Chapter 16 Invite Her for a Drink at Night

After work.
Eric declined several invitations and drove to the restaurant.
It was 8 pm, the busiest time for the restaurant. Sierra sat in front of the piano playing music.
Tonight she wore a smoke-grey long dress, revealing her delicate shoulders. Her tea-colored hair flowed softly down to her waist, making her look very beautiful and romantic.
Eric looked through the glass window for about ten minutes before getting out of his car and walking into the restaurant. He ordered some food without any particular preference and leisurely leaned back while listening to Sierra play the piano.
Eric noticed that from time to time there were decent men who approached Sierra trying to strike up a conversation with her because they were attracted by her beauty. However, Sierra politely refused them all.
During an interval, Sierra received a business card:
[Ingenious Law Firm - Eric Howard]
Sierra was stunned when she saw it; then she turned around and saw Eric sitting in a corner holding a glass of pre-dinner wine. He had handsome features and even simple movements showed great style.
Sierra didn't want anything to do with him but also didn't dare offend him either. She walked over hesitantly.
"Mr. Howard."
Eric nodded slightly indicating that she should sit down.
As soon as Sierra sat down, Eric noticed new needle marks on her hand's back which he guessed must have been caused by last night's rain.
" Let's have a meal together."
Eric spoke seriously without any hint of frivolity like when he handed over his business card earlier.
"The restaurant has rules prohibiting employees from eating with customers during working hours," said Sierra somewhat awkwardly while placing Eric's business card on the table.
Without bothering looking at his own name card again, Eric asked directly: "What about after work? Miss Adler would you like to come drink with me at my place?"
His intention was clear. By dating him, she could quickly get rid of her current predicament and no longer have to work hard for money.
It's just a game between men and women. Eric thought that since Sierra had followed Roger before, she should not mind being with others again. Besides, they hugged twice before, so Sierra must have some feelings for him too.
Sierra didn't even consider it. She didn't know why Eric suddenly became interested in her again and kept pestering her like this.
She was well aware of her situation and carefully chose words that would not offend him: "Mr. Howard, thank you very much for helping my father's matter. I will find a way to repay your kindness."
Eric was surprised by what he heard; he realized what she meant - she did not want to have sex with him.
Money couldn't move Sierra!
Eric wasn't obsessed with Sierra either; he was just attracted by the way she played the piano but never really possessed her completely. He would occasionally think about her though.
Eric put away his business card gracefully without making an issue out of it.
Sierra thanked him softly while lowering herself into the dust.
Just when things were getting awkward, Jason came over with a sixteen or seventeen-year-old girl.
"Brother Eric!"
Jason called out affectionately without any tension between them as if they were two animals competing against each other.
Eric made a gesture then Jason sat down boldly on his own accord and started promoting his sister to Sierra: "My sister Jiang Sheng is gifted in music but lacks a reliable piano teacher! Why don’t you take her under your wing?"
These words made Sierra feel embarrassed!
Jason's little scheme wasn't taken seriously by Eric who took out his wallet and pulled out around 2,000 yuan which he placed on the table: "Miss Adler has something else going on so I won’t disturb you anymore."
Out of politeness, Sierra walked him to the restaurant door.
Eric didn't linger and just nodded his head before leaving in his car.
He looked so dignified that he didn't seem like someone who was going to play poker with others.