When Scarlett stepped out of the cafe, a light, persistent drizzle had begun to fall.
The location was rather secluded, tucked away in a narrow alley. Her car was parked on the street, leaving a short distance to walk from the cafe to her parking spot.
She hadn't brought an umbrella. She stood in the doorway for a moment, waiting.
Seeing that the rain showed no signs of stopping, she gritted her teeth, instinctively raised her purse over her head, and prepared to make a run for it.
She had barely taken a single step when a strong force suddenly grabbed her arm.
A smooth, resonant voice sounded right next to her ear.
"You're still recovering from childbirth. You shouldn't be out in the rain. Let me walk you."
Scarlett turned her head in shock, meeting Julian Croft's warm, deep gaze.
The next second, he let go of her arm, raised a large black umbrella with his other hand, and popped it open, gesturing for her to step underneath.
Feeling a little awkward, Scarlett glanced down the long, dim alleyway before stepping under the canopy of the umbrella.
Julian tilted the umbrella slightly toward her. They walked side by side over the cobblestones of the narrow alley, heading out toward the bustling main street.
"It rains quite frequently in Bay City this time of year," Julian said, breaking the silence.
"Yeah, it does," Scarlett replied softly.
"Did you drive here? Do you need..." Julian asked.
Scarlett quickly cut him off. "No, it's fine. My car is parked right on the street."
Julian didn't press the issue. "Alright."
They soon reached her car.
Scarlett opened the door, and Julian chivalrously held the umbrella high. After making sure she was safely seated in the driver's seat, he gave a casual wave and said goodbye.
As Julian turned away, Scarlett noticed that the sleeve on the other side of his jacket was soaked with rain, yet not a single drop had touched her.
He was a man of meticulous detail and complete gentlemanly grace, radiating a natural charm that easily won people over.
Watching his broad back through the rearview mirror, Scarlett was surprised to see that his car was parked right behind hers. It was a black Cullinan.
What more could Sylvia possibly want, being married to a man like that?
Scarlett shook her head, thoroughly perplexed. She started the engine and drove off.
Talia Gray sent a message asking for the photo. Only then did Scarlett realize she had been so caught up in the conversation that she completely forgot her best friend's mission.
[Sorry, I forgot.]

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