The Stand-In Who Burned the Script novel Chapter 212

Chapter 212

Charlie Beck’s striking mixed-heritage features gave his face a sharp, handsome definition. His light brown eyes gave off an immediate impression of a gentle, refined gentleman.

He murmured something to the maître d’, a slight frown creasing his brow.

The timing was perfect.

Vivian smoothed her napkin and gracefully stood up.

“Hi, Mr. Beck.” She sauntered over to him with effortless elegance, a radiant smile on her face. “What a coincidence. Are you dining here too?”

“Miss Fairchild.”

Charlie looked up, his gaze sweeping over the stunning woman before him.

She possessed the rare kind of beauty that made her utterly unforgettable. Combined with her two previous intentional encounters, it was impossible not to remember her.

“I was hoping to try some local Northside cuisine, but unfortunately, there are no available tables without a prior reservation. I suppose I’ll have to come back another time.”

“Join us.”

Vivian gestured toward her table by the window. “It’s just the two of us. You wouldn’t mind sharing, would you, Mr. Beck?”

“Well… wouldn’t that be imposing?”

“Not at all.”

Vivian smiled like a clever fox. “Running into each other is fate. Besides, we’re already friends, aren’t we?”

With the offer framed so perfectly, refusing would make him seem terribly ungentlemanly. Charlie chuckled. “Then I’d be honored to join you.”

Zoe watched in awe as her boss casually chatted and laughed with the elusive executive, feeling like she was in a dream.

When the man actually took the seat across from them, her posture instantly went rigid.

“A pleasure to meet you again, Mr. Beck.”

“I remember you, Vivian’s assistant.”

Charlie’s expression was warm and relaxed. “We’re not on the clock right now, so there’s no need for formalities. If anything, I’m the one crashing your lovely lunch.”

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Chapter 212

Vivian signaled the waiter to start bringing out the food. “The dishes here are incredibly authentic. Getting to show you the true taste of Northside is our way of promoting our hometown.”

In just a few sentences, the tension at the table dissolved into a lighthearted atmosphere.

Charlie looked out the window at the skyline, letting out a soft sigh.

“I’ve been here for days, and I haven’t had a single moment to actually unwind. Today is shaping up to be quite special.”

“I feel the exact same way.”

Vivian nodded in agreement, her tone turning sincere. “Special and unforgettable.”

A glimmer of appreciation flashed through Charlie’s eyes, making them look even brighter.

The waiters quickly began serving the courses. Vivian seamlessly took on the role of a culinary guide, using the serving spoons to plate Charlie’s food while explaining the rich history behind each dish.

“Vivian, I had no idea you were so knowledgeable.”

He wasn’t the only one surprised.

Even Zoe was staring at her boss in disbelief.

Vivian didn’t even blink. “It’s just something baked into my DNA. I have a deep curiosity for everything. Taking tradition and innovating upon it is exactly how I approach my work as well.”

Finally, they had reached the real topic of the day.

Charlie paused for a fraction of a second, though his charming smile never wavered.

“You’re a very interesting woman, Vivian.”

“I wouldn’t call it interesting. I’d call it thinking outside the box.”

With the plates mostly cleared, Vivian set down her silverware. The playful banter faded, replaced by a razor-sharp, professional intensity.

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