressed by the elegant little box in her hands. “Thank you. I didn’t expect you to go through so much trouble for me.”

“You bet she did!” Quinn chimed in, doing her best to bridge the gap between them. “Mia spent an entire day picking out that perfect gift. You’d better keep it safe”

“Don’t worry,” Leo grinned. “A gift from a lovely lady like you? I’ll treasure it forever. And thank you both for coming out tonight to celebrate with me.”

Leo had never celebrated his birthday at a fancy restaurant like this before. He’d never even bothered to remember the date, let alone care about marking the occasion.

“Mr. Harrison, I owe you an apology for last time we dined together,” Mia said, gathering her courage. “I drank too much and ended up passed out. I must have been such a hassle. I won’t touch any alcohol tonight. I don’t want to make a fool of myself again in front of you.

“I’d like to toast you with juice instead. Thank you for all your guidance at work these past few months. Happy birthday. This is my first time celebrating your birthday with you, and I wish you all the best in your future endeavors!”

Mia had rehearsed this speech a hundred times, but saying it out loud to his face still felt like climbing a

mountain.

Leo chuckled, looking at her in amusement. “You really didn’t have to go to all this trouble. I’ve never been one for birthdays. I was just joking around when I teased you about gifts earlier.

“But I’ll gladly accept your present-and I’ll keep it close to heart.”

Leo spoke gently. He’d never been the type to care about silly rituals or grand gestures. He was a no- nonsense guy-no need for all that mushy stuff.

“Leo, come on now.” Quinn feigned offense. “Don’t be such a buzzkill. We put in all this effort to find this amazing restaurant and celebrate your special day, and you’re over here acting like it’s no big deal?”

As a woman herself, Quinn knew exactly how this would come across. Leo’s casual attitude was practically a

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Chapter 167 Matchmaking Attempt

cold bucket of water on their enthusiasm.

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Finished

Mia’s heart sank a little, her face falling as she fidgeted awkwardly in her seat. She didn’t know what to say or do next.

Leo could tell he’d put his foot in his mouth. He quickly backtracked, his tone softening. “I didn’t mean it like that! I just didn’t want you two to waste your money or time on me. Honestly, I’m really touched by all this. I was just trying to be polite!”

He suddenly found himself tongue-tied, unsure how to handle Mia’s obvious disappointment.

Leo was no fool. He could tell Quinn didn’t really mind his offhand comment-they’d been friends for years, and she knew his laid-back personality inside out.

But Mia was a different story entirely.

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