He Never Loved Me Until the Day I Finally Left Him novel Chapter 522

It was because of this CEO.

Her last name was Wallace, and her first name was Helena.

Moreover, the look in her eyes was eerily identical to the late Helena Wallace.

"Understood," Carter replied without prying further.

The car drove smoothly toward the hotel.

...

At exactly six-thirty that evening, Helena arrived at the restaurant.

She hadn't traveled with her team, but upon entering the private dining room, she realized Sebastian was the only one there.

She paused, not speaking immediately.

She instantly recognized something was off.

Outwardly, however, she maintained her absolute composure.

"Mr. Hayes, I was under the impression this was a team dinner," she said coolly. "Not a private dinner between you and me."

"Have a seat," Sebastian offered unhurriedly.

He sat in his chair, quietly observing her.

His mere presence exuded an overwhelming sense of dominance.

Helena met his gaze steadily, then offered a small smile and took the seat directly across from him.

"Shouldn't you owe me an explanation, Mr. Hayes?" she asked with mild indifference.

"They're in the private room next door. I gave it some thought and made an executive decision. As the top decision-makers, our presence would likely ruin their appetite," Sebastian explained calmly.

Helena didn't argue.

He had a point; having both of them hovering would put immense pressure on their respective teams.

"This way, they can hash out the details more freely, wouldn't you agree?" he added smoothly.

Helena offered a noncommittal hum.

"Ms. Wallace, since we're in Coralia, I'll let you recommend the dishes," Sebastian said, shifting the topic and handing her the menu.

She smiled and accepted it.

As the menu transferred between them, their fingers accidentally brushed against each other.

It was only a fleeting touch.

He had never compromised his preferences for anyone's sake.

Now, however, he seemed surprisingly agreeable.

It left her briefly at a loss for words.

Without changing her expression, she handed the menu back to the waiter.

The waiter quietly slipped out of the room.

Once again, it was just the two of them facing each other.

Helena didn't avoid his gaze, nor did she attempt to strike up a conversation.

Sebastian sat with his hands clasped, a hint of probing curiosity in his eyes as he studied her.

His intense stare made her profoundly uncomfortable.

However, she kept her discomfort carefully hidden.

Eventually, Sebastian broke the silence. "I didn't expect the CEO of IGM to be a woman."

"That shouldn't be surprising. There are plenty of exceptional women out there," Helena replied with a polite smile.