Chapter 218 Invite Her to Dinner
"Is there something you need?"
Riley stopped and turned back, her expression distant, like she was looking at a stranger.
Donovan frowned slightly as their eyes met.
It was Riley's cold attitude that pushed him to make this unexpected move as she was leaving.
He always felt that if he didn't act now, Riley would vanish from his life for good.
Riley didn't wait for an answer and frowned as she jerked her wrist back. "If there's nothing else, please let go. I need to get to work."
Both of them were strikingly attractive, and given that the parents at this kindergarten were no ordinary people, most of them knew Donovan.
By now, quite a few people were watching.
Riley was afraid that if they tangled for even one more second, rumors about the two of them would start to spread.
Who knew how much trouble that would cause.
Sensing her struggle, Donovan snapped back to reality and released her wrist, his eyes filled with complex emotions. "I talked to Finley yesterday and realized her condition has improved so quickly because of your hard work. I should thank you."
This was both an excuse to keep Riley around and a fact he had come to realize yesterday.
He had initially thought that Finley would just be in a better mood around Riley, but he hadn't expected Riley to bring such a pleasant surprise over this period.
To get Finley to speak, who knew how much effort Riley had put in.
Hearing this, Riley responded calmly, "No need. Mr. Wilder has helped me a lot during this time as well. I said before, we're even now. There's no need to go out of your way."
With that, Riley gave Donovan a slight nod and prepared to walk past him.
"Ms. Monroe, you could take my gesture as a goodwill offering," Donovan said in a deep voice.
Riley paused, unsure of what he meant by that.
Donovan looked at Riley, who had walked up to his side, and gave a similarly distant smile. "If I remember correctly, Ms. Monroe once said that no matter what happens between us, the children are innocent. Does that only apply to Landon and Winston?"
Hearing this, Riley turned back to meet his gaze. "What do you mean?"
"Finley is innocent as well, and her affection for you is undeniable. Her mood has been sullen since she hasn't seen you, even to the point of exacerbating her condition. Yet, you continue to avoid her," Donovan explained, his tone distant but firm. "You may evade me, but it's unnecessary to do the same with Finley."
Riley was taken aback by his words. She had considered Finley's feelings, but assumed Donovan would compensate for her absence. Moreover, she feared encountering Donovan if she didn't avoid Finley.
"Finley has been visibly upset by your absence. As her father, and with our professional relationship intact, I invite you to dinner as a way of thanking you for your care of her and to encourage you to spend more time with her," Donovan said, his tone polite yet carrying an undercurrent of persuasion.
Riley already felt guilty towards Finley, but hearing Donovan's words made her frown again. "Mr. Wilder, you might be too used to business dealings. Not everything can be resolved over a meal. If there's nothing else, I need to get to work."
