Chapter 23 An Unexpected Encounter
Dressed in a striking pink shirt, light grey casual trousers, and white leather shoes, with a Rubik’s Cube in hand, he looked every bit the privileged heir.”
It was Frank.
Upon hearing his voice, Frank’s demeanor shifted to seriousness.
“Lisette, you’re finally here.”
Lisette set her bag aside and looked at him.
“What’s going on?”
Frank tossed the Rubik’s Cube aside and moved toward her, grasping her delicate shoulders.
“Who was hat man last night? Did he do anything to you?”
His eyes searched her face intently, as if seeking clues.
Lisette couldn’t help but give a wry smile. She had expected something significant for Frank to be here so early, but it turned out to be this.
“Do you really think he would harm me?”
She shrugged off Frank’s hands and headed for the coffee maker.
Frank followed closely, his expression serious. “Yes, Lisette. You didn’t see how he looked at you. It was like a predator eyeing its prey, as if he wanted to devour you!
“I’ve never looked at you that way.”
Lisette paused, turned to him, and said earnestly, “Frank, he’s like family to me. There’s nothing more to
it.”
“Really?”
Lisette smiled gently. “Are you sure you want to dwell on this?”
“Alright, I’m just relieved you don’t have feelings for him. Otherwise, I’d be losing my temper.”
After seeing Frank off, Lisette shook her head with a faint smile and returned to her work.
With summer in full swing, she needed to focus on designing Fentine’s autumn collection.
This year, the traditional styles were popular, and she intended to blend them with modern elements. Her goal was to create pieces that were both fashionable and practical, avoiding anything too flashy or out of place.
Lisette soon became deeply absorbed in her work, losing track of time until noon arrived.
“Still working hard?”
“Gary?”
Indeed, it was Gary.
He stood before her desk, dressed in light hues, with his fair skin and refined features softened by a gentle expression. He looked every bit the sophisticated gentleman..
“I’ve been waiting downstairs, but since you didn’t come down, I decided to come up.”
He stood with one hand in his pocket, a pleasant smile on his face.
Lisette, surprised, glanced at the clock and realized it was indeed noon.
“You could have come up.”
Gary blinked innocently. “I didn’t want to interrupt you, but it’s lunchtime, so I figured you wouldn’t mind.”
Lisette found it difficult to argue with his reasoning.
“Alright, let’s go. I’ve made a reservation at the restaurant.”
Gary had chosen a restaurant with a tranquil and comfortable setting, ideal for relaxing after a busy day.
He handed Lisette the menu. “The salmon here is excellent. You should definitely try it.”
“Alright.”
Lisette ordered the salmon along with another dish, handing the menu back to him.
Knowing her preferences, Gary added a few more items she liked.
Once the waiter had left, Gary watched Lisette with admiration, clearly enjoying her presence.
“Have you been very busy lately?”
Lisette sipped her tea. “Yes, with summer in full swing and autumn approaching, I need to get the new collection ready.”
“Don’t overwork yourself.”
He noticed she had lost some weight, which concerned him.
“I won’t. I actually enjoy working.”
Her face was illuminated by a soft smile, her eyes curving attractively, and her complexion looked fresh and radiant.
She wore minimal makeup, appearing natural and relaxed, with eyes that sparkled like clear spring water. It was really endearing.
“Even if you enjoy it, you need to take care of yourself. If I hadn’t come today, would you have skipped another meal?”
He knew she was a workaholic who often skinned meals herance of work
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Chapter 23 An Unexpected Encounter
Lisette knew she couldn’t deceive Gary. She admitted, “It’s better to cat when I’m hungry, isn’t it?”
+5 Pearls
Gary shook his head. “If you keep this up, I’ll start checking on you every day to make sure you’re eating properly.”
As they chatted, their food arrived.
Halfway through their meal, Gary’s phone rang.
He glanced at it, his expression one of resignation.
“I need to take this call.”
“Okay.”
Gary stood up and stepped outside. “Hey, Mom.”
“Why aren’t you at home? I thought you’d be back yesterday. Aren’t you supposed to be resting?”
“I’m out right now.”
“Oh, I see. Enjoy yourself and come home early. I’ll make something nice for you.”
When Gary moved to Oceana two years ago, Rhonda had followed to ensure he was alright, but they lived separately to avoid making him feel confined. She visited occasionally.
She was aware Gary had returned recently but chose not to disturb him the previous day since it was late.
She decided to visit him today, expecting him to be home resting, only to find him absent.
“Alright.”
Gary, accustomed to his mother’s care, felt a blend of helplessness and understanding.
He knew she cared deeply for him.
After ending the call, he returned to the dining area, only to hear a familiar voice behind him. “Gary?”
He turned to see Mabel and William standing a short distance away.
