The Man Who Never Looked Away novel Chapter 337

"Lavinia, I told you, this coffee shop is incredibly popular!" Zoey stood on her tiptoes, counting the heads in line.

"Even if it's popular, the line shouldn't be this ridiculous." Lavinia eyed the crowd. "Can we just skip it? I don't even want coffee at this hour."

She checked her watch. It was already 5:30 PM. If she drank coffee now, she'd never sleep tonight.

Zoey's eyes darted around mischievously. She raised her voice toward the massive line. "Hey everybody! I'm buying coffee for everyone if you let us order first!"

Lavinia grabbed her sleeve. "What are you doing?"

Zoey stuck her tongue out. "It's fine. Mr. Sheffield just sent me a massive bonus. I'm rich!"

Lavinia gave her a helpless look.

She had been in a bad mood all day and couldn't sit still in the office, so she decided to go out and check on some invested projects. As her trainee, Zoey had insisted on tagging along.

Passing by "Roadside Grind," Zoey had pointed it out. "Isn't this one of the new coffee projects Celestial Capital invested in? Let's check it out."

And just like that, Lavinia was dragged out of the car and forced into the queue.

The people in front laughed and stepped aside. Zoey pulled Lavinia up to the counter. When Lavinia looked up, she froze.

Standing behind the counter were Charley and Lucian, both wearing the shop's uniform and aprons.

Lucian was still wearing his silver-rimmed glasses, creating a bizarre contrast with the barista apron.

Seeing Lavinia, Charley's hands stalled under the counter. His eyes swirled with a chaotic mix of guilt, worry, and joy.

Realizing she'd been set up, Lavinia wanted to bolt, but it was too late.

"What can I get you?" Lucian asked Zoey with a smile.

"Doesn't matter what we get. With you two manning the fort, this place is going to make a fortune today," Zoey grinned.

"This was your brilliant idea," Lucian replied, looking at her affectionately.

Lavinia had never seen Lucian look so warm and approachable.

"Lucian, Lavinia's throat is a bit scratchy from the AC," Zoey said. "Get her a sparkling citrus Americano."

Lucian quickly prepared the drink and set it in front of Charley. "For takeout."

Snapping out of his daze, Charley slowly, almost awkwardly, bent down behind the counter.

"Lavinia!" Charley ripped off his apron, rushed out from behind the counter, and chased after her.

Lavinia was walking fast, but he caught up in a few strides and matched her pace.

"Can you please just listen to my explanation?" he pleaded softly.

Lavinia ignored him, clutching the massive bag as she kept walking.

Lucian watched them go. "Zoey, I don't think your trick worked."

"Guaranteed success," Zoey grinned. "You guys just don't understand girls. Good thing you have me as your strategist."

Lucian shot her an amused glance.

A customer further back asked, "Do we get that kind of takeout packaging too?"

"Yes, absolutely! Everyone gets one!" Zoey beamed.

She lifted the counter flap, ducked into the shop, picked up Charley's discarded apron, and stood beside Lucian to help pack orders.