The Prison-Made Queen novel Chapter 755

A few light, steaming dishes sat on the table between them. Outside, the city lights were just flickering on, illuminating the steady stream of traffic.

Ethan had finally managed to carve out some time from his grueling schedule, inviting Leilani to dinner right after work.

Since it was an invitation from an old friend, she naturally agreed. She had just gotten off work at Pure-Spring Clinic anyway and was starving.

Using a serving fork, Ethan placed a piece of steamed fish on her plate, his tone warm and casual.

"My birthday is next week. I'm having a small get-together with a few old friends at my place. Will you come?"

Leilani paused, her fork hovering. She had just remembered his birthday was coming up.

But she and Callahan were leaving for Northern Myanor in a few days.

She looked at him with an apologetic smile.

"I don't think I can. I have to travel out of the country next week. Some urgent work stuff came up."

The hand holding Ethan's fork stalled for a fraction of a second. He glanced up, his eyes filled with gentle concern.

"Out of the country? For long?"

His tone was soft, carrying a trace of hidden disappointment. "If you're not gone too long, I can wait for you to get back."

"I'm heading to Northern Myanor in a few days."

"I might be gone for a while, so I probably won't make it back in time to celebrate with you."

Thinking of the thoughtful gift he had prepared for her before, she felt genuinely bad about missing his birthday.

"Northern Myanor?"

"What are you going there for?"

His brows knitted together, his voice dropping as genuine worry took over.

"Yeah," she nodded. "He's coming with me."

A fleeting shadow of loss crossed his eyes, quickly replaced by even deeper concern.

He knew her personality. Once she made up her mind, she rarely changed it.

He thought for a moment and didn't press for details. Instead, he pulled out an aged metal cardholder from his pocket, retrieving a slightly yellowed slip of paper. Written in fountain pen was a phone number and the last name "Lee."

He slid the paper gently across the table to her, his tone warm but grave. "This is the personal number of an old college buddy. He's been stationed at the border over there for years and knows the area perfectly."

"If..."

"I just mean if you run into any trouble you can't easily handle, or even if you just need to check on road conditions or the weather, give him a call. Just tell him you're my friend."

He paused, adding in a deliberately lighter tone, "Of course, hopefully, you won't need it at all. Just keep it as a backup for peace of mind."