Chapter 474 Blind Date
Lyndon pulled out a chair and settled across from the man.
When the topic of filming came up, Alan Bennett immediately dispatched someone to make arrangements.
"You're constantly finding new tasks for me to handle," he complained. "If you ask me, you should just acknowledge her directly instead of taking such a roundabout approach."
Lyndon thought of Willard, his voice turning colder. "There have been some gains."
"Ready to burn bridges with the Larson family?"
"They drew first blood."
Alan remained indifferent—he was merely a spectator in this drama.
He finally said, "But let me remind you, the Larson family still holds considerable standing. While we command respect here in Silverlight City, their ancestors earned their merit through distinguished service."
Lyndon's expression darkened. "Whatever their ancestors accomplished, they've wronged Anne now, and there will be consequences."
Anne had visited Silverlight City before. She took Thora on a tour, capturing photographs of sights she'd missed during previous visits. They sampled local delicacies, with Anne carefully noting which treats would make perfect gifts for Elissa upon their return.
Passing by the cinema, they decided to catch a film on impulse. Neither had expected to encounter Lyndon there.
Lyndon had declined Alan's dinner invitation. After his message in the family group chat, his aunt had acted with characteristic swiftness. His aunt's family had long harbored hopes regarding him, and fearing he might change his mind, they immediately arranged for their daughter to seek him out.
Lyndon agreed to go through the motions—a movie first, followed by dinner. In such a vast city, this chance encounter at the cinema caught him completely off guard.
"Lyndon?" Anne's voice carried a note of uncertainty.
Lyndon felt a headache coming on, though his expression remained perfectly composed as he asked gently, "Here for a movie?"
Anne nodded, her gaze shifting to the young woman beside him. This girl clearly came from an educated, refined family—her entire demeanor exuded gentle elegance and sophistication. Her features, while not individually striking, combined harmoniously to create an approachable warmth without a trace of intimidation.
She wore a flowing white dress paired with a coffee-colored cardigan. Her lustrous black hair was simply gathered at the nape of her neck. Her makeup appeared natural, though Anne detected the subtle artistry beneath the seemingly effortless look.
Anne then glanced at Thora. Well... it wasn't that Thora lacked beauty. But there was a world of difference between a rose carefully cultivated in a garden and one that bloomed wild and free. Each possessed its own distinct charm.
"Lyndon, who is she?" the girl inquired, her voice soft and melodious. "She looks unfamiliar to me."
Despite her delicate manner of speaking, she was quite tall and stood perfectly matched beside Lyndon's height.
Rather than answering Gabriella's question, Lyndon addressed Anne directly, "This is someone my aunt introduced. We're just seeing a movie."
Anne understood immediately. A blind date.
She grasped Thora's hand firmly. She had been about to ask Lyndon about his intentions, but now his meaning was crystal clear. He was still choosing the path of strategic marriage.
Anne said, "Then you carry on. Our seats are further back. Don't worry about us—we can take care of ourselves."
So this was the "business" he'd mentioned. A blind date.
Anne guided the somewhat dazed Thora to the back row, immediately messaging Elissa while discreetly photographing the young woman to send along.
While waiting for a response, she whispered reassurances to Thora. "Elissa always says there are plenty of attractive men out there—you can't hang all your hopes on just one."
Thora had mentally prepared herself for this possibility, but the reality still stung. She needed time to process the disappointment.
Her phone buzzed, and Anne quickly checked the message.
Elissa: [It's just a blind date, not a wedding. What's there to fear?]
Elissa: [Everyone goes on a few dates, has a few relationships]
Elissa: [If you like him, pursue him. Fair competition]
Elissa: [You haven't even confessed your feelings, and he hasn't directly rejected you. A simple blind date has you both in such a state?]
Anne showed Thora the messages, seeking her thoughts. After all, no feelings had been explicitly expressed, and Lyndon hadn't clearly refused anything. This was merely a blind date, not an engagement announcement. There might still be hope—if Thora was willing to take a chance.
Thora shook her head. "Forget it. Didn't Elissa say not to pin all your hopes on one person? I'll find other attractive men."
Anne relayed Thora's decision to Elissa, who replied: [That's fine. I'll introduce her to some handsome men when you return. While you're in Silverlight City, keep your eyes open—there are plenty of attractive men there. If you see someone you like, go for it. Enjoy your youth while you have it.]
