Chapter 36
Justin slammed his fist against the side of his Maybach. Pain shot through his hand.
Inside the Bentley, Serena sat in the passenger seat, dabbing at her rain–soaked clothes with a handful of tissues. After a brief drive, Wilson pulled over unexpectedly. He reached info the back seat and retrieved a soft blanket before handing it to her. “Use this.”
“Thanks.” Serena accepted the blanket and began drying her hair. When she finally set it aside, she noticed the car hadn’t moved. Turning her head, she found Wilson resting one hand on the steering wheel, watching her with an air of casual amusement.
She froze mid–motion. “Mr. Quade?”
“Serena, you’re not quite like the rumors suggest,” he said, his voice laced with humor. “They say you’re hopelessly in love with Justin. But looking at you now, you’ve cut ties pretty cleanly.”
Serena’s gaze dropped. “I’m still human.” She had her pride and limits, and Justin had crossed them all.
Wilson chuckled. “True. You’re human. Justin? Maybe not so much.”
Serena didn’t respond. She was already used to his sharp tongue. “Why are you still here, Mr. Quade?”
“I thought you’d leave after checking on Mrs. Farrow Senior. I had some time, so I waited. Didn’t expect to catch such an entertaining show,” he said nonchalantly.
Serena blinked in surprise. Had he waited for her? A pang of guilt surfaced. “Mr. Quade, do you still feel like having dinner? If so, how about-”
“I do,” Wilson interrupted smoothly. His dark eyes gleamed. “What’s the plan?”
“It’s your birthday today. You decide,” she replied.
Half an hour later, the Bentley pulled up in front of a charming Pernch restaurant.
As they stepped inside, Serena immediately sensed something was off. The dim lighting, soft violin music, and intimate table arrangements made it obvious that this was a place for couples.
She instinctively glanced at Wilson, but he greeted the host effortlessly, his demeanor completely unfazed. Her concerns felt almost silly.
The host led them to a cozy table by the window.
“I come here occasionally. The head chef used to work at a Mircius–starred restaurant, and the desserts here are top–notch. Usually, you have to book in advance.”
“Then how did we just walk in?” Serena asked, puzzled.
He flipped open his menu. “Because I reserved this table half a month ago.”
Serena froze. Had he planned to spend his birthday dining alone?
Wilson ordered his usuals before closing the menu and glanced up, noticing her furrowed brows and the oddly sympathetic look in her eyes. Was she pitying him?
Serena quickly turned her attention to the menu and placed her order.
When the food arrived, she took a bite of the strawberry pudding and nodded appreciatively, “This is delicious.”
1/2
$25 BONUS
Wilson watched as she absentmindedly licked a dollop of cream from her lips. His eyes darkened.
Across the room, Joseph’s jaw nearly hit the floor. He rubbed his eyes, staring at the striking couple by the window. Was that Serena and Wilson? Why were they here? At this hour? In a romantic restaurant? There was no way they were discussing business. No matter how he looked at it, something was definitely going on.
Joseph’s thoughts spiraled, his admiration for Serena soaring. She had left Justin without hesitation and, in record time, managed to cozy up to his archrival. The speed and precision were awe–inspiring. Despite his fear of Wilson, Joseph couldn’t resist. With trembling hands, he snapped a photo and sent it to Justin. “Justin, guess who I just ran into?”
