Chapter 395 Rising Suspicions
Dalton really put in some effort to smooth things over after the earlier awkwardness. He started chatting with Riley about the pharmaceutical scene in H City.
Riley, still a bit tense, went along with the conversation, nodding and responding thoughtfully.
Donovan, meanwhile, stayed quiet, sipping his wine. He'd glance at Riley now and then but kept his thoughts to himself.
Noticing the bottle was more than half empty, Dalton decided to wrap things up. "It's getting late. Let's call it a night. I'll make sure the herbal medicine suppliers finalize the time ASAP."
Riley, eager to leave, quickly agreed. "Sounds good. Thanks, Mr. Benedict."
As they headed downstairs, Riley reached for the bill, but Dalton gently stopped her.
"What I said last time was just a joke. No way I'd let you pay. If my grandpa found out, he'd give me an earful," Dalton said with a chuckle, hurrying to settle the bill. He shot Donovan a meaningful look as he returned.
Donovan frowned but stayed silent, his expression unreadable.
Seeing Dalton use Daniel as an excuse and knowing the bill was nothing to him, Riley didn't argue. She just nodded.
By the time they left the restaurant, it was almost nine. Riley had had quite a bit to drink, and the cool evening breeze helped clear her head.
Dalton's voice sounded in her ear, "Dr. Monroe, how are you getting home? Need a ride?"
Riley had driven herself, but since she'd been drinking, she couldn't drive back. She glanced at the traffic and replied, "Thanks, Mr. Benedict, but we're heading in opposite directions. I'll just grab a cab."
She started walking toward the curb. Dalton looked at Donovan.
Donovan frowned as he watched Riley's slender figure in the night, his eyes darkening.
"It's rush hour, and it might take a while to get a cab. Let me give you a ride," Dalton called out.
Riley hesitated. Dalton had helped her a lot tonight, and it seemed rude to refuse. Seeing her pause, Dalton added, "Please, don't be polite. My grandpa specifically told me to take good care of you."
Riley couldn't refuse any longer. She turned back and smiled, "Thank you for the trouble."
Dalton waved it off, "No trouble at all. If you didn't let me give you a ride, that'd be the real trouble!"
He shot Donovan another look. Donovan's face stayed impassive, but his eyes flickered with something unspoken.
Riley missed the implication, thinking he was talking about Daniel, and just smiled.
The three of them walked to the parking lot. Riley noticed Donovan had been following them the whole time, which made her uneasy.
When they reached the cars, she saw Donovan's car was parked right next to Dalton's, confirming her suspicion.
Dalton's so-called chance encounter earlier was nothing but an excuse; the two of them had come together all along!
But then she reconsidered. Dalton had no reason to lie; he didn't know about her history with Donovan. It seemed unnecessary.
Riley shrugged it off and got into the car with Dalton.
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