Francis, overhearing nearby, frowned slightly with disapproval. "Aren't you worried about them getting into trouble?"
Elissa looked puzzled. "What kind of trouble? I'm not encouraging recklessness—just suggesting they flirt a little over drinks when they meet attractive men."
Given their cautious natures, she trusted they wouldn't do anything truly inappropriate. Elissa felt completely at ease making such suggestions.
"By the way, your research indicates that Lyndon once rescued a young girl who lived with his family for some time. Have you found any trace of her?"
Francis looked confused. "Why investigate her?"
Elissa twirled her phone thoughtfully. "You wouldn't understand. In my experience, the rescued party often develops feelings, especially after such a dangerous situation, followed by being given a home and nurtured through their formative years."
She added, "Such profound gratitude practically demands repayment through devotion. Lyndon may be emotionally distant, but that girl's disappearance seems suspicious. Sweetheart, would you mind looking into it?"
She leaned over and kissed him. Francis, thoroughly pleased despite his confusion, instructed his people to investigate.
Anne found herself unable to focus on the film, her attention repeatedly drawn to Lyndon and his companion several rows ahead. The sparse weekday crowd made it impossible to avoid noticing them.
Glancing back at Thora, who was contentedly munching popcorn and thoroughly absorbed in the movie, Anne reflected that perhaps Thora's ability to let go so easily was actually admirable.
In Seaside City, Uma had resumed smoking after successfully quitting, her nerves frayed beyond endurance.
Just as she'd resolved internal conflicts and begun battling external enemies, new problems had emerged. Despite numerous attempts to see Willard, he remained stubbornly inaccessible, refusing all visitors. Even Quinton and the others maintained iron-clad silence about his activities.
"Willard!" Uma stood outside his gates, her hair disheveled like a bird's nest, shouting through a megaphone.
She refused to believe that someone as concerned with reputation as Willard would continue ignoring her indefinitely. But ultimately, she admitted defeat—Willard never appeared.
"I should have known better than to expect anything from you," Atticus suddenly materialized. "You spoke so confidently before, but when crisis strikes, you still come running to Willard."
He added, "Don't think that growing up alongside him in his household makes you his equal in capability. He's a genius—what are you? A useless girl, a financial burden who still hasn't married. Disgraceful!"
A deep, resonant male voice suddenly cut through the air, "Atticus, do you believe my decisions are mistaken?"
Seeing Willard emerge at the gate, Atticus immediately adopted a servile posture.
"Of course not! Every decision you make is correct."
Though Willard had officially stepped down as head of the Larson family and resigned his position, years of cultivating influence had left him with considerable power. The visible forces alone were intimidating enough, let alone those operating in shadows.
"I merely thought that since Uma is young and inexperienced, I might offer some guidance."
Willard didn't spare Atticus a glance, gesturing for Uma to enter.
Once in his study, Uma slammed both hands forcefully on his desk. "Did you want to watch me panic and endure insults until you felt satisfied enough to see me?"
Willard replied calmly, "Don't concern yourself with recent events."
Uma immediately understood. "The Myles family in Silverlight City is pressuring you?"
Willard remained unruffled. "They are simply providing some entertainment."
He added, "Focus entirely on dealing with Seaside City's major families. The Larson family is now in your hands—all decisions and handling are yours to make. You can't keep running to me every time trouble arises."
Uma slumped into a chair. "But I'm still new to this..."
"I was once new to it too. No one guided me—when I faced problems, no one offered answers."
"But you're a genius."
Willard snorted coldly. "Are you willing to admit you're incompetent?"
Certainly not. But Uma knew she fell far short of Willard's capabilities.
"What did Francis tell you?"
The abrupt topic change left her momentarily stunned before she answered, "He wants me to have a child soon."
Willard produced a business card. "I obtained this during my recent trip to Emberlyn. Contact her."
Uma accepted it with a nod. After a moment's hesitation, she ventured, "Willard, releasing your hold on Anne would also free yourself."
Willard remained silent.
Uma couldn't manage Willard and Anne's relationship, offering only what guidance she could: "Opportunities must be seized at the right moment. Once missed, they're gone forever."
Meanwhile, Anne remained in the back row, planning to wait until the front rows emptied before leaving to avoid encountering Lyndon. Instead, Lyndon approached her.
