Chapter 538 Couple's Restaurant
Diana sighed and finally gave in, unable to resist Dean's persistence any longer.
She wasn't thrilled about Dean meeting Billy, and she definitely didn't want him to meet Charles.
The former because they weren't well acquainted, and the latter because she feared they might start a fight upon meeting.
But Dean was insistent, so she had no choice. Besides, he'd been working hard lately, and a meal together wasn't a big deal.
As they walked downstairs together, Claire, waiting by the car, looked surprised. She hesitated before asking softly, "Ms. Spencer, are you taking Dean with you?"
"Yeah, why? Is there a problem?" Dean raised an eyebrow.
He was tall and muscular, exuding an intimidating presence even more than Charles when he was expressionless.
Claire stepped back, making way for him. "No, I was just asking."
Dean opened the car door for Diana, then got in himself. He lowered his voice, "Just do your job and mind your own business."
Despite Claire's gentle appearance, Dean always felt uneasy around her, so he wasn't particularly friendly.
The car ride was awkwardly silent, but fortunately, the restaurant was only ten minutes away.
When they arrived, Diana frowned slightly at the restaurant's name. "This isn't the usual place we go to."
Claire tilted her head slightly and explained, "Abigail usually handled this. I didn't have time to coordinate with her, so I chose this place. I'm sorry. I can make a new reservation."
She pulled out her phone, looking flustered.
Dean glanced at the time. They had less than 20 minutes until their scheduled meeting, not enough time to change restaurants.
He scoffed, "Your secretary skills are impressive."
Diana's expression darkened. She looked at the rearview mirror, noticing Claire's phone wasn't even on. She was just pretending.
After a moment, Diana said, "No need. This place will do."
Claire immediately smiled and got out to open the car door for her. "Thank you, Ms. Spencer."
But her smile faded quickly when Diana added, "You stay in the car. Dean and I will be enough."
"But Ms. Spencer, I need to take notes... I have all the documents ready," Claire protested, her face changing.
Dean didn't wait for her to react. He took the documents from her other hand. "It's fine. I can handle it."
"Dean, you—" Claire was stunned by his speed, watching helplessly as he walked away with the files.
Diana didn't mind Dean's actions. "If you're bored, you can go back to the office."
She adjusted her hair and walked towards the restaurant. Dean, who had been ahead, slowed down to walk beside her.
Behind them, Claire stood by the roadside, her hands clenched into fists.
Diana didn't respect her at all, despite her being Charles's secretary.
"Miss, are you getting back in? We can't park here for long," the driver called out, honking the horn.
Claire shook her head. "No, you can go."
She wasn't about to return to the office after coming this far. She bit her lip and followed them into the restaurant.
---
Inside, a waiter greeted Dean and Diana. "Good afternoon. Do you have a reservation?"
Diana looked around. The decor was luxurious and romantic, with a pink color scheme.
Each table was adorned with flowers and candlelight, and the patrons were all couples.
"Is this a... couple's restaurant?"
Curious, Diana couldn't help but ask.
The waiter smiled. "Yes, ma'am. We've been open for many years."
Dean chuckled, placing a hand on Diana's shoulder. "Your secretary has a knack for picking places. A couple's restaurant for a business meeting, how charming."
Diana glared at him and shrugged off his hand.
The waiter, unsure of their relationship, asked again, "Do you have a reservation?"
Diana composed herself and gave her name. The waiter smiled and led them to a semi-private booth.
Billy was already there, holding a glass of water but not drinking. He looked around, confused by the choice of restaurant.
'Does Diana have feelings for me again?'
Before he could think further, Diana cleared her throat, catching his attention. "Good afternoon."
"Hi, you're here," Billy smiled, but his expression changed when he saw Dean behind her. "And this is?"
Diana didn't bother with formalities. She sat across from Billy and said casually, "Dean Palmer, my assistant and good friend."
"Nice to meet you, Mr. Richardson. I've heard a lot about you," Dean said, extending his hand. They shook hands, but the atmosphere grew tense.
Since it was a couple's restaurant, Dean had to sit on the outside. He efficiently took out the documents, like any secretary would.
Billy, puzzled, asked, "Are we really discussing business here?"
"What else? A date?"
Dean quipped, knowing Billy was Diana's friend and disregarding formalities, making him seem more like a rogue than an assistant.
Diana pinched him, then whispered, "Claire booked this. I suspect it's Zachary's doing."
Dean and Billy's expressions turned serious.
Dean, still wincing from the pinch, asked, "You think Claire works for Zachary?"
"Yes, she has ties to Zachary's mother," Diana replied calmly, having learned this from Nolan.
Charles had only one assistant and two secretaries, fewer than most.
Claire wasn't trusted because of her connection to Elise. Charles kept her at arm's length but didn't fire her, for reasons Diana didn't know.
"No wonder she's usually absent but so eager today," Dean mused. "But what's her goal?"
"I think I know..." Billy interjected before Dean could ponder further.
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