Chapter 378 Gentle Smile
As we stepped out of the coffee shop, the evening glow lit up the street. I glanced at my watch and realized how much time had slipped away.
Suddenly, I remembered that Alaric and Lucas were still stuck in the Cooper Group's conference room, working on the collaboration proposal. For some reason, I turned to Lila and said, "Hey, it's getting late. Alaric and Lucas are still grinding at the office. Why don't we go check on them and grab dinner together?"
Lila raised an eyebrow, a hint of surprise in her eyes, but she quickly smiled and nodded. "Sure, I need to wait for Lucas to finish up and drive me home anyway. Might as well go with you."
Edward's words lingered in my mind.
As we got closer to the company, my heart was a mix of excitement at seeing Alaric and nervousness about facing him.
The receptionist greeted us respectfully and led us to the floor where the conference room was.
Before we even reached the door, we could hear the intense discussion inside. Lila and I exchanged a glance and gently pushed the door open.
Alaric stood by the projector, intensely explaining the proposal to Theo while Lucas added details seamlessly. Their teamwork was on point.
They were so engrossed in their work that they didn't notice us.
Watching Alaric's concentrated expression, I felt a bit dazed, and Lila's words echoed in my mind. Could he really be hiding something, as Edward suggested, despite his meticulous work and caring nature towards me and Skylar?
Lucas was the first to notice us. He subtly signaled to Alaric.
Alaric turned around at that moment, his eyes lighting up with surprise.
He asked, "What brings you here?"
I hesitated for a moment, forcing a smile and trying to keep my tone normal. "It's getting late, and I thought you might still be busy, so we came to check on you."
Alaric nodded gently, his eyes soft and nearly brimming with warmth. He said, "Thanks for coming all this way. We're just about to wrap up."
Then his expression tightened with concern.
He asked, "By the way, how's Skylar doing? Has her fever completely gone down?"
He carefully placed the documents he had been holding on the conference table and walked towards us.
I felt a warmth in my heart and replied honestly, "She's much better now. The fever's gone, and she's feeling more energetic. Melissa is with her."
As Alaric approached, my heart started racing uncontrollably.
Alaric reached me, letting out a deep sigh of relief. "That's good to hear. Skylar being sick is really worrying."
I opened my mouth slightly, intending to ask why he had told Edward about Skylar's illness, but the words got stuck in my throat.
Lila seemed to sense my thoughts and gently nudged me, whispering urgently, "Ask him now."I took a deep breath, trying to muster the courage to speak, but Theo stepped forward respectfully and said, "Diana, several department heads want to discuss some details of the proposal further with Mr. Kingsley."
Alaric glanced at me apologetically before turning back to the work discussion.
Feeling helpless, I sighed inwardly and set my questions aside. I stood with Lila and watched them work, my mind growing more conflicted.
When the meeting finally ended, Alaric and Lucas packed up their materials.
Alaric walked over to me, looking a bit tired, and asked softly, "Diana, we've been busy all day. How about we all go for dinner?"
I looked at Lila, who nodded with a smile, and agreed.
We chose a high-end restaurant.
As soon as Alaric walked in, he couldn't help but remark, "This place always has such a great atmosphere. Every time I come here, it feels so refined."
The waiter, dressed in a neat uniform, smiled and led us to our seats, thoughtfully introducing the menu's highlights.
After we sat down, Alaric gracefully picked up the elegant silverware and set it for me, unfolding the pristine napkin and placing it on my lap.
I instinctively pulled my legs back, nervously clutching my skirt, and whispered, "Thank you."
Alaric seemed to sense my unease. Instead of standing up immediately, he leaned in slightly, meeting my gaze with a gentle voice. "Don't be nervous. Just like usual."
His eyes were full of reassurance, and his gentle smile eased my tension.
I nodded slightly, forcing a somewhat stiff smile, and replied softly, "Okay."
Lucas animatedly shared amusing work stories, making Lila laugh.
Alaric occasionally glanced at me with a tender look. He expertly cut my steak into small pieces, his every move smooth and gentlemanly. I sipped the red wine the waiter had poured, trying to calm my nerves.
"Diana, Alaric's creative ideas really took our proposal to the next level," Lucas suddenly said, his tone full of admiration for Alaric.
I turned my gaze to Alaric, who modestly waved his hand, smiling warmly. "It was a team effort. I just did my part."
As he spoke, his eyes fell on me, filled with a hint of expectation, as if seeking my approval.
I managed a smile and said softly, "The Cooper Group landing this project is thanks to your hard work."
Throughout dinner, I gathered my courage several times to ask Alaric about Edward, but each time our eyes met, my throat tightened, and the words were swallowed back.
Alaric seemed to notice my discomfort but didn't press me. He quietly paid attention to my preferences, placing my favorite side dishes on my plate, every gesture full of thoughtfulness.
Just as the atmosphere seemed to be growing more relaxed, the restaurant door opened.
A familiar figure appeared—Edward, dressed in a sharp suit, with the impeccably made-up Fiona by his side.
Log in with Google Account
Chapters
Favorite
Settings