"Since we've run into each other, let's have dinner together tonight."
"We'd rather not—" Anne began to decline.
"Free meal! Count us in," Thora interrupted enthusiastically.
Anne felt completely exasperated. What was Thora thinking?
Lyndon had arrived in Gabriella's car due to her unexpected appearance. He'd originally planned to use Alan's driver, but she'd insisted on driving herself, making additional arrangements unnecessary.
Now he told Gabriella, "I'll drive."
He first helped Anne into the back seat, then opened the passenger door for Gabriella, thoughtfully fastening her seatbelt.
Anne quickly beckoned Thora inside, shifting over to make room.
Thora smiled at her, showing no signs of distress.
Before starting the engine, Lyndon glanced in the rearview mirror and asked Anne, "What would you like to eat?"
Anne had little appetite for dinner. She turned to Thora: "Do you have any preferences? Anything's fine—Lyndon's treating, and he's wealthier than I am."
Thora patted Anne's hand reassuringly. "I'm not picky—anything works. You choose."
Since Anne wasn't particularly familiar with Silverlight City, she deferred to Lyndon: "You decide, Lyndon."
Lyndon turned the steering wheel, the dashboard gleaming as it caught the light reflecting off his lean wrist. His long, elegant fingers gripped the wheel with practiced ease, his pale skin contrasting sharply with the black rubber. Every gesture radiated the composed confidence born of privilege and power.
Undeniably attractive.
Anne noticed Gabriella's eyes practically glued to Lyndon, overflowing with undisguised affection—much like Thora's expression when she first met him.
But perhaps because Gabriella had known Lyndon longer and understood him better, she carried herself with the confidence of an established partner, despite having made no actual progress with him.
Anne glanced worriedly at Thora, who was absorbed in her phone, playfully interacting with her virtual boyfriend. Later, seemingly remembering something, she searched for nearby locations and whispered a suggestion to Anne.
Seeing the page on Thora's phone, Anne agreed that some relaxation might be beneficial and consented. However, she still reported their plans to Elissa, who encouraged them to enjoy themselves with only one caveat: stay safe.
After responding, Anne looked toward the front seats again. Something about Lyndon's behavior struck her as oddly inconsistent.
The car fell silent, creating an oppressive atmosphere. Anne broke the tension. "Lyndon, won't you introduce this young lady?"
Lyndon's intention had indeed been to make his blind date known, ensuring Anne—and consequently Thora—understood the situation. This would hopefully encourage Thora to abandon any romantic notions.
But since he had no plans to pursue anything with Gabriella, formal introductions seemed unnecessary. His courteous gestures were merely performance for Thora's benefit.
"A friend of grandfather's family."
Anne suddenly realized what had been bothering her. He hadn't even mentioned her name, despite this being his blind date. When introducing her, he'd deliberately distanced himself from any connection.
Only one explanation made sense: Lyndon didn't reciprocate Thora's feelings but had noticed her interest in him. Rather than directly rejecting Thora—which might hurt both her pride and feelings, given her connection to Elissa—he was taking a roundabout approach, using Gabriella as a shield.
The more she considered this possibility, the more convinced she became. She quickly messaged Elissa with her theory.
Just then, a gentle, laughing voice came from the passenger seat, "Hello, dear. I'm Gabriella. It's lovely to meet you."
Anne was busy texting and didn't immediately respond.
Thora reached forward to shake hands, smiling warmly. "I'll respond for Anne—she's busy with work. I'm her assistant, so this falls under my responsibilities."
Gabriella was certain no one could love Lyndon more than she did. Upon first seeing Thora, she'd immediately recognized the girl's interest in him.
But observing Thora's ordinary clothes and lack of makeup, her unpracticed mannerisms suggesting she wasn't from a wealthy family, Gabriella dismissed her as serious competition.
"I understand. I've heard Ms. Waverly is quite renowned—being busy comes with the territory."
Thora found the comment uncomfortable, sensing veiled hostility beneath the pleasant tone. Before she could respond, the car suddenly pulled over.
Lyndon exited and opened the rear door, calling for Anne to get out.
Anne, having just finished her message, climbed out in confusion. "Have we arrived?"
Thora quickly followed, but before she could speak, they saw Gabriella rushing over from the passenger seat in apparent distress.
"Lyndon, please don't misunderstand—I didn't mean anything by that..."
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