Chapter 445 Damian Goes Crazy Again
Hendrix came with a mission tonight. Last time, Ashley visited his home and almost caused a family disaster. His mother, along with friends and relatives, started a worldwide search for a match. Previously, he could decline by saying he had mobility issues, but a few days ago, he endured the pain to visit the law firm, and after that, he could no longer shut his parents up.
So, today he came to this restaurant, renowned as one of the "Top Ten Romantic Date Spots."
Regarding this mysterious blind date whom he hadn't even seen a photo of, Hendrix was very resolute. On the way, he had already organized his words. If he couldn't refuse, he would say he was gay and not interested in women. After all, he wouldn't give up on Ashley.
When the car stopped by the roadside, he immediately noticed that distinctive Rolls-Royce. The license plate was so familiar that he instantly thought of Damian.
Looks like tonight won't be boring.
So, as soon as he entered, he looked around. However, Damian was not in the dining area of the main hall, but no matter, there were only a few private rooms in the restaurant, so it wouldn't be hard to find someone.
Hendrix warmly chatted with the manager, catching up on old times in just a few minutes, deepening their long-neglected relationship.
Ashley, listening to their laughter through the window, was full of admiration. Social butterfly!
Damian continued eating slowly, "Looks like his leg is better."
Ashley twitched her mouth, "What do you mean? Are you planning to kick him again? Doing the same thing twice is boring, isn't it?"
Damian's gaze slid over his right arm, which still had several steel pins inside. Hendrix probably had even more in his leg. "Practice makes perfect. Your suggestion is good; I'll consider it."
Ashley was about to explode, "Isn't the misunderstanding between you two because of me? I've made it clear to him that I don't like him. Don't hold it against him."
Damian frowned, looking at Ashley bathed in the warm light. The soft glow made her eyes shimmer with tears, and her pleading expression was like that of an innocent child, evoking a protective instinct in anyone who saw her.
Damian was very annoyed. He didn't want anyone else to see this side of Ashley. He absolutely couldn't give her the chance to plead for someone else.
"If he doesn't ask for trouble, I can ignore him."
Ashley perked up her ears to listen carefully to the sounds outside, then had a sudden idea, "Isn't this restaurant known for romantic dates?"
Damian thought she was about to complain again, "So what?"
"Since it's for dates, it means Hendrix has a female companion or a girlfriend. If he has a partner, would he still be thinking about me?"
Ashley didn't even blush when saying this. Her skills had deepened under Damian's influence.
Damian was noncommittal, "You think the whole world revolves around you? Won Miss Universe? Is he thinking about you? You're just one of his many targets."
Ashley nodded, not denying it. After all, Hendrix's private life was indeed questionable.
Outside.
Hendrix, bored, was enjoying the piano music, waiting for the mysterious guest, and had deduced which private room Damian was in through the process of elimination.
In a good mood, he smiled, tapping his fingers to the piano rhythm on the table.
Esme, in a little black dress, her hair in an updo, with a breathable side-swept fringe, a small face, and bright, sparkling eyes after makeup, walked in, stepping on the crystal-lit floor.
Hendrix turned around unexpectedly and saw a familiar face. Instinctively, he thought, no way?
But Esme, in her high heels, was indeed heading in his direction, holding a nude pink Chanel shoulder bag, looking as delicate as a crystal doll.
Hendrix was glad he wasn't drinking water, or he would have spat it out, "Is it you?"
Esme extended her hand proactively, smiling with her eyes, "Let's reintroduce ourselves. I'm your blind date, Esme."
Hendrix forced a smile, shaking her hand nonchalantly, "This is quite a surprise!"
The sudden situation left him feeling frustrated.
The waiter poured tea for Esme, and she nodded in thanks, then faced Hendrix's not-so-pleased face, "I currently work at your family's entertainment company. Didn't you know?"
Hendrix sniffed, "My main job is being a lawyer. I don't handle other businesses much. Why aren't you staying at your dad's company and came to Rochester City?"
Esme's smile was bright, not at all discouraged by Hendrix's coldness, "Limehof is great, but it doesn't have what I want."
Hendrix scratched his nose, "Don't tell me that 'thing' is me."
"Haha!" Esme laughed, her eyes almost tearing up, "You're so humorous, charming, and handsome. It's not strange to like you."
Hendrix felt so frustrated he almost had a heart attack, "Ms. Bergstrom, I've told you, I don't have feelings for you. You're not my type, OK?"
The main course was served, and the wine was poured. Esme raised her glass, "Don't overreact. Your parents just want us to get to know each other. I also need to familiarize myself with Vertex Innovations Group's business. Let's not talk about feelings today, just work, okay?"
Her generosity made Hendrix feel awkward to continue being difficult. He reluctantly raised his glass, "Later, find an excuse to tell my mom we're not suitable."
Esme sipped her wine, tasting its slightly bitter and astringent flavor, paired with Hendrix's handsome face across from her, more indulgent than any delicacy. She liked his looks, his personality, and his carefree attitude. Liking someone is strange; knowing all his flaws, she still dives in headfirst.
"I'm not good at lying. Whether we're suitable or not can only be known after trying. If it really doesn't work out, I'll naturally break it off. Do you think I'd waste time on a man who doesn't like me?"
Hendrix smirked, "If you want, we can get a room now, and I guarantee you'll leave crying."
Esme shrugged, "You might as well say you're gay. But even if you are, true love can change that!"
Hendrix was stunned.
No wonder she was Freya's daughter.
She was straightforward, and Hendrix didn't want to beat around the bush either, "I have someone I like, and you know her."
Esme hesitated, then tentatively asked, "That secretary with the last name Astor?"
What secretary! She's a lawyer!
But thinking about how Ashley was Damian's secretary at the time, Hendrix didn't bother to explain further, "Yes, it's her. In terms of background, she's not as good as you, but I like her, purely like her. I want to be with her."
Esme felt like a knife had stabbed her heart, the pain almost numbing. She had dressed up meticulously for this date, hoping for at least a good start, but how did it turn out like this?
She endured the pain, trying to smile naturally, "But she seems to be very close to Mr. Hearst. They went to Limehof together recently and had dinner at my house."
Was that so?
Hendrix was infinitely annoyed. While he was recovering, Damian was up to no good again!
Glancing at the private room, Hendrix deliberately said loudly, "Having a meal means they're together? What a joke! He brings many women. Who knows which woman he's with today, hiding in the shadows, not even daring to say hello!"