Done with Cheater's Coldness Shine in Rival's Arms novel Chapter 36

Chapter 36 An Unexpected Dinner Guest

• Finished

Back at the hotel, Kieran had just finished packing. The siblings headed out to meet Reginald for dinner.

They arrived at the agreed restaurant to find Reginald and his brother Roman already waiting.

“Kieran! Long time no see,” Reginald teased as they walked in. “You’ve been back for days and only now come to visit? Not cool.”

Tve been helping my sister with stuff–you know that,” Kieran replied, grinning as he and Quinn sat down beside the brothers. The mood was relaxed, no awkwardness despite the time apart.

Quinn could tell they were close–true friends who picked up right where they left off.

Reginald turned to Quinn. “Quinn, I told you before–if you ever need help, just say the word. Your brother and I are like family.”

“You know how she is,” Kieran said with a sigh. “Even with me here, she refuses to ask for help.”

“Thank you for the offer,” Quinn said, a faint smile softening her cool gaze. “But some things I have to handle myself. No one else can do it for me. I appreciate the thought, though.”

“Kieran, it’s been too long,” Reginald said, picking up a wine glass. “You’re gonna drink with me tonight. Let’s see if your tolerance has improved.” He poured wine into Kieran’s glass himself.

Quinn sat beside her brother, listening to their stories and laughter. Hearing about their past adventures made her smile.

“Mr. Hale, Mr. Reed is here,” Reginald’s assistant knocked and announced.

Reginald looked surprised. “Let him in.”

Peyton Reed?

Quinn’s mind immediately jumped to the name.

She turned instinctively. A tall figure walked through the door.

Peyton wore a reddish–brown suit that fit his muscular frame perfectly. His expression was calm, almost unreadable.

It was Quinn’s first time seeing him in person. His wheat–colored skin, brown eyes as cold as ice, and sharp nose–he was stunning.

She’d always thought her brother was the most handsome man she knew. But next to Peyton, Kieran paled in comparison.

Quinn’s heart raced. Just being near him made her feel a strange pressure.

“Peyton, what are you doing here?” Reginald stood up, his gaze flicking to Quinn with a knowing look.

“Just stopping by,” Peyton said softly, sitting down right next to Quinn.

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12:03 Sat, Jan 17

Chapter 36 An Unexpected Dinner Guest

76

Finished

Quinn tensed up. They’d talked on the phone, but in person, it was a whole different feeling.

She stole a glance at him out of the corner of her eye. Something about his profile felt familiar–as if they’d met before.

She racked her brain but came up empty.

It’s impossible. We’ve just met. I must have been mistaken.

A faint lemon scent wafted over from his side–Peyton’s cologne. Subtle and pleasant.

“Quinn, keep eating. We guys haven’t seen each other in ages. Tonight, we’re gonna drink till we’re satisfied -no holding back!” Reginald said, noticing her discomfort and grinning.

Peyton has gone to so much trouble to come back for her, and she doesn’t even recognize him!

But he kept quiet.

Quinn is about to get engaged to someone else. Meddling may cause unnecessary trouble.

Quinn nodded, picking up her fork. But her hand slipped, and it clattered to the floor.

She hurried to bend down and pick it up, but Peyton’s large hand stopped her. “Don’t move.”

“Bring another set of utensils,” he told the waiter.

The waiter quickly fetched a new set and placed it in front of Quinn.

“Thank you,” she said.

Peyton picked up his fork and served food onto her plate.

“Thank you,” Quinn repeated, her cheeks warming.

Kieran watched his sister’s flustered state and smiled.

Didn’t expect Peyton to show up, but it’s good for them to spend time together. They are getting engaged soon, after all.

The Hart family had chosen Peyton for Quinn. They trusted him completely.

Quinn felt awkward for the rest of the meal, ever since Peyton arrived.

“We’re going the same way. My driver can take you both home.”