Chapter 423
Chapter 423
At that thought, a chilling sensation crept up Finnian’s spine, accompanied by a wave of inexplicable shame. The way he interacted with Noelle was indeed ripe for misinterpretation. His protective care might have felt like romantic interest to her.
Was that really the case?
Finnian pinched the bridge of his nose, consumed by frustration and guilt. He had probably blurred the boundaries between them.
Kaia actually finished her work quite early today. Celine called to ask if she wanted to grab dinner. Kaia had been meaning to ask how she handled that recent plagiarism fiasco, so she agreed. Celine volunteered
to make the reservation.
Upon receiving the address, Kaia drove over. Just as she arrived downstairs, Celine called. “Kaia, disaster! I can’t leave work. There’s an emergency I have to handle. Are you at the restaurant yet?”
Kaia glanced at the entrance, caught between amusement and exasperation. “I’m literally standing at the door. If you’re not coming, I’ll just head home.”
‘No, don’t! You’re already there, just go sit down. Don’t worry, you won’t be eating alone. I’ve made arrangements.” Celine chuckled mysteriously on the other end.
‘Celine, what kind of stunt are you pulling now?” Kaia felt a sense of dread rather than pleasant surprise when it came to her best friend’s arrangements. She was far too good at plotting.
‘Kaia, don’t be mad, hear me out… I genuinely have a crisis here. But, my cousin Simon Quinn happens to be free tonight, and he’s on his way right now. Just wait for him, alright? You guys can enjoy the amazing food and wine on my behalf, okay? Put it on my tab.” Celine coaxed, pushing through the tension with a sweet smile in her voice.
apter
“Celine…” Kaia tapped her heel against the pavement, completely
defeated. “Don’t set things up like this next time. It’s incredibly awkward for me.”
Kaia felt that if someone was treating you to a meal, there had to be some sincerity to it. Being inexplicably tossed together at à table like a blind date-even with an acquaintance-just felt wrong.
“My sweet Kaia, alright, alright, just this once, okay? Please, eat up, and don’t hold back!” With that, Celine smoothly hung up the phone.
Kaia stood there gripping her phone, a stiff smile frozen on her face. Suddenly, a gentle male voice spoke from behind her. “Kaia, what are you doing here?”
Kaia turned around to find Simon standing there. He was dressed in a dark gray lightweight sweater and tailored linen trousers, giving off an effortlessly relaxed vibe.
Kaia looked at him, a wry smile tugging at her lips. Sure enough, both she
and Simon had been set up.
Seeing the awkwardness on her face, Simon instantly understood. He ducked his head and laughed softly. “Celine’s handiwork again, right?”
“Let me treat you to dinner tonight. To thank you for your hospitality in Switzerland,” Kaia immediately offered.
Simon gazed into her bright, sincere eyes. His breath hitched for a second, though his gaze remained clear. “Sounds great. Let’s head inside.”
Kaia and Simon walked into the restaurant and took their seats at the
booth Celine had reserved.
The restaurant was bathed in a warm, golden glow. The tables were draped in cream-colored linens, with gleaming silverware perfectly aligned.
Kaia handed the menu to Simon, but he gently pushed it back. “You order.
Chapter 423
Just get whatever you like.”
Kaia had no choice but to take it back and order. She didn’t just pick her own favorites; she thoughtfully included two dishes she knew Simon enjoyed.
The two of them began to chat easily, diving into a comfortable
conversation about their recent lives and careers.
When Finnian walked in holding Brynlee, he didn’t initially notice the pair sitting at the window booth. It wasn’t until he carried his daughter up to the second floor and paused by the landing to speak with Dexter that his eyes landed on the scene below.
Chapter
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.

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